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April 11, 2006
Film Up Front: Back Row Film Fest Kickoff at GPS
The Arts and Education Council’s 2005 Summer Film Series at the Hunter Museum was a rush job. The museum—complete with a brand new movie theatre—had just reopened after a massive expansion, and AEC (organizers of the Independent Film Series at the Bijou) hurried to expand their film offerings into the summer despite having little time to plan or attract sponsors. Once each month, AEC collaborated with the Hunter to show classic and independent films coupled with discussions with film historians and filmmakers, and preceded by short films from local filmmakers.
At the same time, organizers of the UTC-based Firefly Film Fest were mulling options for their next event. Their first event, held in the fall of 2004 at Club Fathom, featured a bevy of local, regional and national short films, but was hampered by similar time and money issues. And just as plans for a Firefly follow-up were being solidified, organizers from both sides met to brainstorm an idea for a brand new festival. In November of last year, the idea for the Back Row Film Series emerged.
“After we met with [the organizers of Firefly],” says Hunter Curator of Education and Back Row co-chair Adera Causey, “we all realized that we could join together to create one large partnership of film programs for a much stronger, large-scale offering that could have an even greater impact citywide.”
AEC board member and Back Row organizer Maury Nicely says that the Back Row series will be more of an “event” than its predecessors and he hopes that it can turn into a “marquee event” for the city.
“This year, we wanted to shift the focus of the series to bring in unique and interesting films which might not be otherwise available to Chattanooga filmgoers,” says Nicely. “At the same time, we continue to couple these films with additional presentations, including speakers, musical performances, and so forth, to enhance the viewers’ experience of the films.”
Incorporated into the museum’s Thursday night “Hunter Happens” schedule, the six-event Back Row series is a “celebration of film” that runs through September (see schedule below), offering an eclectic mix, from the edgy, Spike Lee-produced documentary Confederate States of America to music- and food-related film events to a panel discussion about the film Deliverance. A night devoted to local and regional short films kicks off the series at the GPS Evans Auditorium on April 15.
Causey is excited about the opportunities Back Row provides for up-and-coming filmmakers.
“This is a great venue for (local filmmakers) both to see and be inspired by professional films, to meet nationally known filmmakers and scholars, to be inspired and mentored by them and, of course, to showcase their own films to the local community in a prestigious forum.”
Featured at the series opener will be Suburban Tumbleweed, a slick and hilarious short about a 12-year-old zombie hunter, directed by Nashville filmmaker Seth Worley. Worley will be on hand to discuss the film. Members of the bands Actress, Gold and the Kissfits will be performing their original score to a silent film and a handful of other shorts and music videos will also be featured, including Jim Burer’s Krusty, Corey Critser’s Plague of Ticks and a few short films by Asher Mendonsa, the St. Elmo teen who was paralyzed after falling while shooting a film last year at Parkway Towers. The Hadrienne Kathleen Mendonsa Young Filmmaker’s Award—named in honor of Asher’s sister who passed away in November of last year after an automobile accident—will be given out in honor of, as Causey says, the Mendonsa’s “commitment to the film community.” A short film competition will take place for the duration of the series with winners in each category being screened on each film night.
In addition to submissions from UTC’s documentary production class, the series will also feature other local filmmakers’ works each week, including films made by Chris Willis’ video production students at UTC and the high school students who attended his workshops at the Hunter earlier this year. Willis, who served as a faculty advisor for Firefly and now serves as co-chair of Back Row, says events like Back Row are crucial to the development of a true local film scene.
“Local filmmakers are kind of challenged by what this city’s got to offer in terms of venues for showing their stuff and people to support them,” he says. “So, unless we get something rolling here, people are going to keep leaving (for bigger cities) to do this kind of work. We really need to create a scene here for people to get plugged into. Otherwise, they’re out of here. My goal is to build something that lasts here in Chattanooga; something that’s bigger than what we can do on our own, that’s citywide and hopefully has some longevity to it. AEC has helped with that.”
Other Events at the 2006 Back Row Film Series
All events take place at the Hunter Museum unless otherwise noted.
Visit BackRowFilms.com for ticket prices and additional information.
The Confederate States of America
May 4 @ 5:30 p.m.
The only Chattanooga screening of this edgy, Spike Lee-produced documentary created by filmmaker Kevin Willmott that has been opening to standing-room-only crowds around the country. Special guest Willmott will talk about the creation of and subsequent responses to the film. The local film winner of the ‘best short documentary’ category will be presented.
Shakespeare Was a Big George Jones Fan: “Cowboy” Jack Clement's Home Movies
June 1 @ 5:30 p.m.
In addition to the screening of this popular and rare music documentary, there will be a discussion and music from Jack Clement. The local film winner for the ‘best music video’ category will be presented.
One Road
July 6 @ 5:30 p.m.
The world premiere of the film that chronicles the making of Chattanooga's Passage, a piece of public art commemorating the start of the trail of tears. Hear words from the filmmakers and Cherokee artist Bill Glass and experience the haunting drum ensemble music, composed by Jonathan McNair, who will present the work along with Dr. Monte Coulter and the UTC Drum Ensemble. The local film winner from the ‘best short drama’ category will be presented.
Hot Films and Hot Food, Like Water for Chocolate
August 3 @ 5:30 p.m.
A feast for the mouth and eyes with Like Water for Chocolate and Mexican food and chocolates catered by Events with Taste. The local film winner from the ‘best short comedy’ category will be presented.
Mythic Appalachia: Deliverance and the Southern Stereotype
September 15 @ 7 p.m.
UTC Fine Arts Center
The evening will feature a panel discussion on the making of the film Deliverance, as well as the film's role in perpetuating stereotypes about the Southern Appalachians. The panel will include Christopher Dickey (son of author James Dickey and author of Summer of Deliverance), John Lane (author of Chattooga: Descending Into the Myth of Deliverance River) and Payson Kennedy (founder of the Nantahala Outdoor Center and stunt double for Ned Beatty during the filming of the movie).
Events | By colrus | 04:03 PM
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