Film by Boyertown alum and his wife selected for Sundance
Jan. 7—"Love Me," a new film directed by a Boyertown High School graduate and his wife, has been selected for screening at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival later this month.
Directors Andy and Sam Zuchero are a filmmaking team from Topanga, Calif., with roots in the Boyertown area. Andy is a 2002 Boyertown graduate and former Perkiomenville resident.
The pair have been making art together since their teens. "Love Me," their first feature film, will be premiering at Sundance as one of 10 films screened in the U.S. Dramatic Competition category.
Honoring his Boyertown roots, Andy said that Scott Didyoung, Ronald Butt and Cynthia Mauger — three of the many inspirational Boyertown teachers who helped Andy find his voice as an artist and writer — should keep their eyes peeled for heartfelt thanks at the end of the film.
The husband and wife duo feel grateful and excited about their film being selected to be screened at this year's festival, which runs Jan. 18-28 in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Previously, the short film "The Apocalypse," a six-minute, color film written and directed by Andy, was selected for the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
"We're honored to be returning to Park City with our debut film," said Andy in an emailed statement. "For the last 40 years, Sundance has pushed American cinema forward. It's just nice to be a part of the giant legacy."
"Love Me" also has been named winner of the festival's 2024 Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize, an annual award given to an artist with the most outstanding depiction of science and technology in a feature film.
"We want to tell a story nobody's ever seen and move people while doing it!" said the directors in their statement. "Long after humanity's extinct, a buoy and a satellite meet online and fall in love."
The film stars Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun.
"Both Academy Award nominees, Kristen and Steven's accolades run longer than would be fit to print," the directors said. "They are singular and selfless artists who inspire us every day."
Stewart will receive the Visionary Award in recognition of her work as an artist and contributions to the field of independent film at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival's fundraiser Opening Night Gala: Celebrating 40 Years Presented by Chase Sapphire on Jan. 18 at the DeJoria Center in Utah.
Throughout her career, she has had 10 films screened at the festival, including "The Runaways," "Adventureland" and "Lizzie." She made her directorial debut with "Come Swim" at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. She returns to the festival with "Love Me" and "Love Lies Bleeding."
— Lisa Mitchell
Art
New Arts Program, 173 W. Main St., Kutztown, under the direction of its founder, James F.L. Carroll, will hold a public reception Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. for the second in its three-part series of exhibitions marking its 50th season, titled "The Middle Years, 1982-1999."
This part of the series features Kutztown native Keith Haring, artist Patricia Johanson and New York Times critic and artist William Zimmer among 50 others. Exhibited works are from the NAP collection.
Program highlights of this era include, from 1988 to 1999, with funding by the Pew Foundation, 61 two-day NAP residencies were held in Philadelphia at the Painted Bride Art Center, Community Education Center, Moore College of Art & Design, and Museum of American Art of the PA Academy of Fine Arts. Beginning with 1990, the NAP's exhibition schedule was expanded to add the Annual Invitational Salon Exhibition of Small Works, later to become an International Invitational, attracting submissions from up to 200 artists annually from as far away as Japan.
Attendees on Friday will be treated to a free vintage catalog: "Dance On Paper," from Lehigh University Art Galleries, and limited edition works for sale. The exhibition is being funded in part through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the generosity of local businesses.
The exhibition continues through March 24. New Arts Program hours are Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment by calling 610-683-6440. More information about New Arts Program can be found at newartsprogram.org.
Radio
Kutztown University Radio (KUR) received seven nominations in different categories for the 84th Annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards, to be awarded at the annual conference in March in New York City. This event bestows awards to colleges and universities to recognize exceptional programming and student radio stations on a national level.
The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference receives submissions from all over the world and has more than 80 categories of awards. The categories KUR was nominated for include:
—Best On-Air Pledge Drive (1866 Giving Challenge 1866-minute broadcast. Jacob Regensburger, Mitchell Smedley, Jack Heym, Joshua Tuite, Devon Koch, Sydney Waddell, Abigayle Regensburger, Kaylee Brulliea, Linda Zuniga).
—Best On-Air Pledge Drive (Penn Environment Fundraiser. Abigayle Regensburger).
—Best Promotions Director (Michael Adams).
—Best Community Outreach Event (Pridefest Recap Special. Abigayle Regensburger and James Zipprodt).
—Best Political News (Vice President Kamala Harris visits RACC. Mitchell Smedley and Abigayle Regensburger).
—Best Show Poster (Linda Zuniga).
—Best Show Intro (Sydney Waddell).
KUR offers an array programming including smooth pop, R&B and jazz vocals, and light alternative. Student, faculty and KU's specialty shows are featured during the afternoons and evenings, encompassing a wide variety of styles from rock to rap to blues to talk.
Revived in 2005 from the remnants of WRKU, KU's longtime student radio station, KUR is staffed by more than 50 students. For schedules, shows and events, visit www.kutztown.edu/KUR.
