Arts

Celebrating 25 years: "Run Lola Run" at Cameo Theatre

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Tuesday, 04 June 2024

Written by Adam Taylor

Grab your sneakers, popcorn and favorite beer! Get ready to sprint down memory lane because Run Lola Run aka in German “Lola rennt” aka “Lola Runs” is celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Cameo Art House Theatre for one week! Released in 1998, director Tom Tykwer's cult classic is still racing through the hearts and minds of people worldwide. Run Lola Run is this summer’s nostalgic hot pick and actually inspired the opening of our favorite downtown cinema.
Maybe you remember that feeling of pure exhilaration the first time you watched Lola, played by Franka Potente, dash through the streets of Berlin, Germany? With her fiery red hair and unstoppable determination, Lola's quest to save her boyfriend, Manni, played by Moritz Bleibtreu, is nothing short of awesome. Manni delivers some smuggled loot for his boss, Ronnie (Heino Ferch), but accidentally leaves the 100,000-mark payment on the subway. Given 20 minutes to come up with the money, he calls on Lola, who sprints through the streets of the city to try to beg the money out of her bank manager father (Herbert Knaup) and get to Manni before he does something desperate. The film's unique narrative structure gives us three alternate timelines, each starting with the same premise but unfolding in dramatically different ways based on the smallest of choices.
One of the most striking aspects of Run Lola Run is its vibrant aesthetics. Tykwer's use of split screens, animation, and rapid-fire editing keeps you on the edge of your seat. And then there's the soundtrack – the film comes with one of the best soundtracks of 90s films.
Run Lola Run was not just a hit critically and commercially, but also a phenomenon. It crashed through the barriers of conventional storytelling and brought a fresh, dynamic approach to cinema. Critics loved it, audiences couldn't get enough of it, and it scooped up awards at the Sundance Film Festival and the German Film Awards.
Chris and Nasim Kuenzel, co-owners of the Cameo Art House Theatre have a special connection to the film.
“Twenty-five years ago we were young and in Chicago,” Nasim laughs. “We decided to check out this really cool theater called the Music Box. They were showing Run Lola Run. It was beautifully done.
Great music. Great story.”
“And great animation segments,” Chris added.
The Kuenzels decided they wanted to be involved with independent films and open a theater. Both agreed that people should see the film because it makes viewers appreciate how the little things can change our lives.
“It's the quintessential independent film, " Chris remarked.
The Cameo will be celebrating their 25th anniversary as well, having opened in 2000 with one screen downstairs until they needed to expand to a second screening room upstairs, with comfy chairs and a bar area, famously called The Loge.
“It's a great time at the movies!” Chris said.
The film’s title character herself is someone who embodies determination and resilience, much like Chris and Nasim did, bringing their dream to life.
“We worked behind the scenes way before we actually opened the Cameo. We had to learn what we were doing. It took a lot of time to learn the business and after we opened, there was still a lot to learn,” Nasim added.
Chris and Nasim both agreed that they wanted to share this great film that had a huge impact on their lives and the opening of their theater.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Cameo, the fancy atmosphere, fresh buttery popcorn, hundreds of sweets and adult beverages along with Lola’s race against time will have you wanting to visit again and again. Run Lola Run starts Friday, June 7 at the Cameo on Hay Street and will play for one week. Catch it while you can!

50 Years of Color: Arts Council of Fayetteville celebrates milestone anniversary

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Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Written by Amber Little

Fifty years is no small feat, especially for an arts council. This year marks the milestone anniversary of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Cape Fear Botanical Garden, located at 536 N Eastern Blvd, will host the event on June 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The dress code is colorful cocktail attire.
There are two ticket options for the evening of fun. General admission is $50 and VIP tickets are $75 and can be purchased online on the Arts Council website at https://www.theartscouncil.com/. Attendees can look forward to a night of vibrant art, live music by local artists, and light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. VIP ticket holders will have access to craft cocktails in the Arts Lounge, exclusive Arts Council swag, and a special gift to take home.
Robert Pinson, President of the Arts Council of Fayetteville, is a familiar face, as his time at the council spans 13 years. He is elated about the 50-year celebration.
“It’s a year-long celebration. We aren’t just doing a one-event type of thing. We will start with a major social event out at the Botanical Garden on June 6. It’s a world of color. We really feel that the Arts Council has taken a black and white world, in its near beginnings in the 50s and 60s, to a very colorful, exciting world that engages all people in our community,” he said. “What we want to do is really be able to tell our story throughout the year. We are going back into some of the chronicles and files downstairs to see what we got. From the very beginning, there was a publication, almost a newsletter thing called Spectra. One of the things we are looking to do is to recreate an issue of Spectra that will tell some of the stories of what we have done in the community over these last 50 years, from 1974 to present.
"Along with that, we will do a series of stories; again that's what the Arts Council is about. It’s the stories of how we have engaged the community through some of the funding things we’ve done over the years but also just engage our community and make our community a better place. We have a lot of personal
stories to tell.”
Pinson’s tenure has come with a vast knowledge of the history of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
“It was a project that started out of the state. The North Carolina Arts Council, at the state level, was starting to create a series of regional arts councils. So this wasn’t just a Cumberland County pop-up idea, ‘let’s create an arts council here in Cumberland County,’ it was actually started through some efforts of the state. With the idea that they wanted to make sure there was some type of art representation throughout all 100 counties in North Carolina…. Everybody is not as big as Cumberland County, Wake County, or Mecklenburg County, so what was created was a series of regional arts councils. When I first started working here some 13 years ago, we actually had 16 counties that were part of our umbrella here in North Carolina. So again, all 100 counties didn’t have their own dedicated arts council, but the regional arts councils stood up and we were one of them….When I first started working here, Wilmington didn’t have its own arts council. Who would think Wilmington, North Carolina didn’t have an arts council? They now have a robust arts council and we are proud of that.”
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County has come a long way and is looking to the future and pivoting into whatever role the community needs. Miles McKeller Smith, Director of Public Relations, is one of the newest and freshest faces at the Arts Council.
“I’ve been very fortunate. I got here when things were kind of moving in the sense of being executed on… being able to have input in the logo that we are using for the 50th and figuring out what all goes into that. Figuring out how to market the events we are doing. What goes into the celebration on the 6th? Just what other experiences can we create for people to make sure that we commemorate 50 years… of serving the community, 50 years of serving artists? Just being able to be at the table for those discussions and see where it goes…. When I think about the Arts Council, I think about the community,” McKeller-Smith said. “Make sure we are reaching these communities and counties that maybe don’t have the opportunity available for their artist,” McKeller-Smith remarked on his time and work to date at the Arts Council.
“We are not in a 10-year plan anymore… actually as we were coming out of Covid, we got very much involved in a strategic planning process that took us two years out. Then as we continue to move forward, we’re toward the tail-end of that first two years. We are starting to work on the next couple of years as we go forward with it. But our biggest impact we continue to see is not necessarily in programming things ourselves. We’ve got a lot of agencies and organizations in this community that can do that. Where we really see our strength is… or strength is to be able to go after those dollars to be able to bring them into the community and then strengthen those organizations that are already set up to do that sort of thing. So, that’s really what we are looking to do and try to continue to engage the community.
"We are trying to get deeper into the community. We’ve got a lot of pockets in our community that have just been underserved over the years and we are trying to make a lot of efforts, deep efforts to reach some of those and make them aware of opportunities that we have in the community through many of our grant programs… The mini-grant program is a fantastic program,” Pinson remarked of the current role the Arts Council is taking in the community.
The Arts Council continues to be an integral part of the arts in Cumberland County and beyond, moving from facilitator to funder through the mini-grant programs, providing local artists and collectives the opportunity to see their visions realized.

(Photo: The outside of the Arts Center, where the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County calls home. Located in downtown Fayetteville, it is the heart of the historic part of the city. Photo by Aly Hansen)

"LITtle Women & Other Stories" bring a twist of stories

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Tuesday, 04 June 2024

Written by Lisa Stevens

Sweet Tea Shakespeare is a theater company that focuses on bringing the works of Shakespeare and other renowned authors to life. So, it is fitting for Traycie Kuhn-Zapata to showcase her enchanting production LITtle Women & Other Stories to the stage from June 20-22 at The Arts Council of Fayetteville, 301 Hay Street, Fayetteville.
Kuhn-Zapata is the Artistic Director and long-time singing and acting member of Sweet Tea Shakespeare.
“During my tenure at Sweet Tea Shakespeare, I have had the privilege of working on numerous key projects, including the Green Tea Youth Company, which aims to enhance the acting abilities of our young performers. I have also composed and directed a series of LIT Productions, Drunken Shakespeare, and other classic story interpretations, such as No LIT Sherlock and Romeo and JuliLIT,” Kuhn-Zapata shares.
“As we embark on this new season, I am excited to introduce you to our upcoming production of LITtle Women & Other Stories, a choose-your-own-adventure story that combines the tropes from your favorite early 2000s rom-coms. This unique blend of classic literature and modern storytelling will captivate audiences and leave them longing for more,” Kuhn-Zapata says.
Kuhn-Zapata is most proud of all who participated or are currently participating in bringing theatre to life with plays that enrich the lives of their audiences. Their talented ensemble has a proven track record of delivering exceptional performances that transports audiences to different eras and worlds.
“My goal is to continue to bolster the warmth and love that theater can bring to individuals and the community around us. I am more excited than ever for the upcoming seasons, and I cannot wait to share this journey with you,” Kuhn-Zapata delightfully adds.
LIT is Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s irreverent celebration of classic tales over drinks. It’s a party where a play breaks out.
Come early for rocking preshow music, tons of audience engagement, and plays like you’ve never seen before. The night promises to be eventful and packed with fun.
In LITtle Women & Other Stories, a young writer tries to finish her novel by the deadline, which happens to be that same night. So, she looks to the audience for guidance in this choose-your-own-adventure rom-com. As the story unfolds with twists and turns at every corner, the audience will help them fall in love - or maybe not. We warned you that there will be many twists!
Whether you're a die-hard fan of Little Women or enjoy seeing classic tales reimagined, this event is not to be missed.
To get tickets, go to https://sweetteashakespeare.thundertix.com/events/226296

(Graphic courtesy of Sweet Tea Shakespeare)

Artists rejoice: Fayetteville Art Attack is back

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Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Fayetteville Art Attack was originally started in 2014 at The Rock Shop. Every Wednesday night, artists, musicians and crafters would gather to share their love for the arts. Shawn Adkins was the proprietor of The Rock Shop. He now owns Back-A-Round Records, a local establishment situated in the downtown area which offers an assortment of vintage vinyl records, cassettes, CDs and collectibles for purchase. Adkins, who had been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to revive the Fayetteville Art Attack event, has successfully accomplished his goal.
“Diversity and art have always been very important to me and so many others' well-being. The Art Attack at my old venue, The Rock Shop, was also every Wednesday. It was my favorite night of the week. Doing something about The Attack really became obvious to me around October of last year. People kept talking about the great vibe it created for them. I knew 100% that the trigger was needing to be pulled. The question was when and how?” says Adkins.
As it turns out the perfect venue was The Church Entertainment Lounge, the dance club at Paddy's Irish Pub.
“Every time I would go into Paddy’s Pub, the crew would ask me to bring back Art Attack. I finally had some time and energy to invest in doing it again. I love the venue and all the positive people working there. We sat down and talked in the right place at the right time,” shares Adkins.
“This time around it is a force to be reckoned with. We have the support from the whole crew at Paddy’s to all the artistic-minded people that come into Back-A-Round Records, to the old Rock Shoppers and all of our socials. Success has already happened within the first couple of Wednesdays. It is a very beautiful thing. Protecting the original vision of The Art Attack is key. You can say we have changed the locks and bought sturdier doors. Art Attack for many, will be a much needed, positive, influential, artistic, vacation in town that happens once a week.”
If you are an artist or musician interested in participating Adkins invites you to just come to the event.
“For visual artists, just bring your art in and put it up for sale. For stage performers, I want to meet you first. As long as you have something for me to hear or see. It is that easy. I would say, show up and check it out for yourself.”
Adkins hopes that the revival of Fayetteville Art Attack will help to bring local artists together to be able to share a night.
“I just want people to feel inspired to do something artsy outside their home and meet other artistic people to bounce ideas off of. The people that I personally enjoy being around are the people who implement art into their daily lives whenever possible. If your readers feel the same, then this is their day to come out and play!”
If you are interested in participating, or just checking out Fayetteville Art Attack, it will be happening every Wednesday at The Church at Paddy’s Irish Pub located at 2606 Raeford Road. Artists' set up time is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every week and doors open at 8 p.m. to the public. This event is free to attend and is open to all ages. For more information about art setup, you can email fayettevilleartattack@gmail.com. Also, be sure to check out the Fayetteville Art Attack Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fayettevilleARTattack

(Photo: Visitors view art at Fayetteville Art Attack. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Art Attack)