Film Festival to Welcome Filmmaker Banks Helfrich

Feb. 18, 2011

FLORENCE, Ala. – Filmmaker Banks Helfrich’s latest feature, “the ah of life,” is set to premiere at the 14th annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival March 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the Zodiac Theatre in downtown Florence. A graduate of Auburn University with a minor in theatre, Helfrich said he looks forwarding to attending the festival next month.

“the ah of life,” a cerebral drama, 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. Strasbourg International Film Festival director Christine Scott called the film “an exploration by Banks.”

Shot in November 2009 in Helfrich’s current hometown of Orlando, “the ah of life” marks his fifth feature. Prior to “the ah of life,” co-director Aviva Christie worked with him on his previous three features. The relationship with Christie has enabled Helfrich to create a feature film every two years. Along with Christie, producer Dina Peterson will accompany Helfrich to the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival and will be available for a Q&A following the film’s screening.

The George Lindsey UNA Film Festival, scheduled for March 3-5, 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.

For more information on “the ah of life,” visit www.whoisbankshelfrich.com/the_ah_of_life_feature.html or contact the filmmaker at banks@whoisbankshelfrich.com.