Memorable Movie Theater Moments: From SXSW to Cannes

Whether it's the thrill of a world premiere or the nerve-wracking experience of watching The Emerald Forest in the middle of a war zone, movie theaters can be places where unforgettable moments happen. In this article, I will share some of my most cherished experiences, particularly from pivotal moments during SXSW and the Cannes Film Festival.

World Premiere of "A Quiet Place" at the Paramount Theater

One of the highlights of my career as a movie theater enthusiast was the world premiere of "A Quiet Place" at the Paramount Theater in downtown Austin on April 6th, 2018. As a press officer for SXSW, I was tasked with covering the event and had been scouring the city for Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the screenwriters, who come from Bettendorf, Iowa, a place I call home due to my entrepreneurial spirit and 2 businesses I operated there.

By the time the screening took place, I had determined that I would make a splash by somehow meeting the screenwriters. I secured a position in the second row, eagerly waiting for the chance to speak to John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, who took the stage to address the audience. Leveraging the help of the crowd, I managed to get their attention, much to their surprise and my delight. '(I drove all the way from Bettendorf, Iowa, to interview you guys and I've looked all week. Where are they?)' I shouted. The crowd responded enthusiastically with chants of 'Bettendorf! Bettendorf!' Springing into action, Krasinski pointed out the duo who were close to the last row.

After the screening, we set up an interview and met at Starbucks the next day. This experience not only provided me with an opportunity to meet the creators of "A Quiet Place" but also to contribute to IMDb, a leading platform for movie enthusiasts, with reviews and ratings.

Memory from the Cannes Film Festival

A remarkable and nerve-racking memory involves watching "The Emerald Forest" on an outdoor wall with an audience consisting of locals armed with machetes. This screening was part of a gathering during a time when guerrillas were a significant threat in the region. The film was purportedly subtitled 'reel 2 first then reel 1' for a white-washed outdoor wall display at night, creating a uniquely immersive and perilous environment for the audience.

What truly made this moment memorable was the location: a gala screening at the Cannes Film Festival. My employer was a Cannes Film Festival sponsor, and as part of a bespoke film blog context, employees had the opportunity to win a trip to Cannes. This context elevated the event, andcelebrating a significant wedding anniversary with my wife added to the excitement. Albeit the dress code was strict and we had to navigate paparazzi, the atmosphere was electrifying, with a massive red carpet and a plethora of photographers.

Regrettably, the film were to be a modern tribute to "Les Parapluies de Cherbourg", but it was poorly reviewed and failed to win any prizes. Despite the disappointment, the experience of watching the film in such a historic and glamorous setting remains one of the most unforgettable moments in my cinematic journey.