Listen Up: A Year in Review

I'm going to be honest with you guys: I think I was more hyped about MUFF's birthday than my own this year. I mean, I've had 29 birthdays so far but this was MUFF's first, so it was bound to be an extra big deal.

This is what mums must feel like as they watch their kids grow up. MUFF was barely a twinkle in my eye last fall and by December 11th 2015 (feminists film societies have a super fast gestation period, duh), my widdle MUFF baby took her first, cautious steps into the world with Spice World. (I was thinking about getting way grosser with the birth analogy and eluding to a lot of pushing, screaming, and a glittery placenta so consider yourselves lucky, guys.) 

Through MUFF, I've had one of the most amazing years of my life. I've become more invested and outspoken (and angry and frustrated but above always hopeful) about feminism and women in the film industry. I've met the most amazing, supportive group of women who have offered up their own time and energy and craft abilities to helping make MUFF better and better each month. I've gathered together an audience once a month to have a damn good time in the name of women in the film industry. I've introduced those same audiences to amazing local filmmakers with our mini MUFF program. I've expanded MUFF to NYC and will hopefully—fingers crossed—be adding London, England to that list. 

And now that we've made it a year, I'm even more excited for what year two will bring. From early on, I've dreamed of MUFF being able to support and develop lectures and panels, and screen even more local film. Also, bigger and better photobooth props. Obviously. Obviously. 

I gotta admit, though, as excited as I was about MUFF's birthday, I was also feeling a bit sad about it. Since I moved to London (England, not Ontario, ha) I've felt very distant from MUFF. Probably because I'm literally distant but we'll never know for sure. I'm still managing the team remotely via the magic of the Internet (bless you Slack and Google Drive), but it's not the same. It's not the same!

So I hope all of you jokers enjoyed Ghost World the other night. I heard it was a great time. THERE WAS A CLOWN SO OF COURSE IT WAS A GREAT TIME. Not that I'm jealous or anything. What? Pfft, no. I was determined to be there in some way so I filmed this little video intro and made them play it before the awesome short film, Star Princess, and Ghost World. Clearly it was the highlight of everyone's night. 

Thank you for the amazing year, MUFF fans, and here's to many, many more. <3