(Above photo from Film Freak Central)
(the bottom photo courtesy of my sister Cecile)
There were unexpected celebrity sightings at my naturalization ceremony on Friday the 3rd of August. I was hoping for Senator Hillary Clinton (whom I have seen at a fund-raising event to restore this theatre when she was still First Lady) but this film buff got something even better. John Sayles and his companion Maggie Renzi, both actors and Academy Award-nominated independent filmmakers, were the guest speakers. He wrote and directed "Eight Men Out", "Lone Star", and more recently, "Sunshine State". He gave a lovely speech about how immigrants shouldn't give in to pressure to assimilate, and instead, keep what they value the most from their culture. She gave an even better speech about how immigrants are in the best position to change the world, especially in these dangerous times. She mentioned a Filipino friend and how she saw first hand the arduous process of becoming a citizen. And yet qualified Americans fail to vote or participate in their governance. My sister insisted I should have my photo taken with them afterwards but I was too intimidated for some reason. At least I got to shake their hands at the receiving line. I wanted to say something about their wonderful speeches, but I always act like a moron in the presence of VIPs.
1 comments:
Oh, I didn't tell you. When you guys were on your way out, I hung around and talked to the two of them. Told them how splendid their speeches were. They were nice.
Post a Comment