From drama to comedy to horror, the independent film series hosted by Dalton State brings a variety of genres, local talent and opportunity to learn more about the film industry.
“We are excited to showcase these talented local creators in film,” said Barbara Tucker, department chair of Communication, Performing Arts and Foreign Languages. “There is a lot of film talent and wisdom in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area, and we want our students and community members who are looking for a career in the film and media industries to have the opportunity to learn from them.”
Amazing Gracie, written by filmmaker and actress Sarah Wood, will set off the four-film series on Wednesday, Sept. 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on campus in the Goodroe Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
A feature length motion picture that combines drama and comedy, Amazing Gracie, tells the story of Lucy, an irresponsible and self-absorbed young woman who is estranged from her family. Her life is disrupted when her sister dies, and she is granted custody of her precocious niece, Gracie. It explores themes of faith and forgiveness.
After the screening Wood will discuss her film, her career in cinema and the film industry with audience members.
Wood has wide experience in film directing and acting. Born in Orange County, Calif., she spent her childhood in Nashville, Tenn., pursuing theatre and now lives in Chattanooga. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with an emphasis on Media Technology and Theatre Performance from Austin Peay State University and graduated from UCLA’s inaugural Acting for the Camera Professional Program. Her other credits include TV show Deadly Sins and films Fat Chance, Lifemark and Sway.
Three additional screenings will be held on campus in the Goodroe Auditorium this fall semester. All screenings are free and open to the public. Filmmakers will be present following the screenings of their films to discuss their vision and careers. Other screenings and a film festival are being planned for the spring semester.
The Good People of Orphan Ridge, written and directed by Matthew Fisher, will be screened on Wednesday, Oct. 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Halloween-themed horror comedy follows an indie rock band who sneaks into a haunted house to record their final album. With fairies, banshees and an ominous innkeeper this film is sure to bring fun spooky vibes.
Edge of Town, a drama comedy written and directed by Chris Flippo, will be shown on Wednesday, Nov. 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Featuring scenes filmed in Dalton, the film shares the experiences of main character, Summer Roome, who has her world up ended when her adrift younger brother and wayward father reenter her life.
The final film in the series, Access Control, will be shown on Wednesday, Dec. 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Andrew J. Bullard IV does it all– staring, writing and directing – in this comedy-drama that follows an unlikely duo of hospital security guards who team up to solve a local pill thief case.
Dalton State offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentrations in Digital/Social Media, Organizational Leadership Communication and Film Studies. Film students complete 18 hours at Georgia’s innovative and industry-leading Georgia Film Academy, located in the Atlanta Metro area. Students who desire the GFA credentials can also complete the Associate of Arts in General Studies Film Pathway.
For more information, contact Dr. Barbara G. Tucker at [email protected] or 706.272.4411.
