UNT to present premiere of documentary films by master's students
DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Short documentary films on subjects ranging from the impact of blindness on a person's life to an adolescent piano prodigy and an ultimate Frisbee team will be presented by the University of North Texas Department of Radio, Television and Film May 2 (Friday).
The event begins at 7 p.m. in Room 184 of UNT's Radio, Television, Film and Performing Arts Building, which is located on the corner of Welch and Chestnut streets. Admission is free.
The six films to be featured in the festival were completed this past academic year by UNT students in the department's master of fine arts program in documentary film production, which is the only MFA program in Texas focusing only on documentary film. Films created by students in the program have been shown on PBS affiliates and at the Dallas Video Festival, and have been recognized by the USA Film Festival, the Austin Film Festival, the NextFrame International Student Film Festival and even the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
The documentary films to be shown on May 2 include:
"Step Into Darkness" -- An exploration of blindness and its impact on a person's life. Directed by Ryan Ferguson, a second-year MFA student from San Antonio.
"Frogs and Snails" -- An autobiographical film tracing the filmmaker's reflections of his own journey to manhood at the birth of his second son. He questions if he is a worthy role model for his sons. Directed by Marek Ryszard Dojs, a second-year MFA student from London.
"Finding Juan Carlos" -- The story of an 11-year-old boy who is trying to find his identity with the help of his mother. He struggles with the cruel facts of his life. Directed by Arvind Daman Singh, a second-year MFA student from Punjab, India.
"The Ultimate Spirit" -- A film chronicling UNT students who are on the men's ultimate Frisbee team, where they score points by passing the discs to teammates in the opposing end zone. The sport is similar to football or rugby, but players may not run while holding the disc. Directed by Sean Greenthaner, a second-year MFA student from Rochester, N.Y.
"Changing Keys" -- A documentary about the growing pains of an adolescent piano prodigy. Directed by Libia Lazcano, a second-year MFA student from Mexico City.
"A Tale for Shmuli" -- A story about how courage and determination can help a person overcome the most unexpected situations. Directed by Omar Milano, a second-year MFA student from Rosario, Argentina.
UNT News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
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