I remember the first words Michael Hein ever spoke to me as I arrived to claim my filmmaker badge, “Oh, you’re a girl. I always thought you were a guy.” It was the first time we’d made the New York City Horror Film Festival’s selective cut with our short film RAVEN GETS A LIFE and it felt like a true rite of passage being there. No more was ever said of my gender. Michael praised our film and made sure I felt welcome. He was the consummate host and drew the most wonderful crowds to his impressive event.
There was such an amazing energy at Michael’s fest – New York hip, intellectual, yet fun and welcoming, not pretentious at all. It was a celebration of horror and art, discussion and drink, New York at its finest. I cannot believe that the FB rumors are true. Has Michael left us? It’s a daunting age where somebody’s FB post informs you an old friend has died.
Michael e–mailed me just last week. He informed me DOLORES had arrived and he was glad we were back with a new project. He’s been such a strong supporter of our films. His intro to DEATH IN CHARGE (and me) 2 years ago was one of the most moving of my festival experiences. He was the best kind of artist – the generous kind, those who constantly put their art out into the world, and who all the while encourage and support others for the sheer love of it. His passion and enthusiasm were contagious. He was a macho rock ‘n roll muse (in the best sense of all those words.)
Am I really referring to him in the past tense? How I hope this is all some tasteless FB hoax and Michael will find this from a Google alert, read this and realize, yes, in fact I am a total girl after all - tearing up over somebody’s sick prank. But that’s denial speaking, I fear. This girl is simply not ready to say goodbye. We’ve barely had time to say hello.
Michael, you are a scholar, a gentleman, an artist, and somebody who knows how to really live. Thanks for reminding me how at a time I really needed it. Your fest and the friends and memories I’ve made there will last me a lifetime. Your belief in me ahead of so many others was an important turning point in my work and my life. You will be terribly missed, but your legend lives on in indie horror filmmakers, among others, everywhere. I shall forever envision you leading us all in the delightfully raucous chant, “Let the Bodies Hit the Floor.“ You made horror the most fun ever. Thank You!