I realize we’re all busy this time of the semester. Papers, presentations, tests, etc. — true academic bliss. But are we so busy that we can’t support the first annual Truman State University Film Festival April 27? I think not (in the voice of Dash’s teacher from “The Incredibles”)!
For years I’ve wanted more film options in Kirksville. Downtown Cinema 8, while practically my home, rarely shows risky, avant-garde cinema. “Avengers” and “Transformers” will always reign supreme at that multiplex. What about documentaries? Lower budget films with actual social relevance? How about films made by passionate undergraduate film students from Truman State University and beyond?
I appreciate the artistic events on campus, but these events sideline independent cinema. The SAB films committee, showing such unknown hits as “A Star Is Born” and “The Greatest Showman,” doesn’t exactly relish experimental films. Those showings get substantial attendance, but now it’s time for TSUFF to shine.
TSUFF could eventually become a haven for undergraduate filmmakers in Missouri — a place where creativity runs free and aspiring artists share their imaginative visions with a community of mostly intelligent college students and the general public. It would be a true shame if nobody showed up.
Plus, who doesn’t like the Master of Menace, Vincent Price? The festival is dedicated to Price’s legacy. Victoria Price, his daughter, will even be attending as a judge for the festival. Whoa!
Yes, I realize the workload at Truman can be frightening — not unlike how viewers feel watching “House on Haunted Hill.” Professors assigning paper after paper, group presentation after godawful group presentation. Why not take a break and head over to the Baldwin Hall Little Theatre at 5 p.m. on a Saturday evening to watch some short films?
Heck, there’s even a whole class devoted to running the festival. I happen to be in this class. Led by Jocelyn Cullity, we’re all diligently working to make sure the festival runs smoothly — but we need your help!
It’s time for Truman’s filmmakers to get their time in the spotlight, and it’s time for you to support the cinematic arts at Truman. Help the Truman and Kirksville community’s creative landscape, and help your friendly neighborhood movie reviewer’s mental state along the way. As Vincent Price himself once said, “A man who limits his interests limits his life.”