The supper came early yesterday, as the week rolled to a close. I returned Thursday night from my final stretch of work travel for the spring and did not make it to the grocery. But that’s okay, because I’m still able to make an excellent bowl of ramen with (mostly) pantry staples. I had snagged an upscale brown rice ramen from Costco, which came out much softer and more silky. It was a nudge shy of too much once plated, and I licked my soy-sauced-lips happily.
I’d made a quick run over to Chapel Hill for a most excellent reason: my friend and fraternity brother Bryan and I met with the new student body president at UNC, a meeting of old campus leader minds with this bright and energetic new generation.
Then last night I indulged another happy tradition: attending screenings of Fourth-Year films at the UNC School of the Arts, not far from the house. Of course, the student films have been drawing me there since 2004, but now the productions are even more meaningful because the house has served as a location and especially because I want to support the amazing students it’s been an honor to get to know.
The auditorium was bursting with such excellent energy and glorious inventive spirit, and this old man was overjoyed to see so many of the young filmmakers who have worked on films (often more than one!) at the house. They applauded wildly for one another but also with good reason, given the quality of their final productions. The Fourth-Year projects are spread across two nights, an abundance of riches and so much talent and wondrous creative ideas. I'll catch the other half of this program tonight, which will include two films shot here. We truly are fortunate to have this university and conservatory here in Winston-Salem.
Based on "Viral Ramen Noodles," from Brian Gerwig [NC]. Instagram Profile: g_bque. [Posted 15 May 2024]
