A new free film series, Film Shorts in the Park, kicks off Thursday, September 8th, at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Raleigh. Here’s all the information, and stay tuned for announcements of more films in this series:
The City of Raleigh’s Office of Raleigh Arts, in collaboration with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, announces the debut of Film Shorts in the Park, a series of free outdoor screenings of works by Triangle film makers.
Film Shorts in the Park will take place at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Raleigh. Picnics are welcome; no alcohol is permitted. Lawn chairs or blankets are recommended.
The first screening takes place on Thurs., Sept. 8. Field seating opens at 6:30p.m. and the films start at dusk (7:30 p.m.). Featured films are “The No Hand King,” directed by Patrick Shanahan, and “That Deputy Sheriff Might Surprise You,” directed by Kimberly Best.
Rodney Hines, the self-proclaimed “No Hand King,” has been riding no-hand wheelies in Raleigh for more than 10 years. Rain, snow or shine, his determination to be the best in the world at what he does has never wavered. This film shares Hines’ life story – from never knowing his father and his own years behind bars, to overcoming poverty and abandonment to set the world record for the longest no-hand wheelie: 16 miles. Director Patrick Shanahan, an artist, writer and film maker, will introduce the film.
“That Deputy Sheriff Might Surprise You” tells the story of Lucy Zastrow, who in 1979 became the first female deputy in the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. During a 30-year career in law enforcement, she was promoted to lieutenant, captain and then major. Formidable even as a child and dubbed “The Shark” by her colleagues, she proved herself to be tough but fair. In short videos, director Kim Best shares the work and successes of international nonprofits, highlights worthy causes and individuals, and tells off-beat tales.
Film Shorts in the Park was one of many ideas suggested by Raleigh’s creative community during research for the Raleigh Arts Plan. There is significant local film talent in the Triangle, and an untapped market for local films in a free outdoor setting.
