Behind the Scenes of a Film Festival World Premiere in 2025

Returning to the Blog...

and to Garden State Film Festival!

I’m back to blogging! Funny enough, my last post was about The Last Touch being an official selection at Garden State Film Festival in 2022—my first in-person festival post-COVID. And now, here I am again, taking you behind the scenes of another milestone: the world premiere of my new short film, The Sign, at... Garden State Film Festival 2025!!! Wouhou! The loop is looped!

The Premiere Panic: Did I Send the Right File?!

Seeing The Sign on the big screen for the first time was an honor… and a rollercoaster of emotions. Excitement quickly turned into panic—Did I send the final edit? What if the resolution was off? What if the sound failed? What if the colors weren’t what I intended? A flood of second-guessing rushed through my mind before the screening.

I handled the entire post-production myself—editing, sound mixing, color correction… and I don’t pretend to be an expert in any of these. But as filmmakers, we sometimes have to take on multiple roles, simply because we don’t have the means to outsource. And sometimes… out of doubt.

The Hidden Truth About Confidence

From the outside, it might look like confidence—or even a need for control—but in reality, it’s often the opposite.

Self-confidence isn’t my strongest trait, and sharing my work is terrifying. Is it good enough? Will people mock me? Will they just look at me, confused? Will they even understand what I was trying to express? The fear of external criticism, layered on top of my own self-doubt, often makes me hesitate.

And yet, once a film is finished, it needs to be seen. So, I turn to my trusted first circle—family, filmmaker friends, and my Garden State Screenwriters group—people who will be honest and constructive. Their support is invaluable.

The Long Road to the Big Screen

Making a short film takes time—not just for the work itself, but for everything in between. The pauses. The waiting. The moments where other projects take over, or where doubt creeps in and whispers, Maybe I should just forget it. But eventually, I pushed through, finished it, and found the courage to submit. And now, The Sign had its world premiere at Garden State Film Festival.

Hearing an audience react. Laugh.

Understand. Even thank me.

Panic aside, I have to say—for the first time, I was truly proud. Seeing my work expand from my small laptop screen to a giant theater screen, holding its quality, even looking better… Hearing an audience react. Laugh. Understand. Even thank me. That made the journey worth it.

Filmmaking Is a Team Effort

Filmmaking often feels like a solitary battle when behind my computer , but it remains a team effort. I can't thank enough those who trusted me to be part of this adventure:

🐾 Domino, a service dog trained by Max Bingley and CST, who made his acting debut—and sometimes served as my assistant camera operator!

🐶 His handler, for whom I made this film, hoping to help raise awareness around invisible disabilities.

🎙 Monica Blaze Leavitt, my dear friend and the voice of the character.

🎼 Filmstro, for sponsoring the movie with their music.

💬 Everyone who provided feedback and reviews.

🎬 The GSFF team for selecting my film and giving The Sign its festival road debut.

🙌 My Exit Zero gang, for making the trip to support me.

Here are some pictures from this memorable weekend.

*Check out all festivals' updates and info: www.madeinmarsstudios.com.