My experience with Lonely Seals and organizers Hammad Zaidi and Jonathan Nadeau was nothing short of life-altering. Not only was I honored to receive an honorable mention award for short films (my first writing/production of one); but the two organizers were so generous with their time and attention to my film. Hammad gave a 3-hour master class in production, funding, distribution, and marketing of films which greatly re-focused my energies and strategy for moving forward to produce a full-length feature. He has continued to stay in contact and I will be participating in his traveling show. I feel I have gained a mentor, partner, and friend in Hameed who is sincerely interested in fostering new and diverse voices. I have attended 7 festivals this year with my film, and this was head and heels above the rest in terms of personal interactions, networking, education, and empowerment. I’m already planning my 2020 submission! –David Lally, writer/producer Dream House