Forgive my recent reticence on this here blog. Frankly, I’ve been otherly occupied as described in the previous post. In, oh, 9 days or so, life should be back to “normal” and we will begin getting news about distribution, film fests, agents, networks and so on. Things are looking good.

But first, I got a birthday cake I gotta eat.

Do I need to tell you what my wish was? Not that I would, cuz I really want to ensure it comes true.

Yesterday was my birthday. I spent it talking to voters at their homes about the upcoming election.

Follow below the break for photos, details, and hopefully a laugh or 2 about the most effective political work we can undertake. (more…)

It’s true. The former Finnish President, Martti Ahtisaari, helped bring peace to the Aceh region that produced some of the most poignant moments in The Laughing Planet.

For the past 20 years, he has figured prominently in endeavors to resolve several serious and long-lasting conflicts,” the citation said, mentioning his work in conflicts from Namibia and Aceh, Indonesia, to Kosovo and Iraq.

Ahtisaari had been listed as a possible Nobel Peace Prize candidate since 2005 after he negotiated an end to a conflict that began more than 130 years ago by bringing together the Indonesian government and the leaders of the separatist guerrilla movement in Aceh.

“He has also made constructive contributions to the resolution of conflicts in Northern Ireland, in Central Asia, and on the Horn of Africa,” the citation said.

Speaking to NRK Norwegian TV, Ahtisaari said he “was very pleased and grateful” at receiving the prize.

Asked what work he considered the most important, Ahtisaari, the first Finn to win the prize, said that “of course Namibia is absolutely the most important because it took such a long time.” He also singled out his work in Kosovo and Aceh.

I’ve noticed they never seem to announce who wins the Nobel War Prize. I suppose Bush & Cheney win every year so it’s not news-worthy anymore.

HINT: It involves a handshake!

As the old adage goes:

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

In addition to the big Kahuna, we have begun choosing other festivals to which, frankly, we are more likely to be accepted. The latest submission is to one in California,

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Wish us luck!