The Filmscape Reverie

A Love Letter to This Community of Artists and Dreamers, and What I’ve Learned So Far as a Creative

By: Maria Cieslarczyk

Shout-out to Lexie and Aine for this gorgeous sign of my magazine. I keep it in my office, and it is one of my most dearly treasured gifts.

Wow! The show really does go on…whether you want it to or not.

It has been such a tumultuous year…so much so that I am only now realizing that with the ending of June, a full year has come and gone and it’s time to celebrate my magazine’s birthday.

The Filmscape Reverie has been a mosaic of mayhem and mystical musings; a safe haven for secret thoughts, appreciations, and critiques spoken aloud; and an artistic outlet for my film and literature-obsessed self.

Not only have I grown so much as an imperfect, optimistic soul experiencing life for the first time on this earth…I have also grown as a writer. Which has always been many things to me. My biggest dream. My first love. My reflection of my spirit as I tell stories and try to figure out my messy brain and tumbling thoughts.

Apart from my magazine, I also published my first poetry book “Constellations of the Damned” four months ago and began a #BookTok account to connect with other writers and readers on social media. I attended the LA Times Festival of Books in California, explored many museums with loved ones around the country, and traveled to new places as much as I could. I’ve been crossing books off my TBR and try to watch new films when I can…all while honing in on my professional skills and working a full-time career.

You see, art is a passion but it is also a discipline.

I knew I wanted to create a magazine where I could continue my collegiate and professional article writing, with a concentration on cinematic art that interested me. It was my mission to create thought-provoking and good-humored pieces that allowed my lovely readers (new and old!) to re-frame their thinking and fall in love with different films and books.

It was especially refreshing to explore international films. To compare and contrast the themes, cultural components, and camera and script-work was rewarding for an Asian-American woman working in the media and entertainment industry.

Art is meant to be shared…and every piece of encouragement and support I received over this past year has been kinder than I could ever have imagined.

That being said, life does not stop for anybody. I experienced many personal firsts this past year that have both electrified and almost destroyed me. Something I sought to do was to keep writing; to keep dedicating the time to brainstorm, scribble, pen my thoughts onto paper, and finally edit and publish my pieces…at least once a month, if not more.

It is humbling to acknowledge that even though you love something so tenderly, that there can be unfathomable obstacles that may stand in your way.

As I look back on this year of my magazine’s existence, I find myself emotional as I reflect on all the new art I found that resonated deeply with me, and helped me experience new emotions, opinions, and even expanded my worldviews. With everything going on, it is crucial to seek connections and remain open-minded to the beauty and complexity of this great world.

You are not alone; we are not alone; and these articles are proof of it.

This one year anniversary would not be possible without all of YOU. Thank you for the continuous overwhelming love and support. I have more exciting and crazy creative projects in the works…and cannot wait to share with you all when the time is ready.

Cheers to another year together!

Love,

Maria