Film - DTFW Style

He arrived at the airport, lugging his carry-on over one shoulder and his laptop bag on the other. The weariness showed in the weight of his eyelids and the slouch of his back. After all, he had flown from halfway across the United States to this unfamiliar Midwestern city.

"Welcome to Fort Wayne" the sign read before he was welcomed by a kindly gentleman in a blue vest. The greeter’s smile was half hidden by a silver and white mustache. The man extended his hand out and offered him a gift, a surprise. It was a cookie, chocolate chip it appeared. What he didn't know was that it was more than a cookie; it was an introduction to Midwestern hospitality and the first of many surprises that were in store for him in the weekend to come.

On his way out of the terminal he recognized a graphical eyeball; a quirky logo in black and teal. The word Hobnobben was spread wide across the bottom of the ad. "See and Be Seen" the tagline read. He grasped at the "All Access Pass" tucked away in his laptop bag. It was his key to a weekend-long adventure in a city he had yet to explore.

The ride was short to downtown and his hotel room was ready and waiting. Even though the plush bed looked warm and inviting, the excitement of the Film Festival and a new experience in Downtown Fort Wayne called to him.

On Thursday, his first day, he attended the Opening Reception where film industry guests, festival volunteers, sponsors, and All Access attendees rubbed elbows over drinks and food. He met some amazing people from all walks of life and made native and national connections and friends. Following that, he watched the opening night film before attending an after-party at a great downtown bar.

Friday, he spent the day on a Zagster rental bike between Saint Francis' downtown campus, the Parkview Physician’s Group Arts Lab in Arts United, and Cinema Center. Between the films, the Hobnobben branded beers by Mad Anthony, and the local food at an All Access discount, he attended a round table discussion with a famous film director and other festival-goers. That night he partied at a beer tent hosted by a local brewery called Mad Anthony where a live band played before a late-night outdoor film-screening. He ended the evening with a nightcap aside new friends at the Friday night after-party.

Saturday was filled with more film, more round-tables, more hobnobbing, and more local food and drink, all punctuated with an Awards Ceremony in the evening. He got his photo taken on the red carpet before wining and dining in Saint Francis' renovated ballroom. He watched as awards were given out in various categories like Best Student Film and Viewer's Choice. And he met even more industry guests and festival attendees. That night once again found him out in downtown Fort Wayne surrounded with new friends and film-lovers alike.

It was his last day in Fort Wayne. He caught a few of the award winning films screening at Cinema Center before, regretfully, heading back to the airport to catch his flight home. As the plane ascended he took one last glimpse of the city. He took with him fond memories of a brand new festival, new friendships and connections, and a unique experience, all in an amazing growing city full of arts and culture. He watched fondly as the city disappeared beneath the clouds and he looked forward to the next Hobnobben Film Festival and his next visit to Fort Wayne, Indiana.