In early December of 2005, a couple guys I’d never met before traveled from New York City to Washington, DC for a chat. They were Josh Koury and Gerald Lewis. Together, along with Myles Kane & Gaia Cornwall (two more people I’d never met), they were working on a documentary film project known as “We Are Wizards”, and I was lucky enough to receive the honor of being included in their spectacular film.

‘We Are Wizards’, as I’m sure you might have guessed, is about the world of Harry Potter. But this isn’t just any ordinary Harry Potter film. With great love, care, and creativity, the creators of ‘We Are Wizards’ have gone to great lengths to explore the creative subculture of Harry Potter fandom and bring to light some of the movers and shakers who have helped to create, define, and expand this unique world that connects fans of all ages, races, and nationalities.

    The film follows specific individuals who have in some way contributed to this subculture, crafting their own specific and beautiful footprints to enrich this generation’s consciousness. These people have taken the inspiration of the written word and expounded upon it, to such lengths that their creative genius is truly astounding and inspiring in their own right.

Where some might laugh at the catalyst that brought about the varied work of all the fans that make up this film, these film makers have completely embraced both our work and our own selves. The love they have infused into this project is so readily apparent in everything they have done to make this film a reality. They’ve invested their own money, so much of their time, and a good portion of their hearts. Not only is it a profound honor to have my life’s work featured in this film, it has been an honor to have met them, and to now call them my friends.

    I’ve had quite a bit of experience dealing with other film makers, producers, and the like. So many play nice in the beginning, up until they get what they want and then disappear. Not Josh, Gerald, Myles, and Gaia. Last year when my health started to decline, as soon as they heard about what was happening, they took time out of their busy schedules to show how much they cared. I received this fantastic care package out of the blue one day, and it was filled with all sorts of wonderful goodies, picked out by each one of them. I knew right then just how important this project was to them, how much they cared about what they were doing, and how much they genuinely loved everyone involved. I am fascinated to see how that love has translated on film, to see their devotion and consideration for the subjects in the finished work. I can’t wait to see it, and I have no doubt that the film will be just as spectacular as those who made it.

I am so very proud to say that ‘We Are Wizards’ has been named an official selection of the 2008 South By South West Film Festival. The world premiere of the film will be held during the festival in Austin, Texas this March. As soon as I hear from Josh when exactly during the festival the film will be screened, I’ll be sure to post the information here. It’ll be some time during SXSW’s run from March 6 to 11. Needless to say, this is massive – SXSW is a highly respected occasion attended by countless people from so many industries. This could mean so much for the film’s future and it’s extremely exciting.

    I’m not sure, given my current medical situation, if I’ll be able to attend the screening. But I can guarantee that I would give anything to be there to show support for Josh, Gerald, Myles, Gaia, and all of the other inspirational subjects of this film. I’m going to do absolutely everything I can to make it to Austin, and I hope you will too. I know a lot of people who read this blog regularly go to SXSW; it would be an honor if you’d take some time out while you’re there to check out the film and show your support. The exposure this festival could provide would mean the world to everyone who made it and could bring about even more opportunities for screenings, festival nominations, and – fingers crossed – perhaps even a theatrical release.

    I can’t even begin to tell Josh, Gerald, Myles, and Gaia how much this project has meant to me. I feel so lucky and so blessed to have been included. It’s impossible to describe the feeling when you know your work has had such a positive impact on the world. But it’s a million times better to know that you’re remembered, that your work is valued, and that it helped to create an environment of fearless creativity. When I first started the Daily Prophet when I was barely 14, I never imagined what it would turn into. I never imagined that I would be living proof of something I’d always believed in with my whole heart – one person really can change the world for the better. But when you get all of those singular people together, working toward a common goal of creative expression, there’s no doubt that what they create will redefine a generation. It’s the honor of a lifetime to be chosen to be included in that group and it is truly humbling.

    I can’t wait to see this film, I can’t wait to see all of the wondrous things that Harry Potter fans have created, and I can’t wait to see all of you in Austin.