The San Diego Film Festival hosted an “Almost Famous” block party in the Gaslamp Quarter. This area is known for its live music, bars and art. The outdoor event that overtook Fifth Street was an excellent venue to show a
The San Diego Film Festival hosted an “Almost Famous” block party in the Gaslamp Quarter. This area is known for its live music, bars and art. The outdoor event that overtook Fifth Street was an excellent venue to show a film about music, traveling, beautiful girls and friendships that bond because of music.
The block party had people ages 21 to 60, singles, couples and people from all different backgrounds. The X-factor bringing us together? Music. Not just music as we know it today, but music that comes from deep inside us and transcends everything. The block party’s concept happened because the film’s director (Cameron Crowe, “Jerry Maguire”) is from San Diego, and in her first public appearance, the real Pennie Lane (Kate Hudson portrays her in the film) was in attendance.
In 2000, the film “Almost Famous” captured audiences’ hearts with this cinematic journey about a 16-year-old rock journalist for Rolling Stone Magazine. Like any great tune, wonderful life moment or special place we have traveled to, the film celebrates the simplicity of songs that follow our soul (and become a soundtrack for our life).
“Almost Famous” tells us the tale of a fictional rock band named “Stillwater” and their ups and downs on the road, with the center being William Miller (based on Cameron Crowe, played by Patrick Fugit of “We Bought a Zoo”).
I love this movie because it is filled with poignant moments that we all relate to (our first concert, first love or first band we had to listen to daily).
I asked the real Pennie Lane what her message was for Kaua‘i people, and she said: “Listen, listen, listen. Don’t rush everything. The answers are in the music. Sometimes you don’t need a loud bang to get your answer. Once in awhile listen to the whispers.”
I asked how she felt about the digital age changing music and the challenge older musicians had to learn instruments instead of computer programs, and Lane told me “It’s still just music, again all anyone has to do is listen. If you listen it always works out.”
I love this quote, because in recent years I’ve followed my ears. My love of music led me to the San Diego Film Festival and led me to a great chat with Ms. Pennie Lane. I highly recommend this movie.
Another Festival Highlight was the tribute to Oscar-nominated Director Gus Van Sant. He was on hand for a 15-year anniversary screening of “Good Will Hunting.”
They also screened “To Die for,” “Milk” and “My Own Private Idaho.” All of them are available in the Hawai‘i State Public Library system. I recommend all Van Sant’s films (parental warnings for “Milk” and “My Own Private Idaho”) and give San Diego Film Festival a big thumbs up.
It was like seeing a rock show. Everyone was friendly and you didn’t want to go home. They even had live music after the movie.
Like Ms. Lane says, “listen.”
