UMPI films set for local viewings
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Two films that resulted from events at the University of Maine at Presque Isle over the past year will be featured in local viewings within the coming week.
The first production is a documentary following the construction of the University of Maine System’s first wind turbine. UMPI will host an opportunity to view the WLBZ airing of the film, “Wind 101” — the installation of the university’s wind turbine — at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, in the Whooo’s Hut commuter lounge in Folsom Hall.
The half-hour long, high definition film, directed by local videographer and filmmaker Frank Grant and narrated by longtime theater professor Joseph Zubrick, follows the step-by-step process it took for the university to complete this major renewal energy project — from the very first energy survey to the very last installation detail — and the bumps encountered along the way. This film also shows the work the university has done to turn this project into an educational opportunity for its students and the greater community. The public is invited to attend this free event.
The second film is a collaborative effort of UMPI students and a well-known local author who’s no stranger to the theatrical world, having some of her own written material turned into screenplays.
Award-winning writer Cathie Pelletier taught the UMPI screenwriting course and gave the students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with Zoran Popovic — the cinematographer for the 2008 film “War, Inc.” He and Pelletier oversaw the project and helped students to get a first-hand understanding of what it takes to turn a screenplay into a movie.
All are cordially invited to attend the special film premiere for “The Proposal,” a short film created by UMPI students in the course Screenwriting and the Filmmaker’s Life. The film is about a young man, played by Jason LeSaldo, of Fort Kent, who wants to propose to the girl of his dreams, played by Sara Harvey, who is originally from Allagash, in a fancy restaurant, but the waiter, played by Portland-based actor Matt Delameter, gets in the way.
The film also features some well-known Aroostook County thespians, including Cissy Libby and Rod Thompson. The making of “The Proposal” brought together a cast and crew hailing from Fort Kent to Augusta. Most of the filming was done in the basement of the university president’s house, which was transformed into a fancy restaurant, “Café L’Amour,” for the movie. Set design was overseen by Tom Viorikic, who has worked with Popovic on a past film project.
During the filming, UMPI students and volunteers filled in wherever help was needed: holding lights, assisting the director, fetching props, checking for continuity — everything that needed to be done on a professional movie set. The film schedule was grueling, but students said it gave them a true appreciation of all the work that has to happen to make a movie.
The film also features music by the Rock Dox, Travis Cyr, Carl Hileman and Shannon Ambrutis.
“We invite everyone in the community to join us in celebrating the work of many fine artists, including some of our own UMPI students, at the official premiere of “The Proposal” and to take part in viewing the final cut of the film,” President Don Zillman said. “It is going to be a night to remember.”
A showing has been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 21, following a reception at 5 p.m. at the Braden Theatre, Main Street, Presque Isle.
The film premiere begins with a reception and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5 p.m. The screening is set to begin at around 5:30 p.m. Following the film showing, there will be a short question-and-answer session with the filmmakers.
Campus and community members are invited to take part in this special event celebrating the accomplishment of these young filmmakers. Tickets are $10 each. There are only 144 seats in the theatre and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. For information on either film, call 768-9452.
