Hello!

 

     Every teacher has been known to use a red pen. It's all about the edit. Jackson did his cuts and additions, and we're lucky to see the final project. Hooray! Before I start, this whole event feels like a daydream. Is it?!

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     My fearless former student, Jackson, made this movie about his time in my class back in '07. It's about him and how he came of age and learned to value school. I am the lucky recipient of his homage. However, it must be noted that he gave me the gift of my life.

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     As you have been told, Kieran, my son, plays the young Jackson. The grown-up Jackson inspired Kieran to attempt something new, to act. It is especially precious because Kieran got to play my student so we had the chance to work in this novel capacity together, making our already tight bond somehow tighter.

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     The Twizzler scene is taken from real life. Everyday interactions can - and often should be - meaningful though at the time, they are seemingly mundane. Please make special note of the Twizzlers, as they're authentic to the real event between young Jackson and me. On a side note, you may notice they are in your prop bag!

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     Emily Spencer, my former student, heard about this production by happenstance, as she is active in the dramatic arts. It is important to note that on set, I was nervous, as I am not an actress. In fact, I found myself forgetting large portions of lines while filming the classroom scene. I impulsively asked Jackson if we could "take five" in order for Emily and me to "talk at my desk." It felt like the old days, as if we were holding a writer's conference! We subsequently created dialogue that was authentic to us if unscripted. If you know Emily, you will recognize how keen her mind is and sophisticated her creativity. Without our synergy, the project would feel less magical.

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     Jackson, clearly, well, you are the movie. On set, he made me be quirky, a character trait I have learned to put under wraps. On camera, he sometimes illuminated it, and I have to trust that vulnerability in showing it translates.

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     Students learn, apply what works for them, grow, then fly away. A teacher's lessons, in general, will also lose importance as the student learns new ones on their own. (Blackbird films is called this for that reason.) Sometimes, you may see the student, circle back, as has happened here. What luck!

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     Finding words in a classroom at group discussion, at a small desk with other students surrounding yours takes big courage. Likewise, it takes a quiet power for kids in class every day, 180 days a year to show up in a classroom let alone on a blank page, on demand. Adults aren't asked to do such feats. Daily, kids like Jackson and Emily show up. Kieran showed up, too. He relied on me for the preceding line, and I leaned even more heavily on him. He told me that it was alright, and to just be me, not mom, not Ms A. And, if you know him, he actually is a writer, and practices daily. What mettle!

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The Big Take Away:

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     The risk to craft a screenplay based on one's life at an already tender age is beyond impressive. The wherewithal to actually make it is entirely another thing.

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     So, thank you, Jackson, for teaching me how to be on a physical stage heretofore untried by me. It wasn't the classroom podium, that's for sure!

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     It's rare when you get to actually live an enhanced memory, reliving years gone by, and finding the joy of school again. You, Jackson, were MY teacher here, and you believed in me! Additionally, this last summer of filming was a moment in time. Jackson remembered his youth; he developed as an adult and artist. So too will Kieran have opportunities, and this is one of them, a year after production, with this screening.

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     Emily S, Jacob K, you are in the audience. I feel lucky to have you present. We will see each other in the classroom at Central Middle School one more year! What new discussions will we have? What new discoveries?

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     I want to thank my first teachers: my parents, as well as my grandmothers for their lessons on humanity. Of course, I must include Ms. Casey for teaching me cursive! Further, I am grateful for my first friend who is my brother, Michael, and my sister, Shelia, who both provided regular comedy in our house. Together, you shaped me.

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     Enjoy the Twizzlers!

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     Thank you!

     Ms. Aimette