Mid America Filmmakers presents an annual evening of locally produced films and screenplays on Friday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Eck Visitors Center on the Notre Dame campus located next to the bookstore. Admission is free.

The night will consist of a series of locally produced short films from the Michiana area, followed by a Q&A session with attending filmmakers.

Six screenplays written by members of M.A.F.’s screenwriters group will have a staged reading after which the audience will vote for one to be made into a short film. Last year’s winner “The Benevolent Banana”, written and directed by Michael Kouroubetes, will have its world premiere at this event.

For an interesting writing exercise this year, each screenwriter drew a holiday and a film genre out of a hat. This means they will be presenting amusing combinations such as a “Christmas western” and a “Sci-fi Mother’s Day.”

Here are the films that will be screened, in no particular order:

“The Benevolent Banana” by Michael Kouroubetes (South Bend, 5 min.) One brave, righteous banana, bravely battles lawlessness in River City. His ultimate purpose: defeat the Evil Dictator!

“Tailgate Party in the Wal Mart Parking Lot” by Les Nemeth (South Bend, 3 min.) County music at its best.

“Cannibal Lovers” teaser by Tara Eary (Goshen, 1 min.) If true love can survive an apocalypse, it should survive hunger, right? Even if you’re ‘what’s for dinner’?

“Skin Deep” by Scott Dokey (South Bend, 7 min.) Real beauty comes from within, and is much more than skin deep.

“Harvey Putter Convention” by Tim Richardson (Edwardsburg, 10 min.) Wizards, weirdos and wackos: this documentary has it all.

“Trippin”, “Meat is Murder” and “I Spit on Eli Roth” trailers by Devi Snively (Mishawaka, 5 min. total) See all the projects Deviant Pictures has been up to!

“The Method” by Gregg Brown (New York, 23 min) He’s a really nice guy. He needs to get this part. He has a gun.

“Atomic Waifs” by Jim Yocom (South Bend, 5 min.) The effect of 1950’s television on young boomers

“The War: Michiana’s Experience” preview (Michiana area, 21 min.) Interviews with local veterans from World War 2.

MAF Meeting Summary for January 8th, 2008

Struber Productions gave a quick talk about their upcoming feature length film “Whispers”, filmed on location in Buchanan, MI. With only a few more shots to go, they are almost done filming. They also thanked MAF for helping them get connected and to get started.

Harvey Putter Update

Tim Richardson, Director and Co-writer of “Harvey Putter and the Ridiculous Premise”, gave a status update on the project. For those of you not in the know, Harvey Putter is an upcoming feature length film spoofing the Harry Potter books, movies, fandom, merchandising-oh, heck, the whole Harry Potter world phenomenon. (Admit it, you’ve read the books. I can tell. You still have some magic marker stains shaped like a lightening bolt on your forehead.)

Tim announced that they have begun searching for locations in which to film. He needs a place that can be used for around 6 to 9 months, is large enough to hold several sets, the actors, storage for props, has high ceilings for rigging up the lights, and most importantly, is cheap. Any leads or ideas can be sent to Tim through the Harvey Putter website. You can also check there for updates on the latest Harvey Putter news.

Beta:V Update

Tara Eary, Director of the upcoming feature length Sci Fi film “Beta:V” (that’s a V people, not a roman numeral 5), gave an update on her project. Currently Tara is pursuing some funding options with a company in LA, and will be working with her current cast and crew members to come up with a proposal to send to them later this year.

As a side note, Tara’s short film “Cannibal Lovers” is currently in post production. There are a few re-shoots required, which will happen in early March, however, you can whet your appetite for “Cannibal Lovers” by checking out it’s new teaser trailer at the Beta:V website, in the videos section.

The next MAF sponsored screening

Come one, come all to the next MAF film screening taking place on Feb 8th, 2008 at 7:00pm. Where is it, you ask? What a good question…it’s at the Eck Center on the Notre Dame campus. See some awesome local films, and find out the answer to the question…Who is the Benevolent Banana?

Location, Location, Location…

As MAF continues to grow, we find ourselves needing a new place to meet. While we all love the Fiddler’s Hearth, we have simply outgrown our little corner of the restaurant. So, the search is on to find the perfect spot to meet where we can spread out and have some more fun. Have any ideas where we can meet next time? Send us an email! Check back here for updates on our quest for the Holy Grail…of meeting places, that is.