Experiences: The Cleveland International Film Festival 2025 – Days Four and Seven

March 30, 2025, there was no work at CIFF this day, but a film I wanted to see, “Lost & Found in Cleveland”. I had no energy to get dressed, so I went down as myself and that ended up being a wise move. People seeing me in both modes helps to normalize all of this and time after time, I am rewarded for doing so. I saw some wonderful shorts and this particular movie was sold out, the longest queue I have yet seen at a CIFF. The packed house is the photo above. I sat with a fellow co-worker and friend. I am also rewarded for being kind. I collected easily over ten different hugs from people that know Kandi well.

The place was packed. We did have an open seat next to us. I see a woman walking up the steps and I offer her the seat. I really pay no particular attention to her except for the fact that I knew we had an open seat, she needed a seat and as a CIFF employee, I felt it was right to assist. The three of us immediately get into a dialog. She offers us some of her snacks. We start to get to know each other and then exchange names. It was as if we already knew each other. I then realize who she is. I will not name drop here, but she spent years on Project Runway and owns a local clothing store featuring all of her designs. Her picture is at left, publicly posted which is why I ran it here. Now remember, I am in male mode. I show her a recent Kandi picture and the light bulb goes on that she has met me before.

Long story short, we exchanged cell numbers, I may see her again at the festival, and she will be getting me involved with a large fashion project she is working on with the Greater Cleveland Partnership, a large civic nonprofit support group filled with a list of the local who’s who. I had an earlier opportunity that morning to participate in what I think will be a failed effort for a different new fashion enterprise. I did some due diligence with local fashion leaders who are also friends and got no positive feedback (nothing negative either), so I ended up passing. Had I pursued that opportunity, I certainly would not have attended this movie, and I would not made what could be (we’ll see) a tremendous connection on a much larger stage.

I was then away for two days being trucker guy (earning a living).

CIFF day seven, April 2, 2025, was another morning shift. The first of what may well be a four-day Kandi run, with two 12+ hours days in there. On the agenda is also the monthly art museum party, the Plexus annual meeting and another possible networking event. Zzzzzzzzz……

There is absolutely nothing to report from this day. Long shift (relatively speaking). Quite a bit of inactivity. But as always, I saw people I know and who know me, had delightful interactions and conversations with patrons and felt wonderful. I just loved the casual and classy look this day. Plus, my new friend (see above) and I communicated back and forth about getting together this coming weekend and getting involved on a higher level in the Cleveland fashion community as I mentioned.

Good day, for sure.

See, I really do work there…