THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 10, 1995 TAG: 9505100043
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CRAIG SHAPIRO, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
THE HOUSE will be abuzz. Producers and directors, casts and crews, families and friends. And the moment the curtain goes up on the Regent University Film Festival, the opening-night jitters will spill into the lobby.
Thom Vourlas, co-owner of the Naro Expanded Cinema, site of the festival since its inception, sees it every year.
``I know what to expect,'' he said. ``A director or producer will run out and say it's not focused right, it's not framed right, the mid-range on the sound is not right. It's 16 mm. Everyone in the audience is having a great time seeing themselves or their friends on the big screen. They're oblivious to it.
``But I can sympathize. It is their big night and everything.''
Tonight is that big night, and, with the festival marking its 10th year, it may be even bigger. Terry Lindvall, then a film professor and now Regent's president, came up with the idea and pitched it to the Naro.
``It's the only film school in the area,'' Vourlas said, ``so naturally, we want to support it.''
This year's program includes five films, ranging from six to 35 minutes, produced, written and directed by students at Regent University in Virginia Beach. For the first time, a handful of music videos will be shown.
``Begging to Give,'' which opens the program, explores greed and complacency, as well as grace and giving. The 35-minute ``In the Balance'' was shot for a Dutch organization and involves the spiritual awakening of two men. The evening concludes with ``The Master,'' ``Redemption Ticket'' and ``Shadowplay,'' collectively called ``The Jazz Trilogy'' and themed around humility, grace, forgiveness, sacrifice and redemption.
Vourlas won't be surprised if some of the films don't arrive from the lab until just before screening. It's happened before.
``A lot of these guys are seeing them for the first time,'' he said. ``With 16 mm, there's not that much light and sound up there, but it's still fine.''
Just before curtain, he added, the audience will hold a prayer. ``I guess they're praying for the projector.''
Vourlas couldn't elaborate. Someone from Regent was calling on the other line - to talk about the projector. ILLUSTRATION: FESTIVAL FACTS
What: 10th Annual Regent University Film Festival
When: 7:15 tonight and Thursday; 1 p.m. Sunday
Where: Naro Expanded Cinema, 1507 Colley Ave., Norfolk
Tickets: $5, $4 seniors and children
Information: 625-6276
by CNB