Wilmington, N.C. – The University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Film Studies and the university community invite area residents to a holiday celebration featuring a screening of Frank Capra’s holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life on Friday, Dec. 21, at Kenan Auditorium on the UNC Wilmington campus. Holiday caroling, complete with free hot cider and cocoa, begins at 6:30 p.m. on the steps of the auditorium, followed by the program and screening at 7 p.m.
As part of the program, the second annual Clarence Award, named for the film’s angel-in-training, will be presented to a local “angel.” Clarence shows the film’s main character, George Bailey, how he has touched the lives of so many others in his town. In that spirit, the Clarence Award recognizes someone in the greater Wilmington area, who without fanfare or publicity, gives consistently and unselfishly to others to make a real difference to individuals and the community.
“So many of us can identify with George Bailey,” said Lou Buttino, chair of film studies. “This film makes us think about our own lives and how we do or can make a difference in our daily interactions. Seeing it as a shared experience, on the big screen, is far more powerful than seeing it on television.”
As in the past, the university will partner with the Salvation Army to bring joy to others by inviting attendees to bring financial donations, new clothing for children ages 3-9, or unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army to distribute.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Kenan Auditorium Box Office at 910.962.3500 or the UNCW Department of Film Studies at 910.962.7502.
This holiday celebration is sponsored by the UNCW Department of Film Studies in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Cultural Arts, Center for Leadership Education and Service, Marketing and Communications, and Public Service and Continuing Studies.
Media contact:
Pat Torok, UNCW Department of Film Studies, 910.962.7502
Lou Buttino, chair of the Department of Film Studies, is available for interview at 910.962.7141
