What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1494073
38 What's up! March 5-11, 2023 "The state of Arkansas is so beautiful, and there are so many hidden gems here," says Levi Smith of Van Buren. "I knew early on that this was a great place to try and build upon the film industry. It's also cheaper! Which is a plus when you're a broke 22-year-old!" Smith recently graduated with a degree in filmmaking. His film "Double Trouble," about two teenagers who encounter a haunted arcade machine, is part of the showcase. "Double Trouble" is proof that with a good crew and an undying passion, that you can make a spectacular, fun, unique movie right here in the state of Arkansas," Smith says of his project with Brett Helms. "I have always been making videos and creating content since I was 12 years old," he says. "Writing, filming, and editing movies has always fascinated me, and while my technical skills have improved over the years, my child-like creativity has remained as strong as ever." Molly Wheat also followed her dreams of making films from a young age. "My aunt let me use the family camcorder when I was a kid, and I never stopped making things in some form or fashion. My cousin and I would record a full-on news show any time we'd get together. In high school, kids would pay me to edit their school projects," Wheat explains. After getting involved with the music scene, she's gone on to make music videos too and relies on the supportive community she's found in Little Rock. "Growing up in Searcy, I wasn't exposed to the possibility that exists here, whether that was due to my age or just being so contained in a small town bubble. I always thought I would have to move to be given the opportunity to do something, but that wasn't very accessible." "Pomegranate" is a short film that Wheat made with Valerie Polston, her co-writer who stars in the film. The story of two former lovers meeting again is "an amalgamated fiction based on truth." "This was so creatively fulfilling because it felt so personal. I feel like I can creatively be my truest self when I'm working with Val. This is just the first project we've done together in a serious capacity, and we are working on more. In 2023, we will be working to fund a feature film that we wrote together." Filmmakers Continued From Page 9 Marc Crandall's film "Banana Triangle Six," is about of day in the life of an elderly gentleman as he deals with the trials and tribulations of living in spring Valley retirement home — bad food, conniving females and an unexpected doctor's visit. (courtesy Image) "Double Trouble," a film by Levi Matthew smith and Brett helms of Fayetteville, is the story of two teenagers who stay overnight in an arcade and happen upon a spooky, haunted game. (courtesy Image) A boy struggling to come to terms with his parents' marital problems must face his worst nightmare and make a choice that he never wanted to make in the film "Flight" by tyler horne of hot springs. (courtesy Image) When a dad has his biggest scientific breakthrough during his young daughter's scheduled visitation, he must choose between being a good father or traveling to a parallel dimension in "Lemniscate," directed by chuck Mere of Fayetteville. the film features music by amos cochran. (courtesy Image) Tyler Horne Marc Crandall Chuck Mere Levi Smith Feature