Using social distancing and masks and complying with all CDC and government rules, local filmmaker Johnny Wu and his team somehow managed to complete their latest movie, Wu Lin the Society. Wu even incorporated mask wearing into the script.
Three film festivals have already accepted the movie, and Wu just signed a distribution deal.
On Saturday, Sept. 18, the film will screen at Atlas Cinemas Lakeshore 7. Locals can attend the in-person screening from 7 to 10 p.m. There will also be a 30 minute Q&A session. And if you can't make the in-person event, there is a virtual option.
Set in the year 2050 when pollution and viruses are rampant, the film focuses on the search for the culprit behind a string of mysterious deaths.
“Filming during the pandemic was a challenge, but we were able to create an exciting film and keep the cast and crew safe," says Wu in a press release. "Now, it’s time to share it with the world.”
Wu says diversity played a role in casting, and Pauline Nowakowski, who's Mexican, has a major role in the flick.
“It was a great experience every time I was on set," she says. "It was like walking onto a Hollywood set. My favorite time was when I got to do the flashback scene and was thirtysomething and pregnant.”
Prior to the screening of Wu's film, there will be a showcase of local filmmakers' trailers and the debut of a short film from Nowakowski called Genie of the Bottle.
Tickets for the in-theater screening of Wu Lin the Society and for the livestream are on sale now.
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