The second release from local production company Rusted Sun Films has become the first big success story for all the volunteers involved. Although Rusted Sun's first film, "A Cowboy's Silver Lining" was a hit with Memphis residents, their new release "Divine Manipulation of the Threads" is a bigger achievement than anyone could have imagined.
The film, which was written, directed and performed by local volunteers, was given an extended run at Malco's Studio on the Square. Initially "Divine Manipulation" was given a four-night run; however, after Memphians filled the seats at Monday night's premiere, Malco will continue screening the film until April 6.
"We were all shocked," said Christine Connolly, a volunteer with Rusted Sun Films.
"For Malco to give up a screen for us is so great."
Connolly, an employee at News Channel 3, is just one of many volunteers that spent her time off creating a movie from the ground up with other film devotees.
"People poured out of the woodwork. Without them it wouldn't be half as easy," said Bevan Bell, writer, producer and star of "Divine Manipulation of the Threads."
Bell said countless lessons were learned on the set of "A Cowboy's Silver Lining" that carried over to the production of "Divine Manipulation."
"You don't make the same mistakes, Bell said."
This attention to detail from Bell and the other filmmakers added to the buzz, which has been circling Rusted Sun Films since their first release. "A Cowboy's Silver Lining" was the first film to sellout at the Independent Memphis Film Festival, and "Divine Manipulation" is poised to bring in large crowds as well.
Although the passion and drive of the volunteers is a key factor to their success, the word of mouth from Memphians, as well as the support from Malco, is incalculable, according to Joseph Smith, an actor in "Divine Manipulation."
"A film can live so much better on screen," Smith said. "We're so grateful the folks at Malco would sacrifice a screen for a local film."
The praise Rusted Sun Films has received from their hometown gives volunteers a seal of approval, as well as a step in the right direction towards nationwide success. Bell and Smith are both hopeful that "Divine Manipulation" will reach a new audience through DVDs.
Their biggest goal seems to be within close reach thanks to more viewing opportunities at Studio.
"We just want people to see it," Bell said. "That's the payoff."
"Divine Manipulation" is more of a comedy than Rusted Sun's first production. The idea for the humorous script came to fruition in three short weeks, Bell said. This lighter film fare made the process even more exciting the second time for Rusted Sun.
"The first film was dark and serious, and this one made it easier to open up and clown around," Smith said.
The clowning around soon subsided and the volunteers' passion shined throughout the entire process.
"Everyone had fun," Smith said. "There were no attitudes, no egos. We were really lucky."
The luck continues throughout the next week with "Divine Manipulation of the Threads" playing at Malco's Studio on the Square. For ticket and time information, log on to www.malco.com.
