Charlotte is a town replete with meetings and events. Diverse. Engaging. Plentiful.

If you like meeting, you’ll find no shortage of them to attend. But, after a while, you need a barometer. Is this meeting worth my time? Should I be here? Tough to tell, but we’ve found a way.

When you hit the meeting, look around. If the event is cool and worthwhile, I’ll bet you a cookie from Suarez Bakery you’ll find Tre’ McGriff sitting there … adding to the vibe, ready with a smile, ready to dap and ready to share his love of film, along with his desire to make Charlotte a great place for everyone. After all, that’s how I got to know him.

Tre’ is the founder/director of the CineOdyssey Film Festival. He may be a native of Long Island, NY, who received his education in film from the Hollywood Film Institute and the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, but he’s pure Charlottean in our book. He’s put his intelligence and passion to the service of Charlotte’s creative community as a graduate of the Arts and Science Council Cultural Leadership Training Program, a social media ambassador for the African American Film Critics Association and former board chairman of the OnQ Performing Arts theater company.

Tre’ started the nonprofit event, CineOdyssey, to show the films he didn’t see highlighted in Charlotte — African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian and Native American diasporas. CineOdyssey provides training for aspiring filmmakers from underserved communities. In 2018,  QCMetro named CineOdyssey a “top cross-cultural events in Charlotte.” It has screened nearly 200 films since 2017 and earned a Cultural Vision Grant from the ASC in 2019. CineOdyssey’s name pays homage to the collage art piece “Black Odyssey“, by Romare Bearden, and “Cine” to denote the connection to cinema.

Tre’ is a busy — and talented — guy. So, of course, we squandered our time with him by asking him five ridiculous questions. (And, one to grow on.)

What’s a movie others say they hate, but you really, really love it.

“Head Of State” … seen it a hunned times. The premise of Chris Rock as the first Black president? […AND Bernie Mac as his running mate?] Whoever thought of this should be knighted.

If you could host an outdoor movie fest at ANY venue in Charlotte without worry about cost or weather (we’ll magically take care of that one)? Where would you go? Why?

The courtyard at Camp North End. Because if the weather suddenly turned foul, we can all make a mad dash to the event space inside.

Who has the best popcorn in Charlotte? (P.S. Do you have a Pro Tip on getting popcorn kernels out of your teeth?)

It’s Poppin in 7th Street Market. Biggest selection of flavors I’ve seen anywhere. That Blue Razzberry, tho’!

To get the kernels out of your teeth, it’s all about the swish with warm water for a minute or two. If that doesn’t work, call 911.

Give us an animated gif (or meme) you use when you’re ticked off.

And, one to grow on …

Let’s get in the DeLorean and go back in time! Which business that’s no longer open in Charlotte would you go to?

The late, great McDonald’s Cafeteria on Beatties Ford Rd. The peach cobbler would make you wanna slap your neighbors … TWICE.

We can’t bring McDonald’s back, but check out these photos of McDonald’s courtesy of the Charlotte Eats.