(Posted December 2, 2017)

Huntingdon, Pa. – Juniata College senior Matthew Gaynor wrote and directed a full-length film, “A Small, Unimportant, and Beautiful Life or: (The Explanation of an Unexplained Journey Through the Multiverse)” in 2016. The film, which discusses the impact of quantum mechanics on religion, spirituality and love, will be screened for the first time at the Clifton 5 Cinema, in downtown Huntingdon, on Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. The screening is open to the public, and tickets are available at the door for $3.

Gaynor will be the first Juniata student to debut a feature film at the theater. He says, “I was surrounded by support at every step in the process, but some were hesitant. They told me that there were too many moving parts, too much time needed on set, and that it couldn’t be done…Because of the collection of brilliant people involved and my belief in this idea, we are premiering my debut feature film. It can be done.”

“Matt’s a relentless worker and has had countless sleepless nights working on this film so that everyone could see it before he graduates,” says senior Hayden Snook. “I’m so proud of him.”

Students from the College star as the main characters in the film, who encounter a parallel universe and must figure out the meaning of love, philosophy and everyday life. Coleman Rigg, class of 2015, provided the music for the film.

Gaynor studies integrated media arts and film production at the College. He was the recipient of the Endeavor Award at the 2015 Depth of Field International Film Festival for a film he wrote and directed titled, “Frames: a handful of love stories.”

To watch the trailer for “A Small, Unimportant, and Beautiful Life,” please visit http://bit.ly/2zX6lXZ. To watch the film, attend the first screening on Dec. 7. Complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served prior to the screening.

 

--Written by Taylor Smallwood ’19– 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.