This week I’m talking with filmmaker, storyteller, festival director, and champion of creatives Brian Salay, founder of the StoryMode Independent Short Film Festival (SISFA) in Colorado Springs.

And this conversation is a pretty perfect example of why I keep telling myself to do the things that make me uncomfortable.

A few months ago, I almost left a film networking event because my social anxiety was through the roof. Instead, I stayed. I met Catalina, who recruited me to compose the score for the 72 Hour Kickass Film Festival. We ended up winning Best Film, and I won Best Score.

Then I went to another networking event, met Brian, invited him on the podcast...and now I'm performing at his film festival.

Sometimes the thing you almost talk yourself out of is the thing that you've been waiting for.

Brian and I talk about filmmaking, creativity, the Hero’s Journey, chasing dreams, community, AI and human creativity, why storytelling still matters for our humanity, and why you don't always have to make money from something for it to mean something greater.

We also somehow end up talking about pirates. 🏴‍☠️

SISFA is happening this weekend in Colorado Springs, and Brian has created something that goes far beyond simply screening films. It’s a celebration of storytellers, creativity, and the very human need to share our stories with each other.

If you’ve been sitting on a creative dream, waiting for the “right” time, I hope this conversation gives you a little inspiration to go do the thing.

Sometimes magic happens because you showed up...even if you show up anxious or feeling unworthy...your presence is all that's required.

Please share with someone who you think may benefit from this conversation.

xo,

Greta

As always, join me on Substack for more information, behind the scenes, and more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife

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