MSPIFF Sneak Preview

Cast and crew (left to right, Adi Danciu, Ted Ludwig, Melissa Koch, Roy Koch, Dawn Mikkelson and Mike Klemm) of the Red Tail at the
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival 2009.
Photo by Peter Lee.

I had such a wonderful time Thursday evening. It couldn't have been more perfect. It was an unusually warm day, even for late April, here in Minnesota. Not too warm, mind you, just a glorious day, a day we have been anticipating for a while. Roy and I headed over to the theater area almost three hours before curtain call, just to be on the "safe side"! No fuss, no muss - we ate at Kramarczuk's, in their cafeteria style cafe, and then took the short drive over to St. Anthony Main. We cruised past the restaurants and movie theater, with everyone out and about - eating on the patios, and strolling down the path by the sparkling in the sunlight, but flowing fairly high and fast Mississippi River. Finally, we parked and walked back down to the main promenade. We had no sooner arrived, than Melissa called out to us, from the restaurant next door, and in we went to have a cup of coffee, while we waited for people to start gathering. I went out and sat on a wooden bench with my sunglasses on, and the wind swooshing through my hair, while I watched for a few friends to arrive. Many good friends, AMFA guys and their wives, and of course, others unknown were there. Our excitement grew and my nervousness began to vanish amidst all the sincere greetings and well wishes. Next, we are inside and seated a few rows back from the screen, while everyone waits - not sure for what - but I think it might be to make sure everyone who had tickets got in. And then the film begins, and even though I had seen a few segments over the course of the making and editing of the film, I had yet to see any of the final version, so I was greatly anticipating this moment. Even though I know the story and have been there for much of the filming, and a little bit of the editing - even though I have lived this story, it holds my interest and moves me on. My reaction is - this is really good - no - it's great! Having Mike and Ted in good chunks of the movie really added a great deal to the story. Dawn and Melissa, along with those who were also a big part of the creative process, have done it! Wow! Bravo!! It was just plain marvelous to be with the "hometown" crowd and stand up and clap and cheer for them. Roy is having a great time and so proud of Melissa, as I am too, and also of Roy. Dawn's parents are thrilled as well. And from the sounds of it, the film may sprout wings and help rouse a stirring giant - which is most of us. That would be the ultimate success. The prospects are so exciting. As a friend of mine said yesterday, "Oh, I think we need all the documentation we can get!" How true. Melissa and Dawn have earned their kudos and they should take a bow. Afterwards, we drifted out of the theater and into the warm and pleasant night, where professional photos were being taken. These went on at such length that it began to feel like we were at an "after wedding" photorama. I stood on the walk in front of the marquee' and watched as one by one, Melissa's "biker' friends rode by while I chatted with others. Eventually, we arrive at the Red Stag and join a number of the audience busy eating and drinking and having a good time. It was super fun to hang out there awhile and talk with individuals known and unknown, - such neat people, with very interesting things to say. It was a privilege to have an opportunity to her what they had to say. I would like to thank all who came to the sneak preview of the Red Tail, and helped it set sail, to distant places, and the many who have generously supported the creation of the Red Tail. The only thing that could have made the evening even better, would have been to have our daughter Sara there as well, but she was there in spirit - keeping in close touch before and after. Well, thank you again, one and all, for your good vibes, enthusiasm and everything you have done to help bring the Red Tail to life, and may it have a long one. I also want to offer my gratitude to Melissa and Dawn for having the vision and dedication to begin and finish the Red Tail.

-Suzan Koch

The Kochs (from left to right, Melissa, Suzan, Roy and Sara) in Hong Kong. August 2007.

I wanted to write my first blog in anticipation of the first public screening of The Red Tail this week at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (Thursday, April 23rd @ 7:00 p.m.). Although I won't be there to witness the hometown reaction to the film, I can only imagine that folks will feel like their story is finally begin told. Our family's journey is one that so many families can relate to at the moment. The trouble at Northwest Airlines (bankruptcy, strike) began in 2005, but it was only one of the cracks in the foundation of the middle class. Now communities all across America and the world are feeling the same pain that we felt. Loosing jobs, health care, retirement, everything you worked for for so many years is devastating. The Red Tail, shows that reality, but it also shows how families and friends get through it. I hope that some of the helplessness and insecurity that people feel from the destructive aspects of global economics can be counteracted by the support and stability of their families.

So all you folks in the Twin Cities go see a sneak preview of The Red Tail on Thursday and bring your friends and family.