All things seem to happen for a reason. When Flying Over Cuba premiered June 3, 2005 at the College of Lake County here in Grayslake, IL we were scrambling to get the Mustang fitted with the "Mobile Movie Theater" in time for the event. That was a date we missed because a vendor sent the wrong parts.
The movie itself was seen by 200 or so folks that night, drove the impact of the crash home to all sitting in the room. Meeting Andy Short and many of Brett's friends later that evening galvanized my commitment to carry this message forward, no matter how many delays seem to keep the car off the road.
Two days from now, Flying Over Cuba will make its first film festival debut in Sedona, Arizona. I met during Jim Colletti, Treasurer- Board of Directors of the Sedona International Film Festival, during my trip to the the January Scottsdale auction events. During the course of conversation, Jim expressed interest in the film. Upon my return to Chicago I overnighted him a copy of the movie to him.
To my pleasant surprise, Jim called back enthusiastic about the social value the film represented. Long story short, Flying Over Cuba is being shown to students at Sedona Highschool on the 22nd and will be shown at the Sedona International Film Festival on the opening day, Februrary 23rd, 2006. We had hoped to have the paintwork on the car completed in time for this event, having missed the premier. Again, a vendor mis-shipped a part, so we won't be there to see Flying Over Cuba shown at it's first international film festival.
No matter the reason, I am proud of Jonathan, for being inspired to make the movie and having the determination to follow through with it. I am grateful to Jim Colletti for considering the film in the first place, not to mention pulling strings to getting the film included and flying Micheal Karlin in to talk on Braked for Brett afterwards. That kind of dedication is what it takes to make this a nice place to grow.
The car WILL be ready, and in it's own time (read early spring or bust!).
