Women in Cinema

Attended a panel discussion up at UT last evening.  The audience was filled with UT students and more who came to hear women in the film industry in Austin speak.  Agnes Varnum (AFS), Maya Perez(AFF), and representatives from Austin Film Meet, Texas Commission on Film, Girls Film Camp, all addressed this audience interested in all aspects of film.  What impressed me the most is the quintessential Austin manner of sharing information in a warm, relaxed and helpful manner.  No pretensions here.  No Gucci clad mamas intimidating the new kids on the block.  When a young Brazilian student introduced herself as a "wannabe filmmaker" everyone on the panel said "you're a filmmaker" and included her.  And when asked about NY and LA the best advice was given.."follow your heart, take your own journey."  But truth be told this kind of helpful, warm, creative and non-intimidating atmosphere is pure Austin.  And that's why this very very native New Yorker just loves it here.