Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
March 1, 2007 issue
Deadline for Submissions this Friday, March 1
Story by David Brewer
On March 29 to 31, ASU’s Appalachian Student Filmmaking Organization will host the third annual Open Apperture Film Festival. Featuring short films submitted from around the world, the festival was created to give young filmmakers a voice by providing theaters where their work can be shown in front of an audience.
The submission deadline for the festival is Friday, March 1. All films must be less than 30 minutes in length.
According to 2007 festival president Scott Hathaway, festival organizers have received hundreds of submissions—the most in the event’s three-year history.
“It’s all coming into Boone from the hotspots of filmmaking,” said Hathaway.
Films have streamed into the High Country from locales including Sweden, Ireland, Iran, Australia and Canada, as well as Los Angeles and New York.
In addition to the growth in submissions, the Appalachian Student Filmmaking Organization has seen many new members join its ranks.
“I new knew there were so many filmmakers in Boone,” said Hathaway. “Everyone wants to help out because it’s a really awesome event.”
The weekend’s events will consist of six hours of film that will be show in four 1.5-hour blocks on Friday and Saturday in both I.G. Greer and Greenbriar theaters.
Experienced independent filmmaker and sound designer Kelley Baker will be the festival’s guest lecturer. Baker has written and directed three full-length features. He has also worked as sound designer for several major motion pictures including Good Will Hunting, My Own Private Idaho, Finding Forrester and Far From Heaven.
“He’s a really good guy,” said Hathaway. “He knows his stuff better than anyone I’ve ever met.”
Kelley also wrote and directed 8 short films that have aired on PBS, The Learning Channel and Canadian and Australian television. His work has been shown at film festivals in London, Sydney, Edinburgh, Sundance, Chicago, Mill Valley and Aspen.
Baker’s films will be shown during the first day of the festival followed by lectures on Friday.
Tickets for the Open Apperture Film Fest will go on sale in the coming weeks and will be available at the Plemmons Student Union. Ticket prices are $3 per show or $5 for a weekend pass. For more info, including a complete festival schedule, click to www.appstate.edu/www_docs/student/clubs/ASFO/index.htm.
Want To Go?
Date: Thursday to Saturday, March 29 to 31
Location: I.G. Greer & Greenbriar Theaters
Cost: $3 per show/$5 for weekend pass