YingYing's Tale: One Last Blog =(

I can never say this enough: this week was such a blur! But it was a good blur. I never thought that winning the film critique contest would have made such an incredible impact on my life. Coming out of the film festival, I honestly feel like a new person with a new outlook on things. Prior to the festival, I never dared to venture into the field of independent films. With my all-access pass, I wanted to take advantage of this experience as much as I could, therefore I explored everything that I could make time for. I watched short films, serious films, and even comedies. Funnily enough, my favorite film above all the films I saw was not a comedy, but a dark and solemn film that left me in deep thoughts.

I have learned to appreciate films for its artistic value and the essence of what makes a movie. SDAFF had this incredible sense of spirit and homeliness that I hope all of San Diego could feel. In addition to all of this, SDAFF has opened an unexpected opportunity for me. I was offered and internship with San Diego's own Union Tribune! Someone pinch me to make sure I'm awake!!

I am sad that I won't be in San Diego for the next Asian film festival because I will be studying abroad in Japan for a year as of the next fall semester, but I would not have taken back this experience for the world.

Thank you to Lee Ann Kim for choosing my review and giving me this incredible opportunity. Thank you to my professor Miguel Llora for informing my class about the film review competition, for urging my classmates and me to explore the film festival, and for believing in me despite all the trouble I put you through. Thank to all the people who support me and believe in what I do, even if I don't always believe in myself. And THANK YOU TO MY READERS! It was amazing to have people come up to me to tell me that they read my blog!

The final night @ West 32nd...