I wasn't able to make it to the final award ceremonies at Seacoast Rep tonight, but I've just been handed an (electronic) envelope containing the names of all the winners.

Breaking news/ This just in: One of the standout New Hampshire films from Thursday night’s screenings has been given a second life today at NHFX.

Bob Meyer, left, writer/director of "Drunkboat," along with the film's executive producer, "Chase Bailey," answer questions from the audience last night at The Music Hall.

I truly expected to see more people at The Music Hall last night for the premier of “Drunkboat,” a “work in progress” film starring John Malkovich and John Goodman.

It's a big night at The Music Hall tonight with arguably three of the festival's most anticipated films being shown back to back: "Drunkboat," (starring John Malkovich and John Goodman, not the frat boys and party girls pictured above) "The Shovel" and "You Are Alone." Grab a slice or two at Joe's NY Pizza and get on down for what will surely be a packed house. I predict there will be balcony seating available tonight.

I’m a guy who likes to take chances — at least when it comes to movies.

Like a lot of you, I’m sure, I missed out on a lot of films I wanted to see today because I had to work. That’s why I’d love to hear what anyone who saw “Crude Impact” thought about the documentary directed and narrated by James Woods about the oil industry. Anyone else see “Darfur Diaries,” a documentary about some of the atrocities in Sudan, and care to shed some light with a review, or even just some random thoughts?

I had the pleasure of meeting Marilyn Svihovec, wife of animated filmmaker Bob Svihovec, at The Music Hall on Thursday night. Bob’s off in Australia so Marilyn’s attending NHFX in his place — to hobnob and pitch for “Little Blue,” Bob’s film that will be screened during the Family Block on Sunday morning at the Sheraton. The one-hour block runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the amphitheatre.

Just back now from watching nearly four hours of films made by artists based in the Granite State and I have some mighty good things to report. While the show got off to a rather sketchy start, it picked up speed — and quality — as the night went on. The much anticipated intro from the New Hampshire Film Office resurrecting a 1985 promo for filming in the state that was narrated by none other than "Citizen Kane" himself, one Mr. Orson Welles, was a total flop.

I'm sorry, but whoever was in charge of test-running the equipment should be sacked for the fact that the audience couldn't even hear two-thirds of the big man's words. (Sure, sure, easy for me to say, I know.) Unfortunately the one-third of Orson's narration that was audible was, quite frankly, a snooze. That thing should have sounded as good as Leornard Nimoy does at the Museum of Science.

Stars and presenters at the Oscars and Emmys get treated like celebrity royalty at backstage parties where “Swag” bags (Stuff We All Get according to www.urbandictionary.com); make the “special” people feel even "more special.” We’re talking high-end Souvenirs Wearables And Gifts (second definition) such as Rolex watches, designer jewelry and the latest in unnecessary high-tech gadgets. Not so at NHFX. Our stoolie on the inside (Grand Juror Gina Carbone/ Spotlight magazine film critic) just picked up her “official” Swag Bag. We’re rolling out the contents right here for all to see.

So who am I and what qualifies me to cover an event like the sixth annual New Hampshire Film Expo? That’s a question some filmmakers, actors, directors, producers and general readers of this blog might want an answer to. So, let’s get this out of the way right now. The answer, quite honestly is — nothing.

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 12, features editor Michael Keating will be writing a daily blog, NHFX Action, complete with interactive reports, photos, sound and video.