The Cameo Art House Theatre will host a special night dedicated to short films on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m., showcasing the work of local filmmakers. This event, called Local Shorts at the Cameo and sponsored by a generous grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, promises to be an exciting evening celebrating the creativity and talent within our community.
The event will feature a diverse range of genres and styles, offering something for every movie enthusiast. From poignant dramas to light-hearted comedies, thought-provoking dramas, thrillers and the experimental, the lineup aims to highlight the depth and variety of local filmmaking talent. The event provides a platform for new voices to be heard.
The main event of the evening is the screening of "Hood," a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. Directed by Brian Adam Kline, the organizer of the event, "Hood" offers a fresh and new perspective on the well-known story, blending suspense and thrills with a unique twist. Kline, who earned an Artists Mini-Grant from the Arts Council to support this event, is the Theatre and Film teacher at the Capitol Encore Academy High School in downtown Fayetteville. Kline worked at the Cameo between 2009-2016 before becoming a teacher.
“It was some of the best times of my life and I really loved being surrounded by film and people that talked about film all the time,” he said.
In addition to "Hood," Brian Adam Kline has three other films included in the film block:
• "Live Vid": A Covid quarantine story about a husband and wife getting on each other's last nerve. This film captures the universal experience of lockdown tensions with humor and chills.
• "What If I Were You?": This award-winning film follows two octogenarian actresses still trying to make it big in New York City. Their journey is both heartwarming and inspiring, highlighting the relentless pursuit of dreams regardless of age.
• "Love & Coffee": A tale of two siblings discussing the meaning of love over a cup of coffee. This film explores the complexities of familial relationships and the different perspectives on love.
Other local films in the block include:
• "Eternal Now" by James Throssel: A visually captivating exploration of the concept of time and existence.
• "It's April 10th" by Judson Clark: A poignant story reflecting on significant life events that happen on this date.
• "Mmm Ahh Ohh" by Michele Falls: A whimsical and artistic short capturing the essence of human expression through sounds.
• "Readily Available Personal Computing" by Charles Hildreth: A humorous take on the evolution and impact of personal computing in modern life.
"It was important to me to show my own short films the same night, but to also support others in our diverse local filmmaking community and I’m proud to say that we are paying the filmmakers a small stipend for their work. Part of the Arts Council grant pays for that," said Kline.
"This night is a testament to the talent that is right here in Fayetteville. I believe in the local arts, especially filmmaking. Just as we have amazing theater companies, galleries, a symphony and dance studios, local film needs to be spotlighted more.”
The Cameo Art House Theatre, known for its commitment to independent and arthouse cinema, is the perfect venue for this event. Located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, the theater offers a local, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for experiencing the unique storytelling of short films.
In addition to the film screenings, attendees will have the chance to engage with the filmmakers during a Q&A session following the presentations. This interactive component allows the audience to gain deeper insights into the creative process and the stories behind the films.
Tickets for Local Shorts at the Cameo are available for purchase at the Cameo Art House Theatre's box office and on their website at https://www.cameoarthouse.com/. Kline said tickets are going fast.
The organizers hope to make Local Shorts at the Cameo an annual event, providing a "local only" night for Fayetteville region filmmakers.
"This is just the beginning," Kline said. "Not only do I want to show my own films every year, I aim to create an annual tradition that celebrates our local talent and gives filmmakers a dedicated platform to share their stories with the community. And we encourage local filmmakers to try out their films with an audience before showing it at festivals like Fayetteville’s Indigo Moon Film Festival.”
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, through its support of this event, continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering local arts and culture. Their grant has made it possible for Brian Adam Kline and The Cameo Art House Theatre to bring this exciting event to life.