Allegan grad returns to cast film in hometown

By Ryan Lewis
Staff Writer

The script is written, the storyboards have been drawn-all Stosh Mintek needs now is a cast and crew.

The 1999 Allegan High School graduate is planning to direct a short film in Allegan in the week following Christmas. He and the film's producer, fellow Yale graduate Ciara Lacy, have set Nov. 25 for the casting call.

The director will be on hand to oversee readings of Mintek's film, which will follow the main character's path from rookie to team captain of a state-championship high school wrestling team.

Mintek said, "While the details are still being confirmed, casting will take place at the Allegan Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 25."

Those who want more information should RSVP in advance to littlefishfilm@gmail.com.

"We will be seeking approximately a dozen roles of varying ages," Mintek said. "Auditioners needn't bring anything with them, as all materials will be provided."

Those interested in participating as crewmembers should also email littlefishfilm@gmail.com, explaining the position in which they're interested and listing any and all previous production experience.

The film's story is close to Mintek's heart. He wrote it during an intensive screenwriting workshop at Yale University in 2002, and Mintek wants to do it justice.

"It's a simple attempt to do justice to a sport that is absolutely vital and significant in my own life," Mintek said. "I want to show it the way it really is, through the eyes of the real people who participate in it and care about it deeply."

He said the decision to cast locally stemmed from the fact that the story is built on his own memories of growing up in Allegan.

"We also want to give aspiring film actors an opportunity to prove themselves on camera, in a town where such projects are somewhat hard to come by."

While just focused on finishing the short film, Mintek hopes the festival screenings will garner funding for a feature-length version of the film.

Currently, composer Cory Kasprcyk-Allegan High School Class of 1999-is in talks with Wiggle Pictures (Mintek and Lacy's production company) to score the film in December.

The film is scheduled to screen publicly Feb. 15, 2007, with screenings to follow at a variety of festivals and venues across the country.

Mintek majored in film and graduated with distinction from Yale University in 2003. Mintek works as the program director and lead instructor of The Ghetto Film School, an award-winning non-profit in the Bronx that teaches young students how to become outstanding filmmakers.

Lacy graduated from Yale University in 2002 and has worked on storylines and shooting for TLC, Discovery and A&E television shows. Her directing credits include the TLC series "Little People Big World."

Ryan Lewis may be contacted at (269) 673-5534 or e-mailed at rmlewis@allegannews.com.