STARZ/Denver Film Festival

06/11/12 09:36 Filed in: Inside Look

Written by Stephen Vittoria
(Denver)

I have very mediocre memories of visiting Denver, Colorado.

My only good thoughts regarding Denver are these: Jack Kerouac wrote a few words about it and the 1987 New York Football Giants went to Pasadena and kicked the Broncos ass in the Super Bowl. Phil Simms had the game of his life and Lawrence Taylor was, well Lawrence Taylor was Lawrence Taylor – the greatest linebacker of all time. That’s it. My time in Denver was defined by looking forward to getting out of Denver.

Until now.

Long Distance Revolutionary was invited to the 35th Annual Starz/Denver Film Festival. I was told early on that it was a strong festival and worth going to. The advice was spot on… the experience was great – from the moment we landed until the moment we took off for New York. The screens and sound at the United Artists Theatres was great. The festival staff was plugged in and embracing the filmmakers as well as the entire film-going experience. We had a great slot: 7pm on a Saturday night. Mumia recorded a special message for the Denver audiences, giving props to three Colorado political icons – “like hardcore historian Ward Churchill, and (Colorado) was long home to Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson… but it’s also the home to a great scholar, Vincent Harding, a friend and co-worker to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the struggle for civil rights and democracy.” Mumia’s message was followed by a video intro to the film from Amy Goodman of DemocracyNow!, who said, “The film you're about to see is a great example of how important it is to showcase stories and ideas that are usually ignored by the mainstream media. Long Distance Revolutionary: A Journey with Mumia Abu-Jamal tells the courageous story of a very important voice in our political discourse today.” Indeed.

The film played, the audience was plugged in. The Q&A went very well and as always, the festival staff had to throw us out to get the next screening ready.

But for me, the highlight of the evening happened as we were walking outside, ready to find a bar, some food, and then another bar. A gentleman walked up to me and had something very important to tell me. I could tell because he was nervous and really wanted to share his thoughts with me about Mumia. Not about the film. Mumia. It turns out Pete worked with Mumia in Philadelphia radio in the late 70s and early 80s. It turns out Pete worked really closely with Mumia in Philadelphia radio in the late 70s and early 80s. And, as it turns out, Pete thought Mumia was the sharpest person he ever worked with in radio. He related a first hand story of Mumia under pressure: a producer breaking into the studio during a commercial break and telling Mumia he had to cut the five-page story written by numerous staff people that was sitting right in front of him ready to air, and instead, air a new one-page condensed version in sixty seconds. GO! Pete said Mumia took the pages and pen, starting ripping, circling, drawing arrows, writing connecting phrases, and hit the air with a perfect one-minute script… and then smoothly passed the baton. Pete says he remembers that moment to this day. He was emphatic: “Hands down, Mumia was the best radio reporter I ever knew.”

My first response to Pete was “Where the hell were you when I was making this film?” What a great story… and what a great moment to recreate in stylized fashion that would really tick off those documentary purists.

Thanks, Pete… and thanks Denver for a great festival. It was an honor to share Mumia’s story with you. And when in Denver, definitely go to a bar/restaurant called Jonesy’s - great food, great wine, and great people.

Now I have some really good Denver memories.