Appalachian Film Festival features 'Back to the Bottle'
Jodee Hammond
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
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"Back to the Bottle," a documentary of a man's lifelong struggle with alcohol, kicked off the Appalachian Film Festival with enthusiasm at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center after months of preparation.
Approximately 1,000 moviegoers strutted the red carpet into the Hollywood-style affair to enjoy a fancy dinner as they eagerly waited for the show to begin.
Before the movie hit the screen, Rick Ruggles of the Saturday Night Jamboree, Jessica Cline, Russell Akerley and Sam St. Claire performed "Back to the Bottle," the theme song for the film, which was written by Karle.
Ruggles said he was shocked when Francesca asked him to sing her song. He said it was an opportunity for him to do good for somebody like Karle.
"Karle is multi-talented," Ruggles said. "She's a great songwriter, and if she wants to continue in the film business, I think she can do it."
Special guest George Huff of American Idol also entertained the audience with an array of songs from "Miracles" to show his support for the cause.
After receiving a phone call from Karle, Huff said he would love to perform at the premiere because of the wonderful things Karle is doing.
Not only did Karle's film spark an interest for local and celebrity singers, but it also received attention from actors such as Ashley McNeely of MTV's "A Shot at Love" and David "Punk" Otunga of VH1's "I Love New York 2."
Karle said McNeely is passionate about the cause, so he was excited to help with the film.
McNeely said he thought the film was a great opportunity to continue preventing alcoholism while building his career.
Paul Meade, star of the film, said he also wanted to be a star.
"I've wanted to be a star all my life" Meade said. "I tried to be a star as a teenager. I had to wait 50 years to do it."
Meade said it felt good to have a movie made about him.
Karle said filming this movie was different than her first film, "On the River's Edge," because she achieved more experience directing actors and writing the scenes and script.
However, Karle's biggest achievement was recruiting Jamie Lee Curtis to participate in the film.
"I never thought Jamie Lee Curtis would jump on the bandwagon, but she's been through it," Karle said. "It is something that affects a lot of people today, and it's something people need to be aware about, educated on and attentive to," Karle said.
"We hope to affect the young people in terms of prevention and maybe affect people like Paul who still struggle with that disease to change through their hope and strength," said Toni Karle, producer of the film.
"You always learn from a movie, but this story showed there's always hope out there if you have any kind of addictions," said Sera Nester from Huntington. "It was well directed and put together."
"It was more than what I expected," said Carla Webb from Huntington. "I thought Francesca did a beautiful job, and I look forward to seeing more of her work."
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership, according to a news release from the Toni Karle.
Jodee Hammond can be contacted at hammond32@marshall.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
M. Ellis
posted 4/18/08 @ 10:43 AM EST
I also believe that Miss Karle (and Co)did a fantastic job. She has always been on the lookout for ways to help - in whatever situation. I was thrilled (but not shocked) to hear of all her accomplishments and honored be be part of her (second) big night. (Continued…)
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