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athens film festival: train keeps a rollin'
AMATEUR BOXING AT THE 40 WATT
”Voi/ tjgVvy Coe yovc ej^Vxy i\ fnuccuc r.l^VV’
Any fist fights which have broken out at the fabulous 40 Watt over the years were probably ini
tiated by aggressive moshing in front of the stage or by patrons drinking a few too many PBRs.
But on May 12 and 13, men and women alike will be punching, jabbing, ducking and swaying
their way to victory In Athens' Second Annual Boxing Tournament. Coordinator Shane Matteson
has gathered 24 of Athens' gutsiest Rocky wannabes for an event that, barring too many major
blows to the head, will not be forgotten.
The event Is open only to those who are true amateurs.
“I'm not accepting anyone who has any real experience, because I don’t want one guy to go up
there and clean everybody’s dock,” Matteson said “I want it to be fair "
The fights will be judged by three expert boxing analysts: Eric Brown. Dr Keppner and Jackie
Eberhart (who is the world middle weight kickboxing champion).
Matteson has pulled out all stops for this event. Compared to the First Annual Athens Boxing
Tournament (which had a ring made of dirt), this one will be quite authentic, complete with a pro
fessional referee, ring girls, a gigantic trophy and a real boxing ring Matteson is confident that,
despite the apparent lack of interest in Athens for boxing, this event will interest many people.
“You've got these Tyson lights that draw huge amounts of people — it's only the big names
that draw people." Matteson said "There is not really a local scene... but boxing always intrigued
me. I liked the man-versus-man aspect."
As far as the arguable lack of ethics behind boxing. Matteson says he respects the sportsman
ship of boxing: "It's a sport — you hug at the end." he said “ActuaMnjuries in boxing are not that
common"
So. v/hat can crowds expect?
“You're going to see a lot of heart at this
tournament." Matteson said "Nobody has
any real skills, so you're going to see a lot of
round housing instead of body shots."
The tournament will follow professional
boxing regulations, which include three two-
minute rounds, a IQ-9. 10-8 scoring system
and emergency medical technicians on the
premises, and the referee can call the fight at
any time. Although there is no cash prize
(simply because Matteson doesn’t want to
attract highly-skilled fighters) the winner will
receive a trophy — even if your face is
bruised, at least your ego won’t be
Jon Galucki
The Second Annual Athens Boxing
Tournament will be at the 40 Watt May 12-13 at
9 p m each night Entry fee is $20 Fighters are
still needed Only one female has entered, so
another female is needed Call Shane Matteson
at 613-1653 for info Admission is Sf> for Ith’ first
night. $H for the second night Tickets aw on
sale at Big Shot Records and Loui Yo Yo Stuff
The Athens Rim Festival will begin in October. but there’s plenty to be done between now and
then Flight full-time volunteers (plus three or four UGA interns) are working around the clock to give
Athens the celebration of film and filmmaking that the city so yearns for From their headquarters in
Normaltown, the organizers are taking steps to kick off the festival with a bang
This first Athens Rim Festival will include shorts, experimental films. drxumentaries and feature-
length films from Athens and around the world The lest is only accepting him. not videotape, but
films in several formats will be featured: Super-#. 16mm and 35mm See the box for entry deadlines.
The festival will be held October 17-24. and plans are underway to screen the new film by Gus
Van Sant {Drugstore Cowboy. To Die For), as well as The Disappearance of Kerin Ferguson, a British
mystery bought by Columbia/TnSOr to be released in the fall Other films likely to be screened at
the film lest David Gatten s Hard W(xx' Process. Jim Herbert’s new film (which is premiering at the
New York Rim Festival) and Atlantan Ben Taylor’s In the Flesh, which is currently In post-production
In addition to showing tons of regional a.'d national films, the Athens Rim Fest will be presenting
awards in six categories Best Feature. Best St. >rt. Best Documentary. Best Super 8. Best Local, and
Festival Choice.
The judges include: Chris Gore (founder/editor of Film Threat Magazine). Michael Jones
(Rlmmaker Magazine). Jeri Cain Rossi (filmmaker and author from New Orleans) and Mark Raker (a
New York cinematographer) They’ll be giving panel discussions at UGA and awarding the six prizes,
including: software from Scriptware. free time at film labs, and free or discounted Super# blow-ups
to 16mm and 35mm Also, local cable channel OnTV wants to sponsor an award, and will be show
ing short films and Super-H films on the station They're also trying to get other stations around the
southeast to show the winners
There will also be screenwriting workshops with professional screenwriters and morning coffee
hours with different filmmakers
So far. official sponsors of the festival include the Coca-Cola Comfjany. Ontail Magazine (New
Orleans). Eastman Kodak. Filmmaker Magazine (NY), flagpole Magazine. Flicker. Georgia Film Office.
IndieWIRF. (NY). Krispy Kreme. OAK Archiving. OnTV. R.E.M Athens Ltd . Vision Video and others
The organizers have secured the Morton Theatre for all eight days of the festival, and the University
of Georgia's Cinematic Arts division will sponsor a local part of the festival including receptions
showings and discussions at the Tate Student Center.
“We just have to get the community involved.” says Festival Director Juanita Giles “Tliat’s what
we have to do."
Marc Pilvintky
Call Juanita (ales at 6137669, or write her at gahlmQnegia net or at PO Box 1631. Athens. HA
306(13 for mow information
June 10: Deadline for screenwriting competition (w/ S30 entry fee)
June 30: Deadline for screenwriting competition (w/ $50 entry fee)
July 1: Early entry deadline (#/ S40 entry fee) & T ~
August 15: Late entry deadline (w/ $45 entry fee) m j
September 15: Selected films notifir tion
October 1: Film pnnts deadline wE/jy
October 17-24: Athens Film Festival :
The University of
Georgia Press
THURSDAY, May 8
5pm—8pm
•FRIDAY, May 9
* " 9am—7pm
TATE CENTER PLAZA
on the UGA campus
I Huge selection!
I Thousands of out-of-print,
* overstock, and slightly worn
I books from $1 to $5, plus big
I discounts on a wide selection of
J newer titles.
| Quantities are limited.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Rain location: inside the Tote Center.
For more information, please coll (706) 369-41X.