Getting Older: Aging to Be Explored by Two Pictures at Film Festival

Feb. 17, 2011

FLORENCE, Ala. – The theme of aging will be explored by two films at the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival March 3-5.

Giorgia Farina’s short film “Achille” is a “commedia all’italiana” that explores the world of an elderly man who challenges the limitations of his age in the pursuit of happiness. The film’s subject, Achille, is a cranky, retired high diver threatened by the prospect of ending his life in a retirement home. He lives alone in his small apartment on the Roman coast. When his daughter and her family come to visit him, Achille soon learns that they want to put him in a retirement home. At first, Achille seems to surrender to this sudden change of life. However, an amateur diving competition spurs him on and restores his self-belief. “Achille” will screen March 4 in the 10 p.m. block of short films, which also includes “Song of Songs” and “Controlled Burn.”

Auburn grad Banks Helfrich’s latest feature, “the ah of life,” tells the story of mathematician Nigel Kline, who, in a world where time is vertical, stumbles upon himself, which lays the foundation for his acceptance of mortality. “the ah of life” will screen at March 5 at 11:30 a.m.

All film screenings will be at the Zodiac Theater, 416 N. Court Street, Florence.

The George Lindsey UNA Film Festival 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, visit www.lindseyfilmfest.com, or contact the film festival staff at lindseyfilmfest@una.edu or 256-765-4592.

IMAGES AVAILABLE: For images from “Achille” and “the ah of life,” contact the Office of University Communications at 256-765-4225 or jlwoods1@una.edu.