May 1, 2025
Featured on the May 1st, 2025 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:
- Meet some of the next generation of filmmakers who are ready to bring their movies to a cinema near you. It is the annual “I Dream in Widescreen” event, presenting 13 master thesis short films from the UA School of Theatre, Film & Television. In addition to Mark’s interview with 3 aspiring directors, film essayist Chris Dashiell offers his recommendations for some of the standout short films. "I Dream in Widescreen" 2025 will be at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Saturday, May 10th. Doors open at 6 p.m.
A still from the film "Even Now" by filmmaker Cosmo Zappellini from the UA School of Theatre, Film and Television and a part of "I Dream in Widescreen" 2025.
courtesy of UA School of Theatre, Film & Television
A still from the film "Universe Academy" by filmmaker Daniel Cadena from the UA School of Theatre, Film and Television and a part of "I Dream in Widescreen" 2025.
courtesy of UA School of Theatre, Film & Television
A still from the film "Pizza Guy Returns" by filmmaker Philip Summers from the UA School of Theatre, Film and Television and a part of "I Dream in Widescreen" 2025.
courtesy of UA School of Theatre, Film & Television
A still from the film "Play Pretend" by filmmaker Jordan Fouts from the UA School of Theatre, Film and Television and a part of "I Dream in Widescreen" 2025.
courtesy of UA School of Theatre, Film & Television
A still from the film "The World We Live In" by filmmaker Xander Maniece from the UA School of Theatre, Film and Television and a part of "I Dream in Widescreen" 2025.
courtesy of UA School of Theatre, Film & Television
A still from the film "Parallel Lines" by filmmaker Neylani Castro from the UA School of Theatre, Film and Television and a part of "I Dream in Widescreen" 2025.
courtesy of UA School of Theatre, Film & Television
VIEW LARGER Chris Dashiell is a regular contributor to Arizona Spotlight.
- May is traditionally a month when fallen police officers are honored for their service. Arizona Daily Star columnist David Leighton shares the history he uncovered around the life and 1914 death of James Mercer, the only County Ranger ever killed in the line of duty in Pima County.
VIEW LARGER James Mercer at 17 years old. courtesy of Ken Mercer
VIEW LARGER 1910 U.S.G.S. map of southeastern Arizona. The shooting of Pima County Ranger James Mercer took place four miles north of the railroad town, Pantano, which can be seen on this map just southeast of Vail. courtesy of David Leighton
VIEW LARGER Memorial sign for County Ranger James Mercer near the Cienega Bridge on Marsh Station Road. courtesy of David Leighton
VIEW LARGER The Sheriff Department Fallen Officer Memorial at the Clarence W. Dupnik Sheriff’s Center. The memorial includes James Mercer who died in 1914. courtesy of David Leighton
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And, the Tucson non-profit Literacy Connects sponsors a group of performers and musicians called “Stories That Soar!”. They help young writers realize the power and potential of bringing their stories to life, for the stage, video, and radio. This month's "Stories That Soar!" is a song by Elizabeth, a student at Fruchthendler Elementary, who composed a song for their year-end concert called, "Sun is Shining." The Tucson Girls Chorus will be performing Elizabeth's "Stories That Soar!" song at Crowder Hall on the UA campus on Saturday, May 17th.
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Aspiring student-age writers can submit their stories to The Magic Box Story Portal now!
The Tucson Girls Chorus will be performing at Crowder Hall on the UA campus on Saturday, May 17th.
courtesy of the Tucson Girls Chorus
An important aspect of the Tucson non-profit Literacy Connects, "Stories That Soar!" wants aspiring school-age writers to realize the power and possibility of bringing their stories to life across all mediums.
Arizona Illustrated
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