Premiere set for Summer Film Project

A woman named Isabelle buys an antique camera lens at a garage sale, but little does she know that the lens has mystical powers of healing. Does she use these powers even though every time she heals someone or something, she loses a piece of her soul?

This is the question raised by the 2015 Grand Valley State University Summer Film Project, 'The Lens," which is set to debut April 29. The screening will take place at 8 p.m. at Celebration! Cinema North in Grand Rapids. Admission is $5 per person (cash only).

The film’s 20-member crew, consisting of all Grand Valley students, spent approximately one week filming in various West Michigan locations during July of 2015. Filming locations included Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA), Marks Photo and Video, and a house in Jenison.

Students then spent the 15-week fall semester editing the film and recording its musical score. Dan Rickabus, '10, of The Crane Wives, composed the original score.

Joseph McCargar, affiliate professor of film and video production, and Brian Gotberg, ’14, ’15, are co-producing “The Lens," with Richard Brauer, president of Brauer Productions Inc., serving as director. Brauer also wrote the film's script.

Wrapping his third year of working on the Summer Film Project, Gotberg said students go the extra mile to bring their best work to the table.

"Everyone worked together to make sure this wasn't a 'student film,' even though almost everyone on the crew is a student," Gotberg said. "I'm surprised every year how much the students know about the filmmaking process and how eager they are to get out in the field and work. It's great to see the passion and talent they have for filmmaking."

For more information about “The Lens,” contact Brian Gotberg at (248) 767-5591 or [email protected].