Moondance 2010 was a great success, probably one of the best ever! Many thanks go out all those talented filmmakers, writers, composers, and attendees who came to beautiful Boulder, Colorado, September 24-26, to participate in our 11th annual international film festival. The unique films screened, the workshops with the pros, the private consultations taking place, and the networking parties were well-attended and greatly enjoyed.

The gala awards ceremony & reception, the culmination of the event, was something wonderful to experience. All that talent and encouragement and inspiration we shared was simply magical, to say the least. It seemed that virtually everyone was busily making new friends, networking, being warmly welcomed, entertained and inspired by the many fine indie films, and enjoying Boulder’s fantastic Rocky Mountains’ blue-sky views and perfect late-summer weather.

Heartfelt appreciation goes out to the 2010 Moondance staff and volunteers, chief among them was award-winning screenwriter, and long-time Crested Butte Reel Fest co-director, Mark Schwiesow, our festival director and event coordinator, as well as our film screenings coordinator, and major player in the success of the film festival this year! Mark arrived from Crested Butte, Colorado, a few days before the festival, hit the ground running, bravely faced all challenges, was there for everyone at all times, and kept his cool, no matter what, 24/7.

Our #1 Moondance volunteer was, once again this year, Surya Rose. Hard-working, alert, always on-the-spot, registrations whiz, serene and good-natured at all times, day in and day out, Surya made such a difference to all of us! Thanks for your continued dedication to Moondance, Surya.

Much appreciation goes to Jody Handerson, uber-volunteer, who, with the able assistance of Lauren DeGaine, jumped into the fray and calmly took care of the needs of the many Moondancers and other attendees who encountered their lovely presence at the registrations tables, and elsewhere!

Prema Rose, Surya’s mother, and everyone’s Earth Mother, was, again for the 10th year at Moondance, everywhere, helping everyone, saving the day, any time, any where. You’re the best, Prema!





Miguel Carson, a talented young man newly in America for the first time, with his ubiquitous skateboard, here from Paraguay, was always available for any assistance, any time, any festival job, any challenge, and was a helpful friend of Moondancers, staff and volunteers. ¡Muchas gracias!, Miguel.

Thanks, too, goes to Terry Porter, festival workshop presenter, consultant and WGA Signatory agent, and special recognition to Sonaly Choudary, volunteers coordinator. Thanks to these special volunteers (in alphabetical order): Keith Brink, security; Bonnie Gibson, emcee; Robert Greywolf, security; Linda Guard, money-wrangler; Susan Harvey, awards coordinator & co-host, Sharon Hunter, emcee & ticket-taker, Joan Macbeth, emcee & ticket-taker, Cheryl Michel, emcee & Gal Friday; Cedric Peebles, emcee & security; and all the other volunteers who stepped up to offer their much-valued services! Volunteers are the backbone of this 3-day event, and big hugs go out for all of them!

Appreciation is sent to filmmaker, Patti Greer (“Crop Circles 2010: The Wake-up Call”), for being gracious about the necessary schedule change for the cancelled second screening of her film (possibly due to alien-influenced technical difficulties?).




And to filmmaker Joseph Consentino for approving the re-scheduling of his featured film, “Family Values: The Mob & the Movies”. (It was an offer he could not refuse!)



Many thanks to Donna Woolfolk Cross, author of the best-selling novel, “Pope Joan”, consultant on the winning Moondance film of the same title, festival workshop presenter, and Moondance 2010 Angel Award winner. This special award is presented to the person who has made an important contribution to the continuing success of the Moondance International Film Festival.


Boulder’s Diane Israel, award-winning filmmaker & dedicated advocate for the GLBTQ community, made an important contribution to help defray the costs of presenting the sold-out screening of the film, “Pope Joan”. Thanks, once again, Diane!

The Moondance webster, Stephanie, with us for 5+ years, also deserves special thanks and a big round of applause for her time, talents & perseverance at preparing the monthly e-newsletters, and making the festival website so user-friendly and constantly updated throughout the years. Stephanie certainly deserves the “Stunt-woman of the Year” award!

Cheers! --





Elizabeth English
Moondance founder, executive director & creative director