Robert McKee Award for Best Film 2019

Today is a day of firsts. First blog post, first day of my 20's and first award!

Regent’s University had an end of semester film screening that just so happened to be on the same day as my 20th birthday. I had kind of hijacked the event as a birthday party of my own, which my friends were all lovely enough to agree to. However, days before the event my teacher texted me that they would also be having a competition where the winner would earn the title of Rob McKee’s Best Film 2019. I loved my film, but due to some footage loss that had to be covered in editing, and the fact that I hadn’t yet gone back to it to polish - I declined his invitation to submit my film, believing that there’s no way it would win…

Finally arriving at the event, I find my friends and family, enjoy some conversations and beverages, sit down to start the viewing. Some of my classmates films were awesome, some were clearly low effort. But the audience is mostly pretty dead. I wait excitedly for mine… It comes on.

Everyone loves it. They laughed at the right moments, they “aww”d at the right moments, they even cried when I wanted them to! It was the first time in my life I’d seen a live reaction to my work and it warmed my heart more than words could ever say.

Then, time for the Rob McKee award to be handed out. The runner-ups get their awards, all well deserved. I cheer. And then my teacher starts giving a speech about how the winner of the award is special, and his film was the only one that truly tried to tell a story with heart and emotion and who’s screenplay was the most impressive… Something in my heart makes me suspicious. But then it’s confirmed.

He calls out my name. WHAT? I DIDN’T EVEN SUBMIT MY FILM FOR THE AWARD. Turns out my teacher did it for me, because he believed in me that much. When I say I cried… I really mean it. I go on stage and accept my award. But that’s not all. This sly bastard also gives me a chocolate cake in front of everyone. IS HE TRYING TO KILL ME WITH GRATITUDE? I accept, tears staining my cheeks, and a smile on my face.

This whole experience taught me to never doubt myself ever again. My work is not only adequate, but great - and beloved. Hopefully, I can have the opportunity to make stuff one day that the whole world loves too!