Amazing Fantasy Film Festival Recap :-)

Oct 23, 2025

Time for one of my patented Photo Blogs!

I wanted to share photos from our trip to the Amazing Fantasy Film Festival in Buffalo. It was an amazing time. Jason and I carpooled together, and we were joined there by Izzy and Sissy (our leads), Margee (who did the makeup and SPFX for the film), Amelia, and more friends from Boston who also had films to share.

We saw TONS of films - many that left us stunned and inspired and full of joy.

We made new friends, and shared quality time with old ones.

At our screening, the film was really well received and the Q&A was beyond anything we could have hoped for... engaging, fun, quippy, and reminiscent of how much fun we had making this film together. That was a beautiful experience to share with everyone.

And the cherry on top of this already amazing Sundae is that Mother Grimm won some truly amazing honors.

I still get verklempt and embarrassed to say that we won Best Cinematography. I cried at the acceptance speech. I didn't even know I was in the running, or that the award existed. So when Gregory called my name, I was struck beyond words. What I blathered next was true - that I very rarely DP for other projects and thus am rarely seen that way, and it means a lot to me. I am honored that Greg and the judges saw the love I (and the entire team) poured into building every frame. And Jason's idea and vision were magic, and working on this film with him was a true harmonious joy.

Then Jason won for Best Experimental Short, which was a beautiful moment. So well deserved. And he delivered a lovely speech with way more composure and eloquence than anyone in his spot should be expected to do.

And at the end of the ceremony, the Visionary Award, which is the biggest in the entire festival, also went to Jason. It was truly beautiful to see him acknowledged in this way, for his directorial debut, no less. Half the team was in actual tears.

The celebrations were merry indeed.

The festival was a really amazing trip, and sharing it with friends was what made it magical. I know I'll be back whether or not we have a film showing.

And now, photos!

Jason's new logo on screen for the first time!

Me hamming it up with the amazing Magenta Manor filmmakers: Ashes Homon-Rahall and Patrick Rahall!
(Ashes' film "Multilevel Massacre" played at AFFF and it is DELIGHTFUL!)

(L-R) Margee, Jason, Jo, Amelia, myself, and Sissy pose for photos the night of the premiere! :-)