The only indicators of Windsor Auditorium’s transformation to Windsor Cinema are the two columns of speakers that stand at either end of the stage. They stand, pitch black and silent, like twin “2001: A Space Odyssey” monoliths – eerie, imposing omens of the frenzy that’s about to begin.
It’s opening night for the True/False Film Festival at Stephens College’s Windsor Auditorium, and the mood outside the makeshift theater is far removed from the expectant calm on the inside. Volunteers and early arrivals are milling about, putting the finishing touches on preparations or securing places in line.
Directing the volunteers milling around the Windsor Auditorium’s lobby is Yve Solbrekken, this location’s venue coordinator. Solbrekken has been preparing for this year’s documentary film festival since last year’s ended. However, the real work of transforming Windsor Auditorium began this week.
She describes her job as making sure that “everything runs smoothly, safely, and fun.”
Though she hopes for a “big turnout,” Solbrekken only gets to watch the films she’s hosting if there are seats left in the auditorium. Getting to actually see the shows will be one of the “big challenges” of the night, she says. This Thursday, Windsor Cinema hosted the four films nominated for the Academy Award for the Documentary Short.
First in line at Windsor Cinema Thursday was Rachael Bellman, a volunteer for the festival. Bellman wanted to make sure she got to see a few shows, especially since she saw only one film last year: “Carny,” directed by Allison Murray, a story about carnival workers.
Bellman had a special connection to “Carny” – her parents worked as understudies for two of the people depicted in the film.
“I grew up in a family of circus performers,” she says. However, she’s broken with the carnival worker’s transient life to settle down in Columbia.
Bellman plans to work for the rest of the festival, including at the March March on Friday night, and later at the Blue Note, another viewing venue. She believes the work will be well worth the reward of seeing such an event in Columbia.
“I’m excited to be part of the festival.”
By Andrew Orozco
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