SFA premieres student feature film, 'Sara's Book'

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts, School of Art and School of Music will premiere a new feature-length film, "Sara's Book," at 7 and 9 p.m. Friday, March 5, in the Ledbetter Gallery of The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches. Admission is free and open to the public.

Shot entirely in Nacogdoches and the surrounding area by SFA film students, "Sara's Book" focuses on Sara Blake, a 16-year-old girl whose world comes crashing down when her parents die in a car wreck and she is sent to live in an orphanage.

The one thing she has left from her once-perfect life is a book of quotes given to her by her parents, which helps her survive the racially charged era of the early 1970s when she's forming a bond with a young man named Ryan.

Gloria Simpson, 2009 SFA graduate, and Blake Weir, Sugar Land senior, portray the lead characters.

The original screenplay was written by Lancaster junior Jasmine Austin. She and Ira Shiflet, Huntington sophomore, served as co-directors.

SFA composition students, led by SFA Assistant Professor Stephen Lias, composed the score; theatre students served as extras; and graphic arts students designed the poster, credits and DVD cover.

"It's been a cooperative effort throughout the College of Fine Arts that began over a year ago, Arscott said.

For those who wish to have a personal copy of the 70-minute film, a DVD will be sent as a gift to those who make a donation of $10 or more to the SFA film program. Forms will be available at the premiere.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, please call (936) 468-1131.