Student Film and Video Festival Welcomes The Toxic Avenger
For release: Mar. 21, 2003

The Department of Communication and the College of Communication and Fine Arts present the Third Annual U of M Student Film and Video Festival, FOCUS Fest. The festival will feature a week long series of events and a special guest filmmaker, Lloyd Kaufman of Troma Entertainment, creator of "The Toxic Avenger Series." Festival director Barbara Cook says "Kaufman is a powerhouse in the indie film world, so his coming here is great for both our students and the Memphis film community."

The festival kicks off April 1st with a workshop given by Mr. Kaufman for U of M film and video production students. On April 3rd, a panel discussion is scheduled for 11 a.m. - "Is No Thing Sacred in Independent Filmmaking?" The discussion will feature Dr. Allison Graham and independent filmmakers, Craig Brewer and Mike McCarthy. The discussion will be in the Fogelman Executive Center Room 123.

On April 3rd at 6 p.m. the student showcase will begin at Muvico Peabody Place 22. Student works of all types and skill levels will be screened: expect everything from short comedies and dramatic narratives to documentaries and experimental pieces! The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. At 9 p.m., Lloyd Kaufman will screen his latest film, "Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV," inspired by the film classic, "Citizen Kane." Admission is $5, free for U of M students, faculty and staff.

FOCUS Fest is sponsored in part by WUMR, Running Pony Productions, Hilton Hotel Corporation, TV II, Indie Memphis, the Memphis Film Commission, and the University of Memphis.

For additional information, contact festival director, Barbara Cook, at (901) 678-2070.

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