Lincoln Film Festival opening Gala star struck

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[November 09, 2017]    Looking at the sky this past weekend, clouds prevented a view of the sky and a perfectly full moon. However, if you were among those persons who ventured downtown to the Lincoln Grand 8 movie theater, then you were one of those lucky enough to see stars. And, you may have even gotten a little star dust on you.

Just like a Hollywood opening night, a high-energy buzz prevailed downtown. Gala ticket holders were eager to head straight into the theater and find their seat. They scurried past TV camera crews that filled the lobby intent on interviewing someone of importance on this opening night of the Lincoln Film Festival.

One young person was so excited she could not contain it. As she came back out the door she exclaimed to anyone who might listen, “I just met a movie star!” and then screamed with delight.

The second annual Lincoln Film Festival Gala that began at 5:30 p.m. on Friday drew a large interest. Sold-out days in advance, the high demand event had people clamoring for possible stand-by, late entry opportunities.

At one point, featured animated movie artist, Brenda Chapman, popped into the lobby. She searched about and spotting an older gentleman, personally escorted the man into the theater, leaving everyone wondering, "Who was that man?"

When settled in, the auditorium held both local and unfamiliar faces. In attendance were aspiring young persons interested in performance arts and others who would like to be in production.

A number of Lincoln College students were present.

As Lincoln College returns to being a four-year university, its curriculum has expanded and now includes a Radio, Television and New Media degree program.

One of these students, Lincoln College senior Chris Garcia, had his film about Chicago violence accepted as a festival entry. “Too Many to Count on Hands” subtitled “Lincoln College’s Chicago” screened at the LFF as the closing film on Sunday evening.

Another film of interest, Dead Draw was also to be shown on Saturday and Sunday. Some scenes were filmed locally and Director Dan Kolen was on hand to share his experiences filming in Logan County.

A number of other films would be featured over Saturday and Sunday including animated films: Prince of Egypt and A Goofy Movie with discussions by directors Brenda Chapman and Kevin Lima, respectively.

But on this opening night of the LFF, when the flurry of energy subsided, the evening's program was that of a current work-in-progress, a new animated film. The animators and creators were present to share how a film gets put together.

Director Brenda Chapman, a Beason native, welcomed the audience and then introduced the team for her latest film:

-Serving as Production Designer is Richie Chavez, whose credits include: Prince of Egypt, Mulan, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Brother Bear, shared with the audience the development art and what it takes to discover “the look” of the film.

- Producer Chris Chase' credits include Enchanted and Tarzan.
- Editor Sarah Riemers works include Finding Dory, Piper, Brave; Chavez.
- And, Story Artist Sharon Bridgeman-Lukic works include How To Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda 2.

The panel led the audience through how they collaboratively put animated films together and also took questions.

The next couple of hours were called 'a gift' by one attendee, "something totally inspiring."



Chapman and her talented crew engaged with the audience answering questions about how a story becomes a picture. The energy of her team and the excitement of the audience provided a delightful night that many will remember for years to come.

Following the discussion period, the audience was then treated to a special sneak preview of the film. Story reels, which are the visual blueprint in the form of a projected comic strip with dialogue, sound effects and music for the first half of the movie were shown.

Listening to these talented and gracious artists, the evening flew by faster than most would have wished. The rapt audience hardily approved of the presentations and enjoyed seeing and hearing the inside workings in the creation of an animated epic tale.

The evening was not yet over. The audience was invited to a reception up the block at the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce office, where guests could speak one-on-one with the celebrity panel members.

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You may be wondering, what of that mystery man mentioned earlier, who was whisked away from the lobby by Chapman.

Well, he was at the Gala. He had come from Bloomington earlier in the morning hoping to get a ticket, but the event was sold out. He waited around all day and then begged to stand or pay double to get in. He did not know any one personally.

Humbled, he said he had worked on a similar theater crew back in the day. He had been out of the business for over 40 years and was engaged in writing and drawing his story for film. He said a lot had changed over the years and "he was inspired to approach things a little differently after tonight."

At the reception, panel members continued to engage on a more personal level with those who had come to learn from them. In one corner an excited young lady wanted an autograph from Chapman, while editor Riemers was seen speaking with the older gentleman, and so on around the room, the enthusiasm and encouragements flowed.

While this event was about artistry and movie-making, it was a fine example of those who were willing to share of themselves; they touched and inspired many others on this evening.

It was a great example to all who possess a skill or talent of any sort to ask, "Who is in your world that needs inspiring?" Let your star light shine.

[Karen Hargis/with contributions by Jan Youngquist]

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