I am amazed by the work you do and by the power of your medium. Grassroots creative collaboratives like yours are the building blocks of vibrant cities. Every city has a distinctive soul. But local film is one of the most important means by which communities express their uniqueness. It is a dynamic and innovative way of telling our stories, as places and as people. Innovation is not a nice to have. It is, in fact, the engine of differentiation for a city. Your work, your art, helps drive that engine. Thank you for being here, and congratulations to all.

– Michael Smith