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News Release


Screening schedule for Reality Bytes Student Film Festival

Beginning 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Almost Gone (13:37), Jason Ramsey, Cornell
This film follows a young woman who is plagued by depression and suicidal ideation but is not getting the help she needs from mental health professionals.

Barb City Rats (6:26), Miles Pfefferle, Northern Illinois University
A prospective member of a notorious motorcycle club gets caught up in a deadly game of retribution when he chooses honor over loyalty to his fellow gang members.

Empty Chalice (18:28), James Knightly, Messiah College
Self-centered checker-champion Brandon Bridges meets his match when a school administrator disbands the college’s checker team.

Female Ejaculation: Perceptions (12:45), Jane Fader, Wayne State University
This film explores contemporary social discourse of female ejaculation and introduces audiences to the cultural history of this lesser-known sexual response.

Violated (1:30), Amanda Stevens, Northern Illinois University
This film is an experimental first-person narrative about date rape. The viewer experiences the main character’s plight and sees it through her eyes.

Just (8:03), Mead McCormick, University of Chicago
The film is a literal exploration of the abstract journey two people take in a relationship together. A couple on the highway pass a road sign that has a curious effect on them: not only do they forget where they’re going; they forget who they are.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, NIU Visual Arts Building (Room 100)

Gillface (12:17), Charles McGinnis, University of Texas at Austin
Fifty years after the lakemen (or “gillfaces”) arose to take their place in society, Gil, an unassuming swampie and successful salesman, still encounters prejudice and bigotry from his coworkers—and especially from Dirk, his neighbor.

Brink (7:15), Nate Mack, Northern Illinois University
This experimental film explores the realms of the human mind and imagination as a man struggles to maintain his grasp on reality. The man begins to teeter on the brink of insanity, haunted by an apparition from his past.

Shelby (1:44), Jennifer Rayphole, Northern Illinois University
After a first date, a young woman takes things too far when she suspects Chris, her love interest, is seeing someone else. It’s only after she takes her rage out on Chris’ car that she realizes she has made a big mistake.

Smokey (14:16), Scott Thurman, University of North Texas
A day in the life with Smokey Binion Jr. reveals an optimistic man involved with his community as an employee of the city and as a tribute artist, comfortably living and working in the small town of Stinnett, Texas.

Wild Like Ego (17:30), Karen Glienke, UCLA
Kelly is 17, a little rebellious, a little confused and very in love with Ego. Ego is punk, a little older, a little loud, and very ready to bounce out of town. When Ego drops the bomb that he’s leaving for L.A. that very night, Kelly must decide what she really wants.