During the 2024 fall semester, the Advanced Topics in Film Media Production class produced and filmed “Geeky In Pink,” a romantic comedy starring Tali Russel and Amelia Connor-McCoy.
Directed by second-year Audrey Collins and fourth-year Athena Stamatopoulos, the film screened at the Avon Cinema in Providence on April 8.
Collins explained the significance of the film, and how the film finds a way to pay homage, while remaining unique.
“‘Geeky in Pink’ is very much an ode to the 80s,” Collins said. “I think the emotional core of it is so important to what ‘Geeky in Pink’ is, because at the end of the day, it really is about these two women.”
“[The screening] was wonderful, I’m so thrilled to be able to premiere the film at a historic arthouse cinema like the Avon,” Nick Corsano, assistant teaching professor in film media, said. “I think seeing a film in a true theater and [with] a professional projector, that atmosphere is so thrilling, and showcases how important venue is to the film format.”
Corsano and Keith Brown were the producers of the film in addition to teaching the class.
“Filming ‘Geeky in Pink’ was so much fun,” Russel, who stars in the film as Beverly, said. “This was the first film that I had worked on after moving to Rhode Island, and I just felt so welcomed by the cast and crew…The screening was such a fun way to celebrate this movie that we just worked on, but also the history of the film department.”
In addition to the primary screening, the night was also filled with presentations of past University of Rhode Island films. Various alumni attended and the premiere gave them the opportunity to see their work on an actual movie screen.
“Athena and I have always been dedicated from day one,” Collins said. “To see that kind of payoff on the biggest screen possible? Phenomenal.”
After the screenings, the cast and crew moved to the Royal Bobcat, a local bar in Providence, to celebrate the premiere. Alumni and current students alike mingled, reminiscing on the other film projects shown at the screening.
The screening was a long time coming, according to Lainey Sumner, who produced and co-assistant directed the film. She expressed her gratitude that other films were screened alongside “Geeky in Pink,” creating an atmosphere of creativity.
The film department will be holding a screening on May 9 in Edwards Auditorium at 5 p.m. The screening will showcase films from the Seminar in Film Media Production class at URI.
