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At the 2026 Show Low Film Festival, we walked away with a Top Ten Best in All Film Categories award for our short film Terminal, and a Best Script for a Medical Feature award for my screenplay Promise of Protection. Very exciting, for sure!
During the awards ceremony, festival administrators Martina and Dalea announced something called the Lighthouse Award. These were the words on the plaque:
Lighthouse Award
In recognition of your extraordinary talent and unwavering passion for film & script writing. Your creative vision inspires countless others, and your encouragement uplifts those around you. Thank you for being a beacon of innovation and influence in the world of cinema.
As Dalea read those beautiful words, I thought to myself that these sentiments were something admirable to aspire to. I mean, we all need cheerleaders and cohorts on our sides when we work on our projects. So much time, dedication, and sleepless nights go into making independent film.
If you are not in the industry, or aren't familiar with it, you’d never know about all the effort. Filmmakers want their stories to come to an audience in a cohesive, engaging, and uninterrupted way. The viewer shouldn’t have to worry about everything going on behind the scenes. I think half the fun is hiding all the work in order to make movie magic, as it is often called.
Back to the awards ceremony. It took a second to register when they called my name, along with one other recipient. What an honor and privilege to receive this Lighthouse recognition amongst so many other talented filmmakers! I always want and strive to encourage and inspire others, especially in our independent film community here in Arizona. Things are rarely easy.
Diane M. Dresback, 2026 Show Low Film Festival, Lighthouse Award Recipient
Thank you to the Show Low Film Festival for acknowledging me and providing a wonderful place to screen films, share screenplays, learn and grow, network, and make lifelong connections.
Yet, even outside the filmmaking space, we can all choose to be Lighthouses in our own circles of friends and family. Be encouraging, seek out the positive, and support people as they pursue their passions and goals. Make the world more peaceful through the light that shines from inside you. We all need those beams more often and shining brighter in our lives.
If you know others who would enjoy these thoughts, share this Blog with this easy link: Be A Lighthouse
Find easy links to other blog posts about my travels in the On the Move blog series: On the Move
You can stay up on the progress of my novel and filmmaking escapades, and receive a free short story prequel (INKLINGS) or free article (WRITING MY ADOPTION STORIES) by subscribing to my Newsletter.
Find details about my books at dianedresback.com and my filmmaking at mindclover.com.
