All of Me wins Audience Award at Austin Film Festival!

by Dawn

We had two fantastic screenings at the Austin Film Festival during the last week of October. Needless to say, we were thrilled to be “home” where many of our family and friends joined us at the Galaxy 10 Theater and at the Long Center’s Rollins Theater.

On Sunday night, we sold out!!!  The majority of the film’s cast attended the screening along with Alex (director/producer, road-warrior/mom), Deb (our talented cinematographer), and Andy (sound man extraordinaire).  Sunday’s Q&A was moderated by Austin’s PBS affiliate, KLRU’s Bill Stotesbery.  We were thrilled to see a number of Bariatric friends (particularly Dr. Shashi Ganta’s and NAMC WL support group members) too!

Following Sunday’s screening, we headed over to a local co-op brewery for a party!  It was so good to hang out with our Austin bariatric friends including John Archibeque (coordinator /nurse of the Bariatric program at North Austin Medical Center), Carrie Wischropp (coordinator/nurse of the Bariatric program at St David’s Central), Peggy Smith (bariatric patient and runner/owner of LOTS of running shoes!) and Abby Lentz (Yoga m’am for all sizes) founder of Heavyweight Yoga.   John, Carrie, Peggy and Abby all helped us get the word out to the Austin and Ft Hood/Waco folks.  Thank you all! Thanks too to Zsalynn for spreading the word in San Antonio (and bringing your family) and to Judy for bringing her family/friends out.

On Wednesday evening, we had another successful screening and Q&A – in spite of the unexpected torrential rains.  We never push rain away here in Austin – we were just hoping it would hold off!   Our audience braved the rain (and didn’t melt!) and seemed to enjoy the film as much as the Sunday night audience did.  The Q&A questions were thoughtful and we hope our answers worked for all of you.  Afterwards, we connected with several new friends and acquaintances!

Then, almost a week later, we heard we won an Audience Award!  So, thanks Austin!!