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Dear Mr. Nygard & Ms. Crosby:
Thank you for crafting such a wonderful film about STAR TREK fandom. I saw the film with two long-time fellow fans last Friday night, and it was like time travel. We felt instantly transported back to that local Indianapolis library that hosted our STAR TREK club meetings back in 1974. In the first few minutes of "TREKKIES," I realized that it had indeed been a quarter century since those gatherings.
Since then, we've been to some of the best conventions, talked with our favorite stars, and even helped Gene Roddenberry celebrate his STAR on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Like you, we've also been to Shatner's charity horse shows. STAR TREK itself has gone from late-night rerun to Paramount's crown jewel cash cow.
We laughed heartily with the Klingons who descended upon McDonald's and the dental hygienist threatened with a pink slip if she didn't don the uniform of Star Base Dental. I remember being a teenager like Gabriel, engaged in a hobby that continues to teach that everyone can play an important role in the future. What a wonderful message -- and one that echoes Christ's own work.
Now that I've seen "TREKKIES," I understand more about Whitewater's uniform-wearing juror. I was touched by Jimmy Doohan's revelations about a suicidal Indianapolis woman who was gently encouraged by the actor to keep on living life.
"TREKKIES" wraps up the best of STAR TREK fandom in a powerful package. It reminds us that there are people in every walk of life who take their passions far too seriously. But there's a difference between most STAR TREK fans and the ravenous fans of professional basketball or football -- a human element of compassion that cares as much for the little guy as it does for the series stars.
You've got a big hit with "TREKKIES," and I would encourage you to keep screening it for broader distribution. I hope that fans all over the country (and world) will get a chance to laugh along. It would make a great special on TV -- and I can't wait to own it on home video.
And if you're worried about offending fans -- don't be. "TREKKIES" is just the sort of antidote we need for a world that's already far too serious!
Sincerely,
David Arland
david.arland@gte.net