What an amazing night. When the announcer shouted out Independent Lens, Francois and I sank for a moment, thinking they must be referring to someone else. Suddenly we sat bolt upright and stared at each other, thinking the exact same thought. “A Lion’s Trail” was the only program that Independent Lens had at the awards! Moments later I was onstage, staring out at a crowd of luminaries, and grateful to be able to leave the speech making to Francois.

The rest of the night was a blur. I remember lots of congratulations, drinking at Rudy’s Bar on 9th Ave, everyone in the bar posing with the statue, then going to an East Village club to dance to the sounds of Forro in the Dark. One of the highlights was talking with Felipe Lacerda, the editor of Central Station and Bus 174, a serious talent and quite a nice guy to boot.