Spring Break
Spotlight to showcase, highlight local filmmaking talents
CHELSEA COOK
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Out & About
Plot summary: A local rock star hosts a fundraiser in his hometown that not only raises money for a beneficial organization but gives an opportunity to other local artists. The evening starts off well and several people come out to give their support. But then, a casserole bake-off ensues, a murder detective gets followed by an uprising of zombies, and two pink elephants read everyone's minds. Sound a little over the top?
Well it's a true story, and it's happening tonight at Cine.
A NIGHT
Presented by Spotlight and Cine
When: Today at 4, 7 and 9:30
Where: Ciné
(234 W. Hancock St.)
Cost: $5
Tonight, in partnership with The Spotlight Foundation, the theater will host a showcase of seven short films all produced and shot by local filmmakers.
"This is something that Cine has wanted to do since its opening a year ago," said public relations director, Kamala Lyons. "Spotlight came to us and wanted to focus on the local scene, since it's a local organization, and we thought, what would be a better opportunity than this one?"
The Spotlight Foundation was started by Blue Flashing Light front man Ian Schwarber and is a local chapter of the Red Cross.
"Too many people are skeptical of fundraisers, and this is a way for people to see their community impacted immediately," Schwarber said. "There are all different avenues of local creativity rising up together for a cause that everyone might someday need."
But the need for platelets and hemoglobin isn't the only need that this event is fulfilling.
"There are tons of music venues in Athens, but there aren't a lot of outlets for the emerging film scene," Lyons said.
Heather Comeau, a 2002 University alumna and local film director, has experienced this problem firsthand.
"We have had to shoot in L.A. because we couldn't get people here that we needed," she said. Comeau has two films in the showcase - "The Pink Elephant" which is a comedy about an interracial couple's engagement party, and "Bake Off," which actually will be a trailer for a full length comedy to be filmed later.
Well it's a true story, and it's happening tonight at Cine.
A NIGHT
OF LOCAL FILMS
Presented by Spotlight and CineWhen: Today at 4, 7 and 9:30
Where: Ciné
(234 W. Hancock St.)
Cost: $5
Tonight, in partnership with The Spotlight Foundation, the theater will host a showcase of seven short films all produced and shot by local filmmakers.
"This is something that Cine has wanted to do since its opening a year ago," said public relations director, Kamala Lyons. "Spotlight came to us and wanted to focus on the local scene, since it's a local organization, and we thought, what would be a better opportunity than this one?"
The Spotlight Foundation was started by Blue Flashing Light front man Ian Schwarber and is a local chapter of the Red Cross.
"Too many people are skeptical of fundraisers, and this is a way for people to see their community impacted immediately," Schwarber said. "There are all different avenues of local creativity rising up together for a cause that everyone might someday need."
But the need for platelets and hemoglobin isn't the only need that this event is fulfilling.
"There are tons of music venues in Athens, but there aren't a lot of outlets for the emerging film scene," Lyons said.
Heather Comeau, a 2002 University alumna and local film director, has experienced this problem firsthand.
"We have had to shoot in L.A. because we couldn't get people here that we needed," she said. Comeau has two films in the showcase - "The Pink Elephant" which is a comedy about an interracial couple's engagement party, and "Bake Off," which actually will be a trailer for a full length comedy to be filmed later.
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