"Main character energy"
Red carpet shenanigans took place this week at Raindance Film Festival's 2025 Opening Gala.
Photo taken at Raindance Film Festival 2025 by Alan Barnes - The Pap
After 17 filming days - and a one woman show (created by powerhouse writer Joanna Holland) - I really thought that I’d need a lot more time to rest and recover, but it’s been non-stop - and I’m loving it. I thought there’d be potentially a post-wrap crash or an achy nostalgia drag for the cherishable memories made but I suppose I hadn’t realised that of course there’s so much yet to come.
We’re now entering post-production with the feature film we just wrapped on and our editor Neto Jones is compiling with director Bruno Centofanti. Now the film is essentially being made again and constructed through the choices that they’ll go on to make. How about this analogy: Pre-production we summoned the canvas and bought the paints. Production was us gathering the materials and creating the various shades of paints and Post-production is the painting comes together. Fellow filmmakers, does that analogy sound about right?
Due to wonderful moments, new memories and refreshing connections this week has been exceptional. Thank you dear friend Em for +1-ing me to Raindance Film Festival’s Opening Gala, loved seeing you in action on the red carpet and grateful I managed to convince the PR reps that I’m part of Raindance - which is technically true, I graduated from there, I mentor other students there and founder, Elliot Grove once said, “Movies can change the world, How to be Human definitely does”.
https://raindance.org/interview-with-louise-salter/
Blagging my way onto the red carpet reminded me of the very thing that I think Raindance stands for. Be a maverick by daring to take courageous action on what you need in order to have a career in film despite the odds. As the lovely screenwriter Shyala Smith labelled in conversation, it’s us stepping into main character energy for our interests and ourselves.
And massive thanks to Alan Barnes - The Pap who shared the photos with me and captured the moment!
Experiencing a night sky of flashing cameras was such a moment, I had always wondered what that would feel like.
Wishing you all a brilliant week ahead. My wish for you is that you dare to step into your main character energy. Own your story, take up space, and walk through each day like the world needs what only you can bring. You are your own character. Whether it’s a bold move or a quiet act of courage, let this be the week you choose yourself.
Finally, as a delightful priest remarked to me when I asked if we could film our indie feature film on their grounds, “seek for forgiveness, not for permission.” Shout out Reverend, thank you for supporting independent films.
PS I came across this healthy & moreish energy ball recipe this week by Madeleine Olivia. I’d give it 10/10 because it didn’t even require baking and all appliances I used fit into the dishwasher after, so was effortless and easy.