It was in university that I started watching movies often,
Tagging along with a friend who dreamed of becoming a film director.

At first, I just watched them for enjoyment.
But somewhere along the way, I started jotting things down in a notebook —
What my friend and I talked about,
Scenes and lines that stuck with me, profiles of directors and actors.

I'd mark my favourites with a star,
And sometimes scribble down some high-and-mighty comment,
Playing the critic.

It's something only I will ever read,
So I suppose I can cut myself some slack.

These days, I often watch movies through streaming services,
But watching them at the theater is really something else entirely.

With no distractions to pull my attention away,
It's a time spent in a pitch-dark room, facing nothing but the screen.
The sense of immersion is overwhelming, and it stirs something in me.

I want to hold on to that fresh feeling I get
When I discover a great film.

That's why I've made a rule: I only watch a movie once.

Instead, I carefully tuck away every memory
In this small notebook,
Along with the ticket stub from my pocket.

At certain times of the year, I reread the notebook
And hold my very own Academy Awards.
The fact that I fantasise about handing out Oscar statuettes —
Let's just keep that between us.