Cynematik

BY SANDY BOWE, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI — I had the pleasure of traveling to Arizona from Wisconsin last weekend for the premiere of THE LAND OF REFUGE. It was an experience I will never forget! I arrived on Friday, the day before the premiere. I knew how busy Cyndi was because she actually encouraged me to waste some time before I went to her house! She indicated that she had a few things to accomplish and I was more than happy to spend some time with my son, Christopher. When I got the green light from Cyndi, I made my way to her house, followed by a relaxing dinner at BJ’s. Good company, good food and good conversation filled our night. I could tell that Cyndi had a lot on her mind, but she was her usual “social butterfly” self, so it was a fun night. After dinner, Cyndi, Joyce, Chris and I jumped into the Echo (or was it that wonderful upgraded Jeep?) and I recall many moments of genuine laughter as we drove home. All I can say is “crocheted hats” and “Kissyfur”.

I spent the night at Joyce’s. My own room — I can’t say I missed that mattress on the floor at Cyndi’s! Saturday morning, I dropped Cyndi off at her house so she could work on final edits with Pamela Jo, the other writer/producer. When Pam arrived at Cyndi’s, it was a Pam I’d never seen before. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. I think that’s what she looks like when she’s nervous! I did get to hear her laugh before I left to visit my mom and dad, so I knew she’d be alright. After visiting my parents, Joyce met me at the Flea Market. She had never been there before - I couldn’t believe it. She had never been to one of my “Phoenix Top Five”.

It’s Showtime … we all know how Cyndi’s clock works … way different than the standard clock most of us use. However, the night of the premiere, our clocks were running the same! Imagine three women all getting cleaned up and ready for the red carpet in less than an hour – we did it! I was quite amused watching Joyce match her blacks and she was as nervous as Cyndi. I was totally excited. Howie (a.k.a. Alec) was still on Cyndi’s clock. He wasn’t quite as speedy as us, but he looked dang sharp! Cyndi, Joyce and I were the first to arrive at the theater (that’s a fact). We even beat Pam and her family! While they tended to details, I waited for my parents to arrive with their friends from Pleasant Valley so I could direct them to the theater. When my son Chris and his wife Sara arrived, we took our seats in the theater. Sitting there watching people fill the theater was a surreal experience. After a brief introduction on how the premiere would be similar to the format used at “Sundance” and “Tribeca” (I wondered how many people in the theater had been to either or both – I wasn’t one of them), the house lights went down and the film began.

I thoroughly enjoyed the documentary. I felt it was well researched (as evidenced by the gentleman who was quite impressed by the information Pam and Cyndi were able to find, when he himself, a relative has never been able to find). The music was great. I learned so much and I couldn’t help but wonder about this lifestyle I still don’t quite understand. At the conclusion of the documentary, questions were fielded from the audience. Pam and Cyndi received flowers from the Bowman family (very sweet gesture). I got to meet many of Cyndi’s friends. Some I met years ago, but hadn’t seen in quite some time, others it was the first time I was able to put a name to a face. What a great bunch of people! Immediately following the film, many audience members made their way to the “Coffee Rush” for refreshments and conversation. I was one of them, but I was famished (as was Gina). While dreaming of solid, life-sustaining food, I was entranced by the buzz of conversation around me. I think I may have looked dazed and confused for awhile. It was a proud moment for Cyndi. The crew was there. Several other people who had put time and energy into the project were in attendance, also. I was in awe watching them interact. They were all on the same page. I tried to be, but my mind was food deprived, so I babbled non-sensical things off and on (more on than off).

We closed-up Coffee Rush and made our way back to Joyce’s. Cyndi drove through Burger King, so I filled my belly with health food! We talked a lot about the documentary and how positive we felt about the final product and the audience reaction. The team effort paid off and Cyndi and Pam can feel quite proud of their project. I am so very proud of them as well.

It was a pleasure spending the evening with everyone and I enjoyed meeting them all.