SHOWING:
1:30 pm, Sat. 9/23 @ Carver Theatre
directed by Mike Akel
In the comedic tradition and “documentary” shooting style of 'Arrested Development' and 'The Office', CHALK tells the frenetic and awkwardly painful journey of three novice teachers as they navigate one memorable public school year. Share in the unforgettable comedic trials of Mr. Lowry, the former software engineer and misguided altruist turned history teacher; Coach Webb, the relationally starved shrew of third period gym class; Mr. Stroope, the power hungry small town philosopher; and Mrs. Reddell, their former peer turned assistant principal who has been newly assigned to reign-in the Harrison High staff.
Director Mike Akel provides a rare and realistic teacher’s perspective into the absurd, provocative and occasionally volatile world of public education. In a country where 50% of teachers quit within the first three years, CHALK delivers an enormous dose of heart, hilarity, and hope for America’s most important institution.
Director Bio:
Born in Tennessee and raised in Arkansas, Mike studied Film at Missouri State University. After putting roots down in Austin, Texas, he pursued acting through improv comedy and commercial television, prior to discovering his passion for directing. In 2000, he co-wrote, directed, and produced the comedy BUTCHER’S 15. Over the next three years, Mike taught TV / Film at Travis High School and developed youth film programs, including the Austin Student Digital Film Festival. While his appreciation for teachers and their unique challenges grew, so did his understanding of some of the absurdity inherent in this profession. The result is his first feature film: CHALK.
Screens with PATTERNS, directed by Jamie Travis (9 min. / Canada). Pauline waits for an important phone call, misses the phone call, gets the phone call and regrets the phone call in this stylized allegory of innocence and experience.
