4:30pm – I struggle to find a shirt that matches two criteria: 1) looks nice 2) doesn’t require ironing. The gang arrives at my apartment (Jason: DP, Chelsea: PA/Sister, Sean: Cousin). We have time for a quick toast of white wine and good rum before squirming into Mel’s van and speeding downtown.

5:06 – After a frantic parking space safari we get into the theatre and manage to find decent seats. We settle in, on cue the lights go down, perfect timing and not for the last time this evening. A highlight reel begins showcasing the visual latitude of over 40 filmmaking team’s efforts. Tonight is the night, awards will be given out for the 2009 San Jose 48 Hour Film Competition. Going in with 6 nominations I feel the flutter of something in the pit of my rib cage. This is fun.

5:13 – Mel slips me a workout bottle filled with white wine. I drink deeply as the 1st short comes to a close. I am a little fidgety so I take an extra gulp before passing it back to her.

5:33 – My cousin slips me a Coca-Cola that is only half full, the other half is full of rum. I swig courageously as the 4th film starts. This one is about an Exterminator, shot documentary style like The Office, good acting and even better writing. Another weird feeling in my stomach now. “Nerves” I tell myself, trying not to think about winning…or losing.

6:15 – My stomach is swirling with an icy sting. I imagine the white wine and rum slugging it out in the confines of my ponch as I bounce open the men’s restroom door. It’s then that I notice my hands are clammy, my heart rate is up. I take this as a good sign and after draining the apple juice do a quick set of improvised stretching hoping to get into a healthier mental state.

6:45 – The films keep getting better. “Vernichter”, “Dave and Liz” and the beautifully shot “Solvent” all wow the audience. For the moment my innards are calm and restful. I’m starting to feel less jumpy now, the lights come up and Vincent Lowe (master chief of SJ 48HFP) once again takes the stage.

6:55  - The lights go up and the theatre erupts with applause. As the crew is called down to the front Vincent anounces our spoils: we can’t believe it, truly amazing. The three gracious judges each share unique insight and their unified praise for the film. The fluttering has returned to my rib cage area, but this time it’s in my chest, high and to the left. I’m not really believing this.

7:05 – The whole crew is on the street in front of the theatre. The sky is a gray blue, the air is electric, everyone is on their cell phones. It’s quite a wonderful feeling, lots of hand shakes and smiles. Then I feel it, at first I think I’m imagining it but it hits me again. I look up “it’s gonna rain”. Being the end of summer, with little or no rain for what feels like six months I smile to myself as delusions of grandeur cloud my melon. “It’s a sign” I say aloud, everyone pausing to look at me as the drops begin increasing in tempo, “we should go somewhere dry, there’s a bar across the street”. 10 minutes later I’m doing rounds of Patrón inside Gordon Biersch and the streets are flooding with fresh rain. A sign indeed.

Now what? Well Ratón goes on to compete against about 80 other films from around the globe for a chance at true gold: a slot in the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. From what I hear there’s 10-15 spots, so… best not to think about it and get on with more projects. Speaking of, tomorrow afternoon I’m helping my friend and DP Jason shoot a white trash queen burn wasps in the backyard. Should be pretty cool.

A heartfelt shout out to everyone who helped make this film a reality, I’m a lucky person to have such friendly, hard working and creative people around me. Filmmaking on any scale is always a team effort. Thank you everyone.

Award Results 2009 San Jose 48HFP Final :

Ratón: Nominations: 6, Winner: 5 Awards: Best Film, Best Directing, Best Actor (Jake Lyall), Best Sound Design and Audience Choice Award.