John C. Aliano, professor in the Videography & Film Program, will premiere his feature documentary Being Adolph Gasser at the DOCUTAH International Film Festival at 12:15 p.m. on Feb. 26. The screening will be held at Megaplex Theatres at Sunset in St. George, Utah. The film is also nominated for a DOCUTAH Award.
Aliano produced, directed and shot the documentary, which follows the life of Adolph Gasser, a World War II veteran, master camera repairman and longtime friend of nature photographer Ansel Adams. Over a 70-year career, Gasser helped shape the photography world, contributing to the development of early Nikon cameras and supporting generations of visual artists through his Bay Area camera shop.
Aliano encourages audiences to experience the film the way it was designed.
“See the film as it is meant to be seen on the large screen (and heard in 5.1 stereo)!!” he wrote in announcing the screening.
The film reflects on legacy, craftsmanship and what it means to stay relevant as technology and time move forward.
“I was drawn to Adolph not just because of his incredible history, but because of who he is,” Aliano said. “In the end, the greatest accomplishment isn’t what you build. It’s who you are.”
Following the screening, Aliano and associate producer Arianna Martinez will host a Q&A session with the audience.
Adding to the moment, Aliano’s former Documentary II student, Hisonni Johnson, will also have his award-winning short film, Legend Has It: The Remarkable Rise of Stephen McCain, screened at the festival the same day. Having both a professor and former student selected for the same festival lineup is rare and speaks to the strength of the program.
Admission to individual films is $10, with free entry for students who present a current student ID. Festival passes and day passes are also available. The awards ceremony will take place Feb. 28 and is free and open to the public.
For Aliano, seeing the film screened in a theater setting matters.
For more information about the festival and film schedule, visit docutah.com.
