Film Festival to Screen Picture by 11-Year-Old Filmmaker Luke Broyles

Jan. 26, 2011

FLORENCE, Ala. – The George Lindsey UNA Film Festival will screen young filmmaker Luke Broyles’ short film, “Michael,” during the Young Filmmakers’ block March 4 at 4 p.m. at the Zodiac Theatre in downtown Florence.

“Michael” was shot by 11-year-old Broyles to show other young people that the film’s subject, his friend Michael McCarley, is just like any other kid despite the challenges of cerebral palsy, epilepsy and cortical visual impairment. The film shows Michael’s love of life, of singing and “his dream of Broadway.” The two boys have been friends since first grade, remaining close despite attending different schools.

Michael is the son of Kevin McCarley, a 1984 graduate of the University of North Alabama, who lives in Indiana with his family. The film’s director and subject as well as their families will be present for the screening.

All film festival screenings will be at the Zodiac, the festival’s official theatre venue.

The 14 annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival will be held March 3-5. It is one of the few film festivals hosted by a university. The event was founded in 1998 in part by UNA alumnus and celebrated actor and entertainer George Lindsey. Lindsey’s own film career has included several important roles, including the character Goober Pyle on “The Andy Griffith Show.”

For more information on the 2011 George Lindsey UNA Film Festival or “Michael,” visit www.lindseyfilmfest.com, or contact the film festival staff at lindseyfilmfest@una.edu or 256-765-4592.