Documentary by Elon students featured in RiverRun festival

This year’s RiverRun International Film Festival will feature “North Street,” a documentary produced by three Elon University students.[/caption]​A documentary film created by three Elon University students will be shown at the 2015 RiverRun International Film Festival, one of the premier film festivals in the southeastern United States.

Brad Hinkle ’15, Sergio Ingato ’15 and Jacky Shacknow ’16 – all three elondocs production program alumni – collaborated on the film “North Street,” which details the development of a downtown Durham community structured around friends and family members with disabilities. Founded in 2012, the Durham community has grown to more than 50 individuals in recent years.

The eight-minute documentary will be presented on Sunday, April 19, at 4 p.m., with a second showing slated for Friday, April 24, at 3:30 p.m. For more information about the “North Street” showings, visit its RiverRun profile.

“This is one of the largest film festivals in the state and provides some fantastic exposure for our students,” said Nicole Triche, an assistant professor in the School of Communications and director of the elondocs program.

“North Street,” which was created as part of the students’ elondocs final project, is included in the festival’s special showcase for North Carolina filmmakers, according to Triche.

Hinkle said he’s thrilled to share the Durham community’s compelling story with the festival’s audiences.

The documentary highlights the development of a downtown Durham community structured around friends and family members with disabilities.[/caption]​“I hope it will help them consider creative alternatives for those living with physical and mental disabilities,” said the media arts and entertainment major. “Establishing a supportive community is important for anyone, but this is especially true for someone who may otherwise end up in a group home when their loved ones are no longer able to care for them.

“More than anything I’m looking forward to seeing how it affects the audience,” Hinkle added.

In 2013, “We Will Prevail,” a documentary produced by elondocs alumna Madeline Carlin ’14, played at RiverRun.

Located in Winston-Salem, RiverRun has grown significantly over the past 15-plus years. This year’s festival, which includes 165 films, runs from April 16 through April 26. For more information, visit RiverRun’s website.