Back in August, I received an invitation to a private screening of a short film written and directed by an up-and-coming Austin filmmaker named (appropriately) Austin Noll. He reached out by email and offered a brief synopsis of his short that instantly intrigued me. As a film critic and cinephile, I love experiencing stories that celebrate the ways that cinema enriches our lives.  Noll’s The Projectionist is a beautiful example of movies’ impact and how they can form special connections with people.

In a sleepy small town in the 1960s, a young teen named Arthur (Chris Carpenter) takes what he initially sees as an ordinary, temporary high school job at a drive-in theater that eventually becomes a major part of his life journey. While working there, he meets his first sweetheart, Elaine (Lexi Jayde), who will eventually become the love of his life. As Arthur and Lexi grow older together and take on life’s challenges, the theater remains a home away from home and a comforting friend. However, as we know all living things must come to an end, and eventually Arthur must say goodbye to the two loves of his life.

I was so grateful that filmmaker Austin Noll reached out and invited me to his private friends, family, and colleagues screening, because I fell in love with his beautiful film. The writing, direction, acting, and everything else are gorgeously conceived and superbly executed. I fell in love with both Arthur and Lexi, and absolutely adore their story. I genuinely connected with their story and was absolutely captivated by their journey.

The cast is also tremendously strong. Chris Carpenter gives a beautifully understated performance as the shy, humble, but very affable Arthur during his younger days. Late actor Joseph Miller portrays Arthur in his later years as he deals with his wife’s failing health and the demise of his beloved drive-in. Miller also serves as the film’s narrator and conscience and heart. Miller is absolutely perfect and has such a lovely voice for telling this story. I also adored both Lexi Jayde, who portrays Young Elaine, and Robin Lee Noll, who stars as the older Elaine.

I want to sincerely thank Austin Noll for sharing his tremendous and sublime short film with me.  It’s not often I get an invitation to a private screening from someone I have never previously met. It was an honor to be included in this special screening of a truly wonderful film, and I hope it gets the attention and adoration it deserves as Austin shares it with the film festival circuit. I hope all of my friends, followers, and readers get to experience The Projectionist one day.