Dear Mr. Tom Hanks: ‘You’ve Got Mail’

Written by Jordan Petteys, Photos by Leila Scott

Dear Mr. Tom Hanks,

I like to start my notes to you as if we’re already in the middle of a conversation.

So, there’s been a lot of talk about this year’s Film Fest honorees and it looks like you’re the big name in question. I seem to think that I can convince you, and well, as with anything, if you want to believe you can find reasons to, I’m going to give it my best shot.

Reason #1: Life is like a box of chocolates…

And mama always said, there’s nothing like Savannah! Ah, home (not so crap though!) home, right?

SCAD District Editor in Chief Jordan Petteys resides with a box of chocolates in the exact same place Tom Hanks filmed the opening scene of “Forrest Gump.” The movie will be screening Oct. 26 at the Lucas Theater in honor of the film’s 25th year anniversary. [Leila Scott/Scaddistrict.com]

Reason #2: WILSSSSOOOOOOOOONNNNN!

Listen, I’m just about as desperate as Chuck Noland was when he lost his volleyball. If this letter isn’t convincing enough, I’ll make my voice carry all the way from Savannah to Los Angeles (still might not be as loud as yours, though).

Reason #3: Run Forrest, RUN (down to SCAD’s screening of Forrest Gump for its 25th year anniversary)!

Since you won’t have to worry about escaping pickup trucks or bullies, and running from Santa Monica to Maine left you in pretty good shape, I think you’d arrive in Savannah just in time for Film Fest. “I guess sometimes the past just catches up with you, whether you want it to or not.” Think you’re ready to break out the old running shoes?

SCAD District Editor in Chief Jordan Petteys recreates scene from “Forrest Gump” where Forrest attempts to flee oncoming bullies, in the (kind of) same spot where the scene was filmed. [Leila Scott/Scaddistrict.com]

Reason #4: You make a million decisions that mean nothing, and then one day, you attend the SCAD Film Festival, and it changes your life.

Plus, Meg Ryan already came in 2015.

Reason #5: Try out the new Debi’s restaurant

Jenny’s diner got a makeover! But I can’t stand to watch you on her TV anymore while knowing you could be running down the red carpet. You know what it’s like to ask someone why they don’t love you, so don’t make us SCAD kids say the same thing. :/

Reason #6: Mr. Rogers, I’m here to interview you.

As Editor in Chief of SCAD’s online news publication, it would be my great pleasure to hear even a spoonful of insight into the career that’s shaped your personal character and left a lasting impact on millions. Take your own word for it, Tom: “There’s no greater joy than that seen through the eyes of a child, and there’s a little bit of a child in all of us.” Let’s be honest, I’m squealing about the chance to meet my favorite childhood actor, you’re squealing about the opportunity to instill passion, hope and resilience into upcoming artists, and we’re all squealing about the snake in our boots.

Hey, I don’t ask for much. I don’t ask to be rich, and I don’t ask to be famous and I don’t ask to play center field for the New York Yankees. I just ask for your presence at Film Fest this year.

Do you think we should meet?