Festival-goers gear up for True/False

Moviegoers wait anxiously for tickets.

By Anna Gaynor

Published Feb. 26, 2009

With the True/False Film Fest starting today, locals and people from across the country are ready for a weekend full of cinema.

This year, the box office is located at the Cherry Street Artisan. True/False volunteers sat at desks as people filtered in and out of the coffee shop's annex.

"So far it's been really smooth," box office manager Beth Kopine said. "We had a line when we got here at 8 a.m."

Susan Roberts was in that early-bird line.

"There was one person before me, and he was here at 7," Roberts said.

While many moviegoers are taking their chances by buying tickets late in the afternoon, some are not willing to fight the crowds.

Letha Albright chose to preorder passes this year after a bad experience.

"Last year I couldn't get any tickets. It was just mayhem," she said. Albright, like many others, chose to stay on the safe side this time and order early.

Many of those who preordered are picking up tickets for out-of-town friends and family. Albright is expecting her brother to fly in for the festival.

Dan Sipe, another festival-goer, was picking up three additional passes for incoming friends.

"I've got my entourage coming in," he said. "It's the best weekend to show them Columbia."

Kevin Sprouse is a new member of Ragtag Cinema's Board, but it's his first time as a True/False festival-goer. He said he's got a big weekend ahead of him.

"I've got a movie slotted for every available slot," he said.

Randy Gray also stood in line for tickets.

"I think this is one of Columbia's premier events," he said. Gray has been going to the festival since its inception in 2004.

From "Afghan Star" to Oscar-nominated short films, everyone in line had a different must-see film, but one seemed to be a favorite: "Food, Inc."

The film follows how food goes from farm to grocery store and challenges assumptions about its production.

Gray is also hoping to get tickets to "Earth Days," a film which follows nine people who helped jumpstart the environmental movement.

"I'm just curious to see how the whole movement has grown from beginning to now," Gray said.

While many were standing outside, others were sitting inside the coffee shop waiting for their chance to buy tickets. Kaylie Gustafson, an intern for the festival, was in charge of calling people's numbers to go to the box office next door.

In addition, she was handing out booklets and lists of films still open. It has been an interesting week, she said. Besides working the line, Gustafson sets up travel arrangements for the incoming filmmakers. With only a few days left, she is now in charge of taking care of all the odds and ends of the festival.

One of many waiting for Gustafson's call was Jill Schoepf. After arriving at 9 a.m., she was not particularly surprised with the line outside. Like others inside the Artisan, she is looking over the list of movies still open, trying to decide which ones she wants to see.

"I'm interested in a documentaries that are more character-based, that tell a story," Schoepf said. "I think it's easier for me to identify with a person or a few people, instead of a sweeping issue."

She, like many others, is hoping for the best.

"Well, if I can get into any, I think 'Food, Inc.' looks pretty good," she said with a laugh.