Ohio Wesleyan Students to Screen Original Films at Strand Theatre
Ohio Wesleyan students will show their documentary films April 19 at Delaware’s Strand Theatre. (Photo by Pam Roth, courtesy of stock.xchng)
DELAWARE, Ohio – Five films created by Ohio Wesleyan University students enrolled in a documentary filmmaking course will be shown and discussed April 19 at the 9th Annual OWU Documentary Film Festival. The free event will begin at 7 p.m. at downtown Delaware’s historic Strand Theatre, 28 E. Winter St.
All of the student-filmmakers are enrolled in Ethnographic and Documentary Film and Filmmaking, taught by sociology/anthropology professor Mary Howard, Ph.D., and Chuck Della Lana, OWU’s director of media services.
As part of the course, students explore film theory from the field of visual anthropology and from filmmakers’ written reflections on the processes involved in completing particular projects. Each student also learns camera use and film editing techniques.
Films scheduled to be screened at the festival are:
7 p.m. – “VDV: Never Forgotten.” This film presents a tribute to Jakob F. Von der Vellen, an outstanding student and leader involved in a fatal car accident in March 2012. It shows the deep impact Jake had on his family, friends, and the Ohio Wesleyan community. It is directed by senior Ashley Taylor of Grafton, Ohio; junior Maggie Medearis of Charlotte, N.C., and junior Max Bruch of Worthington, Ohio.
7:30 p.m. – “Mouthful of Memories.” This film portrays the value of family and family traditions through a personal tribute to the life of Mildred Hix, mother of seven and grandmother of many, including the filmmaker. It is directed by senior Brittany Vickers of Newark, Ohio.
8 p.m. – “In Search of The Funny: From Babies to Babblers.” Come laugh with and/or at the filmmakers as they present an irreverent look at Ohio Wesleyan’s premier improv troupe, The Babbling Bishops. It is directed by junior Natalie “Ocelot” Duleba of Euclid, Ohio, and senior Dave “Dunkaroos” Winnyk of Strongsville, Ohio.
8:30 p.m. – “In a Footstep.” A conversation in a city park sets off an exploration of the universal properties of music and performance. It is directed by junior Karena Briggs of Lake Forest, Ill., and junior Erika Nininger of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
9 p.m. – “Oh Chaplain, My Chaplain.” Jon Powers has been Ohio Wesleyan’s chaplain for 24 years. In that time, he has changed the lives of countless students, faculty, and friends. This documentary celebrates his dedication to people of all faiths and backgrounds. It is directed by junior Anthony Lamoureux of Woonsocket, R.I., and senior Macauley O’Connor of Montclair, N.J.
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier small, private universities. Ohio Wesleyan offers more than 90 undergraduate majors, sequences, and courses of study, and 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports. OWU combines an internationally focused curriculum with off-campus learning and leadership opportunities that connect classroom theory with real-world practice. Located in Delaware, Ohio, OWU’s 1,850 students represent 41 states and 45 countries. The university is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives,” listed on the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, and included on the “best colleges” lists of U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. Learn more at www.owu.edu.