Thursday, October 11, 2007

AFI Dallas preview screening: August Rush

It's about music as a healing force in the universe - and prodigal sons returned.

By John P. Meyer

On Wed., Oct. 17 at the Angelika Dallas, those lucky enough to be on the AFI Dallas mailing list (or reading this article and then proceeding to sign up, hint, hint) will have a chance to attend a preview screening of August Rush. The film starts at 7:30 p.m., but - as usual for these special invitation events - you'd best plan on arriving early in order to actually claim a seat in the theater auditorium.

Following the show, stick around to hear screenwriter (and AFI Dallas board member) James V. Hart talk about the usual kind of behind-the-scenes stuff involved in filmmaking, such as who catered the donuts and how miserable the set conditions were. (Personally, I'm hoping at some point in one of these insider filmmaker discussions to hear the words, "It's a miracle we all survived.") Also on hand to chat up the film and answer coherent questions from the audience (note the "coherent" proviso) will be producer Richard Lewis.

But wait: if you leave following the Q/A, you'll miss out on a live performance by some of the musicians involved in making music for the movie, including Charles Mack, Lana Mack and Chris Tripper. This part of the event will convene in a space next door to the theater, and - I'm pleased to say - refreshments and food will be provided. (Uncertain as to the exact nature of said goodies, but - hey - they're complimentary, so no point getting picky.)

Oh, about the movie: August Rush stars Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Robin Williams; it's a sort of feel-good modern-day fairy tale involving a parent/child separation followed - years later - by their miraculous reconnection.

You'll actually need a printed copy of the AFI email invite to get into the theater, and according to AFI Dallas sponsorship and marketing coordinator Danielle Barry a reminder email (which would qualify in this regard) will be sent to those on their mailing list (hint, hint) this coming Monday (Oct. 15).

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