True/False Film Festival puts Columbia in the limelight
Published March 6, 2007
The city of Columbia held its biggest party this weekend, complete with catered food, themed décor adorning the Missouri Theatre, a performance by the Apples In Stereo and an estimated 14,000 guests from around the country. The fourth-annual True/False Film Festival — a four-day fete with plenty of parties, concerts and exhibits to complement the many diverse documentary films screened at four venues — ended Sunday night with a closing reception catered by Addison's and the acclaimed "American Shopper," a documentary filmed in Columbia.
More than 250 Columbia residents, including many MU students, volunteered their time to make the event happen. Freshman Erin Minor volunteered for the event for the second consecutive year and said she enjoyed the opportunity to help expose films outside of the mainstream to a larger audience.
"I decided to volunteer because I love Ragtag (Cinemacafé) and how it provides Columbia with a different type of venue and different types of movies than just the mainstream," Minor said. "True/False is kind of like a Ragtag extravaganza that allows so many people to see documentaries they might not otherwise know about. I think that's a great thing that I'm more than happy to be involved with."
MU junior Glenn Rehn, another volunteer, said he was impressed by the growth in involvement and enthusiasm of the True/False audience.
"It seems like people are more excited than ever before, which I think is in big part to the growth of the festival," Rehn said. "Four different theatres along with many non-film related activities throughout the downtown area create an inescapable atmosphere."
In addition to providing plenty of entertainment to Columbia's residents, True/False also has a commitment to activism. True/False Co-director David Wilson said one of the greatest aspects of True/False for him is the ability to create events through the festival that promote a greater cause. This year, Wilson introduced the SWAMI Project, a chance for first-time filmmakers to meet with industry veterans for advice and support. Another new initiative was the True Life Fund screening, a project in which ticket proceeds from the screening went to the subject of the film screened, an orphanage for children in Africa whose families have been affected by HIV/AIDS.
"The True Life Fund screening was a highlight for me this year," Wilson said. "We were able to raise over $6,000, all of which will go towards a South African orphanage and pay for education for the orphans there."
One of the major highlights for many members of the community was the premiere of "American Shopper," a film shot almost entirely in Columbia and starring an eclectic group of its residents as they compete in an "aisling" competition, a sport combining shopping with dance and self-expression.
Mike Miller, one of the stars of the film, said he was amazed by the reaction and the atmosphere in the theater during the premiere.
"I was totally blown away on so many levels," Miller said. "Just to see Columbia and the wealth of talent here — to see real people with real stories. To have 1,200 people listen to you talk about your life is a very purifying experience."
"American Shopper" Producer Katie Mustard grew up in Columbia and suggested it to the directors for the film's setting.
"Columbia is a town with character, diversity and pride," Mustard said. "It's not just another Anytown, USA."
Freshman Elliot Reed was among the many students who attended the film festival. Reed said through involvement in the festival, students can develop a larger picture of their community and become more attached to it.
"MU students can become more connected to the city of Columbia," Reed said. "There's a lot of interesting cultural things that go on in this city that the students don't know about."
"American Shopper" Director Tamas Bojtor said the ability for community members to watch the films was not only a highlight for him but also the festival's overall purpose.
"It emphasizes the individual's values when they see each other," Bojtor said. "It helps the community. They enjoy it together and go on the same emotional ride when they see it. They will talk about it together when they leave, and that all helps the community."
Wilson said he thought the weekend was a success because of its ability to unite Columbia and allow people to interact with one another.
"If True/False works, it works as an exercise in community building, and as a chance for people to come out and interact with their fellow Columbians, student or otherwise," Wilson said. "Hopefully, people came out this weekend who don't normally watch documentaries found movies that spoke to them. If those two things happen, it's a success."