Gooooooood Morning Caminoheads!
Well there is big big news on the Phil’s Camino front! Not only will we be having our World Premiere at the highly esteemed SXSW (pronounced South By Southwest) Film Festival in Austin Texas in March, but our Phil’s Camino team will be joined by none other than the man himself, Phil! Yes, you heard right! Phil and the lovely Rebecca, too, will be joining our team at the World Premiere on Saturday March 12, and for the screening on Sunday March 13 as well. You heard it here first!
This is great news for all of us, especially all of us who are going to Austin, because we will get some time to see and hang out with Phil and Rebecca. Also, I have a feeling the filmgoers will be just as happy as we all are to see Phil since the number 1 question I get after every screening of the rough cut I have done includes the question “How is Phil now?” Well, the SXSW audiences will be able to see for themselves! This is very exciting news!
Have you told all of your Texas friends yet? Have you told all of your friends who are film buffs yet? People fly in from all over the world to attend SXSW, so you might already know someone who is going. Have you told all your friends who are flight attendants? They have the most flexible schedules and may be able to work their work schedules around to have a layover that will permit them to see our World Premiere, or the Sunday screening! Finally, do YOU want to make the trip yourself?
I just found out last week that SXSW offers a special book signing opportunity for filmmakers. I have signed up to do a couple of book signings, which seems especially appropriate, since my book (Everyday Camino with Annie) is a 40 day meditation on my own Camino, and Day 40 is all about Phil. Do you think Phil is blushing yet as he reads this, going “Aw come on!” or something?! Maybe, but I realized long ago that once this film reaches people, they are all going to fall in love with him just as we all have! So I hope you’re bringing your open heart to Austin, Felipe!
Our post production work continues at a rapid pace! Our deadline to submit our final DCP (that is the name for the ‘hard drive’ like technology that is how you turn your film over to be shown in a theater) is February 26. Say a little prayer for us, won’t you? And I suppose that it is also just part of my job as Director/Producer that would have me remind you if you would like to make a donation, you can do so at www.philscamino.com . Do you prefer to make a tax deductible donation? Not a problem! You can do so at our fiscal sponsor, Fractured Atlas https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/fiscal/profile?id=12789 Our bills are coming in fast and furiously, and every donation is a step along the way. Thank you to everyone who has already donated, many more than once. We are where we are because of you. I think of you, and thank you EVERY day! I am doing my best to be a good steward of your donations, and we run a very tight ship here. I have been donating all my book sales to this project as well, and dream of the day when I can actually take a salary! We are not there yet, and it is more important to finish this film! I just know that this film will touch people’s hearts and souls.
I will leave you with a comment from the most recent sneak peek screening. There was a woman there who was waiting for the results of a biopsy. After the film, she said she was so glad that she had seen Phil’s Camino. She said it gave her a different way to look at her own situation, and she was very comforted. She didn’t feel the fear that she had been feeling. Wow! I am so humbled by this film, and of course, as always, by our Phil. Thank you Phil, for being you so completely, so thoroughly. You are an inspiration.