Melinda Raebyne Films

Nice, France. - Streets of Nice. 🇫🇷

Cannes, France.

Don’t Be Afraid To Fail: There’s something magical that happens when someone believes in you.

On social media we share our wins, giving an illusion that that’s all that’s worth celebrating. But without our tries that didn’t workout we may not have been able to cultivate the motivation for success or know the true taste of success. The one that quenches our pallet of tears, exhaustion and self doubt.

In 2025 I was heading to the Cannes Film Festival for the first time with a dear friend and director. I was so excited and looking forward to it. But a month prior to the festival she had to cancel. Feeling uncertain and nervous about going, I decide I would still go. Needless to say it didn’t go as I had hope. The festival was on a whole different level than I had experienced before. I felt so small in a land of giants, question if I should even be there and myself worth. On top of it I got COVID. 😩

I told myself I didn’t want to experience that again. So in 2026… I WENT AGAIN! 😂 But this time I took what I learn from 2025 AND Pilar to ensure a better experience. Off I went to Cannes feeling more prepared and confident. Pilar was by my side taking notes, researching, humoring me with a laugh when I made a joke (or tried to) but most importantly being my biggest cheerleader. AND we met so many amazing people who are doing phenomenal things in the world, which provided fuel for my soul to keep going.

Mr. Rodger said when he was a little boy and when he would see scary things on the news, his mom would say, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” - Thank you, Pilar, for being one of those people in my life. 🥰🩷

So VERY Grateful to have had the opportunity to be on CityLine Channel 12 talking about my work as a director. The roots of my film work are strong and the soil that nourishes it comes from the love and support of my community. Thank you TV Tacoma🩷