It was great to participate in a small part in this year's UCR - 2009 Tomás Rivera Conference with Ligiah Villalobos screening of "La Misma Luna". The day was filled with other events including Chicano Sculptor Adan Avalos, Photographer Michael Sedano who were followed with a screening and Q & A of Villalobos prize-winning film that helped ignite her career. As a rising screenwriter Villalobos is developing a new TV series, writes for HBO, Nick Jr. and has worked for Disney. She also participates in a writing group that meets every Monday that includes high profile writers that created or particpated in "Cold Case", "Fight Club" and "The Bourne Identity".


On Friday night when the lights when up after the screening a well attended audience had many questions for her. First off was the emotional "Will there be a sequel?" in which she responded that too many obstacles now stand in the way of making it possible. Then there was a question on "Why some of the people were cast?" Her response was one that continually resonates with independent film makers of any type "They we're willing to help". The rest of the evening included explaining the of how the $1.9 million project was shopped around at film festivals and how HBO bought the film and helped get it out to theaters. She focused on how there is little of both "Time and Money" which pose challenges for a film and its crew. Her suggestion to anyone trying to get into the business "Hone your Craft, Because like the old saying 'How do you get into Carnegie Hall?' 'Practice, Practice, Practice'". Considering the laughing and crying in all the right moments she must be right. And for the record I wasn't crying there was something caught in my eye.


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