Back in February of 2012, excitement spread across the Syracuse University campus when word got out that Hollywood stars Emma Roberts and John Cusack were in town filming a new movie.

“Adult World,” the independent movie starring Roberts and Cusack that was filmed in several Syracuse locations last year, will make its Syracuse premiere on Oct. 6, at the Syracuse International Film Festival.

Tickets on sale for the movie’s Syracuse premiere and all other festival lectures, parties, screenings and events are now available on Ticketmaster.com or at the Landmark Theatre box office. Tickets span from $5-$75, depending on the event and one’s age bracket.

Several SU students got involved in the film’s production by working as production assistants and extras. Senior film major PJ Alampi, who served as an extra for the film, estimated that somewhere between 100-150 students auditioned to be extras.

“It’s a little nerve-racking, you know?” Alampi said. “Being on set, interacting with all the different people working on the film and also the actual actors.”

Syracuse students might recognize some of their peers who acted as extras in the film, like Alampi, if they go to the showing.

Justin Nappi, a Syracuse native and Jamesville-Dewitt High School graduate, produced “Adult World,” which tells the story of a struggling poet, Amy (Roberts), who is trying to come to terms with her recent postgrad status. Amy takes a job at a local adult bookstore, despite her reservations, while tirelessly pursuing her literary idol and hopeful mentor Rat Billings (Cusack). The eccentric, dark comedy attempts to portray the charming, yet disorienting time period of young adulthood.

“Adult World” first premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival this past April and has received mixed reviews since. An Indiewire article from April gave “Adult World” a D+, arguing that Roberts “can’t seem to balance her comedic and dramatic instincts.” However, The Hollywood Reporter complimented writer Andy Cochran, giving praise to his “unpredictable plot detours and frequent flashes of wit.” Thus far, IMDb has given the film a strong 7.8/10 rating.

The screening of “Adult World” will be the final showcase at the 10th annual Syracuse International Film Festival, set to take place Oct. 2-6. The festival will bring films, stars and parties to the Palace Theatre on James Street, Landmark Theater on South Salina Street, Le Moyne College and SU. The event will conclude with the Syracuse premiere of “Adult World” on Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Landmark Theatre.

Being able to premiere a feature film in the Syracuse area is something that the creators of the film festival didn’t foresee in the festival’s beginning stages.

Twelve years ago, Owen Shapiro, artistic director of the Syracuse International Film Festival, and his wife Christine, head producer and community development director, began to put their idea of a large Syracuse film festival into motion. The two came up with the plan while their own film, “Prisoners of Freedom,” was on the United States’ film festival circuit more than a decade ago.

“Our original intent was to just have the festival,” Owen wrote in an email. “We had no thought of its continuing. Now 10 years later, I guess it continued.”

The five-day festival event is typically a large competition where film professionals judge the 80-100 entries. Winners receive cash, prizes and positive publicity. However, because this year is the festival’s 10th anniversary, coordinators have elected to suspend the competition and construct a large-scale special event with parties, viewings and high-profile speakers at several different locations.

As part of the new design, world-renowned film poster artist Maestro Silvano Campeggi of Italy will be at the Landmark Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Attendees will be able to meet with Campeggi, admire his work and purchase posters that catch their eyes.

The following day, the Palace Theatre will host critically-acclaimed film music composer Patrick Doyle. The silent movie, “IT,” will be accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by Travis Newton. Doyle’s scores have been featured in films including “Brave,” “Hamlet” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Also on the final day of the festival, Jim Morris, executive vice president of production at Pixar, will discuss the making of “Wall-E.” The film won a Golden Globe, an Academy Award and 50 other major motion-picture awards.

Students interested in attending the events can use shuttles that will run from campus to the Palace Theatre or use the Connective Corridor to get to the Landmark Theatre. For a complete schedule of festival events, times and locations, visit www.filminsyracuse.com.

Published on September 10, 2013 at 12:26 am

Contact Bobby: reobrien@syr.edu