The Villain and the Superhero

I got this lovely email this morning:

Subject: 2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL NOTIFICATION
From:  programming@sundance.org (External Utility Mailbox) (programming@Sundance.org)
To: carson@dizzydentfilms.com
Date:  Wednesday, November 30, 2011 2:29 AM
RE:  4388-USF - Heartbreak in 209 Cuts

Dear Teri,

On behalf of the Sundance Programming staff, I would like to thank you for submitting your film to the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.  Unfortunately, we are not able to include it in our Festival program.  We received more than 11,700 films for consideration this year, which obviously did not make our decision-making process any easier.  We selected less than 180 films from around the globe, so the competition was stiff to say the least.  Please know that your film was carefully considered by our team, and we truly respect your hard work and dedication as an independent filmmaker.  We wish you the best of luck with the project and look forward to the opportunity to view your work in the future.

Sincerely,
John Cooper
Director, Sundance Film Festival

***

I was expecting this since I'm aware of the odds, so it’s no surprise.  I wish they’d just write “Sorry, nope.” instead of sending a cliché-filled bullshit form note.  The problem with getting an email like this is that rejection awakens that vicious voice in your head that screams YOU ARE NO GOOD. NO ONE WANTS TO SEE YOUR FILMS.  And it’s very difficult to silence the fucker because it wants to kill who you really are and what you want to do.  For in the artist lives the superhero and the villain who are one and the same and wage an eternal, ruthless war.

Today, I have a battle to fight. I hope your day is much easier.