I never got the
chance to meet Kobe Bryant , but I did have the opportunity to see him at an
animation awards show for his film, “Dear Basketball,” which won an Oscar for
best animated short in 2018.
I watched this
kid grow up on television and we both came to Los Angeles the same year, 1996.
He always wanted to be one of the greatest basketball players that ever lived,
even better than Michael Jordan. And after 20 years with the the Lakers, five
NBA Championships, two MVP Awards and two Olympic gold medals, he did just
that.
I
always had the upmost respect for Kobe as a basketball player, even though I
would sometimes root against him. I really appreciated his "Mamba
Mentality", as he liked to call it. His incredible work ethic pushed him
to be even better than anyone ever thought he could be.
The
tragedy that happened to him, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other
people on that fateful helicopter flight is unimaginable. Our hearts and
prayers truly go out to their families.
And
although Los Angeles is feeling the pain and grief, I would like to take a
moment to reflect on one aspect of his life which I had the privilege to be a
part of.
My
animated short film, “Watchcat,” was selected to be a part of the animation
festival which meant competing against “Dear Basketball.” I had the opportunity
to meet the film's director, legendary animator Glen Keane, at the premiere and
it was all so truly amazing! In Kobe’s own words, "It’s a love
letter to basketball," a poem on his love of a sport that, even as a
child, he believed he could be a part of. The animation was amazing and the
music by John Williams was nothing less than spectacular. It was deep,
personal and moving.
I
would like to share this short gem in remembrance of Kobe and Gianna Bryant,
and the rest of the people on that helicopter.
RIP
Black Mamba
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