University of Miami alum Alec Griffen Roth returned to campus to premiere his debut film “Billy Knight.”
On Oct. 23 students and community members gathered at Cosford Cinema to watch the movie alongside Roth, who was the film’s director and writer, and one of the executive producers, Josh Clayton.
The movie follows best friends Alex (Charlie Heaton) and Emily (Diana Silvers) as they struggle to make their way as filmmakers. Following the death of Alex’s father he finds a box of his unfinished scripts along with a handkerchief which reads “Billy Knight.”
This begins a series of peculiar instances for Alex, which tease between fantasy and reality.
In a desperate effort to bring Alex back down to earth, Emily forces him to attend a party. Though when he gets bored and ventures off through the mansion he finds a theater where he meets the man behind his visions: Billy Knight (Al Pacino).
Alex becomes an apprentice to Billy Knight, who shows him how to get in touch with his creative side. But as he becomes more absorbed and is more trusting in Billy than himself, he starts to lose touch with life beyond the script.
How far will Alex go to achieve his dreams before the people in his reality begin to fade?
“Billy Knight” brought back the movie magic that has been lacking in recent years. This film displayed the nostalgia surrounding the love of movies, making it majestical and aesthetically pleasing, allowing viewers to experience the narrative along with the characters.
The cinematography played into the essence of the movie with the lighting and coloring having the viewer question what’s real. Additionally, it portrays a very real struggle for all young people finding their career path.
What inspires you to do what you love? And what’s holding you back from jumping and fully immersing yourself in your dream?
Ahead of the official release Roth and Clayton plan to have 40 – 50 pre-release screenings. This isn’t a typical process, but is a way of allowing each audience to have a more personal experience.
This was definitely felt in the Cosford Cinema as both conversed with audience members before and introducing the movie brought a positive energy. After the screening, there was a loud round of applause.
Both Roth and Clayton took back the stage bashfully and led a Q&A. This opened up a series of fun dialogue from what it was like to work with Pacino to the visual style of the film.
The director was eager to talk and brought a friendly energy to the conversation. Roth spoke about how it felt watching his film for the first time.
“It’s the most nervewracking thing on planet earth,” Roth said. “Because you want people to enjoy it. You want people to connect to it. And you always want to be able to go do it again.”
Roth described “Billy Knight” as a one day at a time film, highlighting how crucial it is to remember that though your fantasies can be beautiful it’s important to remember the people that are in your life.
He encouraged those who want to be in the movie business, and those with other visions alike, to not be afraid to send cold emails and go after what they want. That it’s not about getting the job, but getting to work on something you love with those who have similar interests.
Befittingly Roth’s intended message for viewers is,“remember to fall in love with your dreams and your reality.”
Though the official release is unknown, hopefully this article has left readers excited or at least has inspired you to support a fellow ’Cane.