I drove down to San Pedro for the final night of the San Pedro International Film Festival (for those outside LA, it’s the port for Los Angeles right next to Long Beach, but is only connected to the rest of LA by a narrow corridor so that it feels very much like a different city). The San Pedro downtown can be desolate in some areas but there’s an arts / restaurant revitalization in a few blocks, which is where Collage: a Place for Art and Culture is located and the place for the closing night party and awards.
“Don’t Eat Paper!” remained only a nominee but I did take part in a presentation with the winning screenwriter about our respective screenplays. An unexpected lively Q&A followed where I was asked quite a few questions and even asked for advice for the beginning screenwriter. (I actually could give her some practical advice as I’ve been doing this a while, but it was the first time I’ve ever been asked that question.) I also got to drink some Croatian wine (a sponsor of the festival)… haven’t had Croatian wine since 1987 when I took a vacation there. Next to Collage was a beautiful Art Deco former Montgomery Ward department store from 1930, which has been put to re-use.
Starting from late 2023 to this date, the script has placed in 23 competitions. Below are just some of the certificates and laurels (not pictured Final Draft Big Break Semi-Finalist):
This play is based on my own original historical research from primary sources, e.g. newspaper accounts, marriage, court and census records – of a now forgotten African-American welter weight boxing champion – Cecil Lewis Thompson, professionally known as Young Jack Thompson – who was born and died young in Los Angeles. As he actually came to maturity in Oakland and San Francisco, he was initially lauded as “The Frisco Flash”, but soon the realities of being a black boxer in a world of white promoters, gangsters and gamblers took its toll. Young Jack’s story closely intersected with both a real life Jewish and an Irish boxer who also ended up champs in the same era. Despite it all, Young Jack won his crown twice, so he had a way of coming back after adversity. The genre is heightened realism mixed with surrealism and utilizing especially the devices of the Erwin Piscator and Bertolt Brecht’s Epic Theatre.
The film has been placed in the Romantic Comedy category. (Additionally, my screenplay “Don’t Eat Paper!” is also a Finalist but in the Comedy category.)
Here’s some recent feedback I’ve received on my screenplay “LIMPING TOWARDS BABYLON”:
Slamdance Screenplay Competition short feedback: “The script has really clever dialogue, and the relationships between these characters are incredibly well-thought-out and dimensional.
ScreenCraft Feature Competition short coverage:“One of the things that really elevates “Limping Towards Babylon” is the layering of the characterization. The group all have distinct motivations and each acts with consistent agency. These are all smart and highly educated characters and yet we also see their more lizard brain impulses that sit below the surface. The contrast between what is verbalised and the subtext beneath it lends the character dynamics a great tension that sustains reader interest across the narrative.”
The Golden Script Competition Coverage“The beginning of the story hooks you right in with a strong setup, introducing Marcus and Thomas right off the bat. It hints at their comedic tone through their dialogue and actions, making it easy for audiences to relate to them. As the plot unfolds, it skillfully delves into their individual journeys, blending their career ambitions with personal obstacles. The screenplay is packed with vibrant character dynamics and hilarious exchanges. It really captures the essence of living together, highlighting all the quirks and complexities that come with it. Each housemate, from Marcus and Thomas to E and Adam, brings something unique to the table, drawing audiences in with a blend of novelty and familiarity. Following their lives, from initial interviews to everyday interactions in shared spaces, adds layers to the story and keeps viewers hooked. It’s like reliving those college days in a whole new light….”
I revised “Limping Towards Babylon.” Because, I never made a concerted effort to submit to Screenplay competitions when I first finished script, I have been sending it off in a parallel effort to my “Don’t Eat Paper!” submissions:
– 2024 – Semi-Finalist – 29th Annual Fade In Awards Drama Competition
– 2024 – Semi-Finalist – Dallas International Film Festival’s Screenwriting CompetitionAbove, a story board of the opening scene provided by Dallas International Film Festival – an excellent drawing though it’s missing one character who is in the scene
– 2024 – Semi-Finalist – Ojai Film Festival’s Screenplay Competition
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the play reading.
Synopsis: It is just after World War 2, and Sian and her husband Joe love each other, but each has been changed by their wartime experiences. For Sian, working in an aircraft factory was the beginning of an evolution of consciousness. At first, however, she can only act on her feelings for her tempting next-door neighbor, Katrina, in a filmnoir fantasy where Sian is the detective and Katrina is the femme fatale. Meanwhile Joe struggles with both PTSD and survivor guilt. Sian eventually finds the courage to accept her sexuality and risk everything in real life.
Starring (in order of appearance): Demitra Sealy, Gabriella Biziou, Adam J. Smith, Marieve Herington, Cutty Cuthbert, Debralee Daco, Annika Marks and Ingrid Walters
About the Playwright: Julius Galacki is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, NYU’s Gallatin School of Interdisciplinary Studies and the Yale School of Drama – Playwriting dept. His monologues have been published by Smith & Kraus. His plays have been read or produced Off Off Broadway in NYC, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Connecticut, South Carolina and Hawaii.