Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, November 11, 2024
Volume 111 Issue 7
Courtesy photo
Jenkins Double Feature Hannah Owens Managing Editor
At 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 local cinephiles gathered at the Vaska Theater for a free double-feature screening of two films by Cameron University professor and independent filmmaker Dr. Matt Jenkins. His latest works, "Ambiguous Indifference" and "Static in the Ether", offered audiences a glimpse into Jenkins’ unique storytelling style, with both films reflecting his signature mix of quirky characters, lifealtering dilemmas and witty dialogue. The screening drew an audience of 70 people. "Ambiguous Indifference) tells the story of Cheryl Long (Pamela Bell), a big-city book editor whose car breaks down in small-town Oklahoma. There, she encounters mechanic Dooley Jax (Dan Perrin), who, through her encouragement, begins writing a novel. The film blends humor and heartfelt moments, leaving viewers to wonder whether Cheryl’s instruction to “contact her when it’s done” refers to the novel or the car repair. Jenkins’ blend of Courtesy photo small-town charm and personal growth resonates deeply, with Dooley’s journey to Houston offering both literal and figurative exploration. In "Static in the Ether", prominent actress Ava Grant (Heather Gilbert) is at the lowest point in her career, reeling from a series of personal and professional blows. Meanwhile, former heartthrob Benson Powell (Perrin), a man similarly plagued by failure, botches a bank robbery and sets out to rob a convenience store. The film interweaves their stories, building tension as these two
characters, seemingly from different worlds, are set The screening of Jenkins’ films wouldn’t have on a collision course. "Static in the Ether" explores been complete without some of the consistent Easter the fragility of fame and the search for redemption, eggs his longtime viewers have come to expect. A portraying characters grappling with significant life $15 mug purchased for an earlier film appears in both changes in a raw and "Ambiguous Indifference" and "Static in realistic way. the Ether", now a trademark of Jenkins’ “. . . don’t let anybody work. These films reflect Jenkins’ dedication to his else’s negativity or Also present was a painting made craft and his methodical specifically for his film "Rage Fear rejection of your work approach to filmmaking. Love", and even off-screen characters in stop you.” He spends anywhere "Ambiguous Indifference" were represented from six months to a — Dr. Matt Jenkins by photos of recent Cameron graduates. year writing his scripts, Professor and Jenkins’ ability to weave in these subtle producing seven to eight touches, along with familiar props, Student Media Advisor versions before finalizing enriches the viewing experience for fans one. who’ve followed his career. The production Professor David Bublitz, a Cameron process is intensive, yet incredibly efficient, with University colleague of Jenkins, has worked with filming typically completed in less than a week and him for 13 years and contributed significantly to both editing done over the span of two to six months. of the latest films. Bublitz designed the posters for Despite his low-budget filmmaking — Jenkins usually "Ambiguous Indifference" and "Static in the Ether", works with a modest and he wrote two monologues for "Static in the Ether". $1,000 to $2,000 per film Bublitz credits Jenkins for providing him — his work resonates opportunities in the film industry. with audiences due to its “I have an IMDB credit entirely because of my character-driven narratives interaction with Dr. J and the work that I’ve done and clever storytelling. with him," Bublitz said. "I like working on the film Jenkins has made production with him." approximately 8-14 feature Jenkins’ films have become a collaborative effort, films, along with several with former students like Erica Traxler contributing shorts and documentaries, regularly to his productions. under his production “He’s grateful for all the work everyone does when company, Misfits of Film. working on the films and takes great care of all of “We’re rough around the us," Traxler said. "He’s absolutely an amazing human edges, but we love making being." movies, and we strive to make entertaining movies,” Jenkins is already hinting at his next project, which Jenkins said. is currently in the scripting Jenkins encourages aspiring filmmakers to push phase. forward with their creative projects, regardless of At 8 p.m. on Nov. 15 at outside opinions. the Vaska Theater Jenkins “If you’re passionate about making movies or any will host the next studentart — painting, dance, sculpture, printing t-shirts — made movie night. don’t let anybody else’s negativity or rejection of your work stop you,” Jenkins said.
Courtesy Graphic Graphic by Hannah Owens
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