Post-grad struggles reflected in film 'Running Funny'

If you go:

What: "Running Funny"

Where: Hall of Languages Room 207

When: Tonight 7 p.m.

How Much: Free

College graduation means being free from school but not from the responsibilities of the real world that awaits.

The post-grad film "Running Funny," which screens today, is a film that captures the feeling of apprehension and fear the graduates face once they are out on their own.

"Running Funny" will show in Hall of Languages Room 207 at 7:00 p.m. and is sponsored by University Union Cinemas. The screening is free, and director Anthony Grippa will stick around for a question-and-answer session following the showing.

"It's a movie about students," Grippa said. "Most college students will relate to it. It's a really funny movie and funny story. There's a lot of heart."

Grippa based the film off the play of the same title written by his uncle, award-winning playwright Charles Evered. The story revolves around two recent college graduates, Michael and Eddie, who rent an apartment from Stan, an old, blind war veteran.

"I thought it would be really good to give a new filmmaker exposure," said Julie Katchen, co-director of UU Cinemas.

Grippa first read the play when he was an undergrad at Rutgers University. As a budding film director who related to the themes of the story, Grippa decided to try to turn it into a movie. Shooting on a $10,000 budget with a cast and a crew of 12 people (all working for free), Grippa lived out his dream and made his film.

One of the cast members is Maximilian Osinski, a recent graduate of SU's acting program.

In the original performance of the play, Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti played Osinski's role.

"Running Funny" has been traveling the film festival circuit throughout the country. Grippa has been screening the film at college campuses along the way and hopes to get a distribution deal from the festival circuit. He said college students will relate to themes in the story.

"It's nice to see how a new independent filmmaker starts out," Grippa said. "I think it's really cool to see that it can be done, as long as you put all your effort into doing it."

tpgoessl@syr.edu