BAMA THEATRE PART OF NATIONWIDE FILM PROJECT MARCH 8

BAMA THEATRE PART OF NATIONWIDE FILM PROJECT MARCH 8

Film-lovers in Tuscaloosa will unite with audiences in cinemas across the U.S. to decide the fate of “Patrick’s Day,” a feature film from Ireland, when it screens at the Bama Theatre on Sun., March 8, 2015 at 3 p.m. On this night, audiences at each venue will vote on whether Patrick’s Day should be seen in cinemas across the country for a wider release. The organizers hope this unique, audience-driven, nation-wide poll sends a message to distributors that could jumpstart a filmmaker’s career. The Feature Film project was conceived by Manhattan Short Film Festival founder Nicholas Mason, who has assembled a selection committee comprised of programmers and owners of some of the most prestigious Art House Cinemas in the U.S.
“The Feature Film Project is about taking unique films like “Patrick’s Day” that have been well-received on the film festival circuit and introducing them to neighborhood cinemas. A nationwide test screening lets the cinema-going public decide its fate. What these emerging filmmakers need is an audience to see and judge their work. I want to thank the cinemas involved for embracing the concept,” says Mason.
“Patrick’s Day” tells the story of a young man with mental health issues who becomes involved with a suicidal flight attendant, a relationship his obsessive mother seeks to thwart with the aid of a dysfunctional cop. The film has played to enthusiastic audiences on the festival circuit, winning Best Film and Audience Awards at the Cork Film Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh in Ireland, and the Woodstock Film Festival in the U.S. to name a few. In addition, lead actor Moe Dunford won the Shooting Star Award at the Berlin Film Festival, an award previously won by notable actors and actresses such as Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz.
“Growing up, I was obsessed with the cinema of the American dream,” says Terry McMahon, writer-director of the film. “My imaginative life was played out on the streets of America. My cinematic influences were American. My favorite actors and directors were American. So, at the risk of sounding sentimental, this embrace of our Irish movie feels like the American dream come true.”
Admission is $8 general, $7 students and seniors and $6 Arts Council members.
For more information about the Feature Film Project visit www.TheFeatureFilmProject.com.