We all know there are no coincidences.  The committee for the Buffalo Niagara Falls International Film Festival began planning their program and events long before I submitted my screenplay for their competition in January 2009.  The events and conditions of the film fest are loaded with some interesting parallels, all reasons for optimism as I attend Day One.  

1.  I was notified on St. Patrick's Day.  After Douglass published his autobiography in 1845, word came that his slavemaster, Hugh Auld, had put together land and sea-based efforts to recapture Frederick and bring him back into slavery.  Word got to the MASS and they warned Douglass, and he went into exile in the British Isles.  The Irish people embraced him, and later, it was two Irish blokes who knocked on Hugh Auld's door and gave him about $711 to purchase Frederick's freedom.  

2.  Lou Gossett Jr. is one of the featured actors at this year's Buffalo Film Festival.  Today, he will be part of the opening ceremony.  Mr. Gossett, now 72, has initiated an organization called the Eracism Foundation, whose mission is "to eradicate the systematic impacts of all forms of racism by providing programs that foster cultural diversity, historical enrichment, education, and antiviolence initiatives."  Oscar Winning Actor Louis Gossett Jr., upon envisioning the organization, has committed the last quadrant of his life to an all-out conscious offensive against racism, violence, and ignorance relative to the role and significance of history in positioning individuals and collective communities for the future.

The goals of the Eracism Foundation are nearly identical to those of Fredericak Douglass 150 years before.  Today, I will try to approach Louis Gossett and talk with him about how "North Star" might dovetail with his own efforts to make racism and anti-violence a front-burner issue.

The fact that Mr. Gossett was selected as a key participant in the film festival may be more than coincidence.  Today, he participates in the Opening Ceremony, and I'm hoping to meet him and discuss my project and his.


3.  While investigating fun things to do, I was intrigued by the Tribute to John Wayne May 9 at Freedom Run Vineyards in Lockport.  Little information was online, so I called the winery, where I spoke with Larry Manning, the owner.  The second time I called, I identified myself as a finalist in the competition, and Larry said, "You didn't tell me that the first time."  When told what my nominated project was, he was silent.  I interrupted and asked the significance of the name Freedom Run.  He informed me that the Underground Railroad passed through the property where the vineyard and the 1830's-era barn stands.  He quickly told me that he and his wife would like to meet me after the the film festival.

By the way, the Niagara Trail Winery Tour included 10 other wineries in addition to Freedom Run.  You can buy a glass for $20, and visit all or as many of the wineries, which I'm hoping will be our activity on May 9, in addition to the John Wayne activities.  Friends, coordinate with me if you want to get a group to go together.

How perfect would the Buffalo Niagara Falls Film Festival tie together, if "North Star: The Life of Frederick Douglass" was named the winner in the Best Screenplay competition?