What to Expect at the "New Friends" Premiere.

By: Andrew Bermudez

(Mustache Maniacs Film Co. Headquarters; May 28, 2013)

     After a long wait, it is so hard to believe that the much-hyped premiere of New Friends ~ An Environmental Fable is coming this Friday! If you are attending the event, which is grouped into College of the Canyons' MEA Showcase event, then here are a few things you must know.

     Arrive Early - Even though the showcase starts at 7:00 PM, it is recommended that you get there anywhere from 6:00 to 6:30 PM. Parking at the school can be a pain at times, so arriving early alleviates some of that stress. Also, early arrivals can enjoy the pre-show potluck and hang out with the other guests. It also increases your chances of getting a good seat in Hasley Theater.

     Park Close - The campus for College of the Canyons is not very big when compared to other campuses, but it is hilly, so parking in the wrong place can tire you as you head from and to your car. You can see an official map of the campus here to help you choose a place to park; we recommend either lot 5 or lot 6 for an easy walk to Hasley Hall.

     It's Not all About New Friends, You Know - True, you're probably all coming to see New Friends and watch Papa Dodo mourn at the death of his species, but that's not the only film there, so please show the other filmmakers some respect as well by watching their work. Besides a Cougar News newsreel and a selection of smaller-scale animated films, other films that will be shown include Imaginary Friend, The Portrait, Ties That Bind, and Sleep Chatter, just to name a few.

     Ask Relevant Questions During the Q&A Session - After the showcase, the filmmakers will come out onstage, where you can ask them questions about their work. However, ONLY ask about their work in the showcase. Asking a filmmaker where their inspiration for their work came from is okay; asking them if they're going bald is not. Keep on-topic during the Q&A, so don't even think about asking Andrew Bermudez when Johnny Thunder and the Wisdom of the Ancients will be released; frequent readers of this press room will know that it will come out July 2014.

     Be Forewarned of Mature Content - The showcase is divided into two viewing sessions: one at 7:00 PM and one at 9:00 PM. The films shown at 7:00 PM are suitable for viewing by all ages, but the 9:00 PM films contain mature content. If you are going to attend the entire showcase, viewer discretion is advised. If you forget this warning, there is another one on the showcase program.

     Enjoy the Dance Party as Well - Outside Hasley Theater is a seating area where you can enjoy a pre-show snack. However, at 7:00 PM, the floor will make way for an Electronika music festival and dance party. If you want to, enjoy the dance party, but don't get in trouble.

     And, of course, have fun during this special premiere! Earlier in the day is a special screening of the popular film A Friend of the Police (Over Memorial Day Weekend, it garnered 173 views), but that is only open to invited guests. The MEA showcase, on the other hand, is open to the public. If you are going to be there, we'll see you there!