SAICFF Trip 2012

Our trip to San Antonio at the end of February was fast-paced but fun! We went down for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival and for the Filmmakers Academy. The Academy was for 3 days at the beginning of the week - and it was fantastic. We got to hear so many wonderful speakers, including Doug Phillips, Geoff Bodkin, John Fornof, Kirk Cameron, Stephen Kendrick, and many others!
Even if I never get into film-making, all the thought-provoking lectures were completely worth it in terms of perspective and worldview. I came away very inspired to be alert and active for Christ in all areas of my life (including what films we allow into our homes). Click here to see pictures from the Academy. We also got to meet so many fun and like-minded people from all over the country!

I also enjoyed getting to see several blogging friends - Ashley, Gabrielle, Michaela, and Anna!

The Alamo.

Getting to spend a week in San Antonio was so much fun. It is such a beautiful city with all the old architecture, the fun little shops, historic downtown, and of course the Riverwalk!

A San Antonio Rose! :)

Aspen and Desarae on the Riverwalk

A tall stone church spire, and inside the Alamo courtyard.

During the time we were there, it was the anniversary of the first days of the seige of the Alamo. There were groups of reenactors who were talking to the crowds and even 'firing' a canon down the street!

Me, Mom, and Aspen on our way to the Alamo plaza to take the kids to see their favorite toy soldier shop.

The little ones enjoy a resting place on the riverside.

Right next to house where we were staying was Mission San Juan, with buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

A charming little stone house with built in garden beds!

The gatehouse reminded me of something from a medieval castle!

During the lunch breaks for the Academy and Festival, we enjoyed exploring the Riverwalk.

So many lovely vignettes!

A riverside cafe.

Lovely staircases

An adorably old-fashioned shop

We stopped to get an ice cream treat at a shop in the historic Menger Hotel,

just across the street from the Alamo.

(Wearing my blue hearts skirt from eShakti.)

All dressed up for the final night of the Festival!

   

San Antonio Trip Part 3

 

On Saturday morning we were looking forward to seeing 'The Runner from Ravenshead' as several people had been raving about how good it was. I wasn't sure what to expect - and I was very surprised. It was seriously the cutest movie I have ever seen! All the many roles are played by five siblings - and they are all so professional and serious little actors - they do a fantastic job. The storyline is a beautifully done allegory - very deep and thought provoking. The sets and location are amazing as well. We bought the DVD before leaving the festival - and plan to give more out as gifts. I highly recommend this film!! (click here to see the trailer)



On Saturday afternoon Ashely and Gabrielle from Bramblewood Fashion met up with us to explore a 3-story antique shop! It had many, many vintage clothing pieces - we had fun trying on some hats!

A vintage blow-dryer in mint condition!

Slippers and luggage.....

Mirror picture!

The boys both found WWII uniforms to buy for their airsoft wars. Cim bough an American Army Aircore, and Laredo bought a German sergent.

                                      

More walking downtown...

The meeting of the Sense and Sensibility forum ladies.

(we all wore green ribbons to recognize each other!)

All dresses up and on our way to the Award Ceremonies

Ashley and Gabrielle looked lovely in their formals!

Against the excellent advice given about the vintage pink dress, I decided to play it safe and wear the dress I  made for my graduation in 05. It's just a simple silk duponi with dropped waist and a fluffy organza petticoat. The black lace bolero I made at the last minute to cover my sad 'farmer tan'. :^)

We ended up staying for church the next morning, and then going out to eat with some new friends. It was fun - but it ended up being a really late night when we got back home!

It was a wonderful experience - and I'm looking forward to attending the SAICFF Academy and Festival next time! They are having half prices off admission for about one more week, if anyone is inerested!

San Antonio Trip Part 2

Our first morning in San Antonio began with a trip down the beautiful river walk on our way to the convention center to view the first films of the day.

Here we are in one of the theatre rooms -some of the rooms got so full they had to turn people away!

That day we saw a feature film, some animation shorts, and heard two lectures.

That afternoon we had a quick swim in the hotel pool. It was a little cold, but still enjoyable.

Eating our sack lunch along the river walk.

Walking the long, long way to the Municipal Autotorium

The highlight of the evening was a special director's cut film screening of a new movie called 'Ace Wonder' by the makers of 'The Widow's Might', last years festival winner. It was so good! We definately will be going to see it again when it comes out in theaters next spring/summer. Afterwards the cast and crew were on stage to talk about the film.

You can keep up with the status of the Ace Wonder movie on their website or on facebook.