CLC has spot in 'Star Wars' documentary
College of Lake County in Grayslake will have a prominent spot in a "Star Wars" documentary film in a special screening Friday, June 12.
An instructor and two students are featured in "The Force Among Us." The film will run at 8 p.m. at the Gene Siskel Film Center in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N. State St.
Brother and sister filmmakers Cristian and Cortney Macht will participate in discussion about their 85-minute documentary with the audience. The Machts' film will be shown a day before "Star Wars" creator George Lucas is honored for his work at the Siskel Film Center.
"Star Wars" fans are expected to be portrayed in a positive light in the documentary, which has been in the works since at least 2006. Common myths and stereotypes of "Star Wars" fans across the world - such as geekiness - will be challenged in the flick.
CLC sociology teacher John Tenuto helped the Machts with "The Force Among Us." Tenuto maintains "Star Wars" fans aren't odd and are similar to rabid followers of sports teams.
"The 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek' fans don't need to get a life and get out of their parents' basements because they have a life and their own basements," said Tenuto, who hopes to attend the special event for "The Force Among Us."
Tenuto was interviewed for the film at CLC, as were students Grant Ragain and Chris Hamilton. Tenuto said there was a private screening of "The Force Among Us" at CLC in 2007.
In 2007, Tenuto taught "Introduction to Sociology: Star Wars Edition." Tenuto also has led classes based on the "Star Trek" movies and television series and 1970s pop culture.
Wadsworth-bred director Patrick Read Johnson turned to some CLC students in 2006 while filming "5-25-77," which was based on the true story on how "Star Wars" and its revolutionary special effects led him to a life in movies. The date refers to when "Star Wars" was released.
There also is a May 25 connection with "The Force Among Us." That's when Cristian Macht was born.
Tickets for "The Force Among Us" at the Siskel Film Center are $9 for general admission and $7 for students.