Huntington University to Premiere Feature Film ‘SENIORS’ with Red Carpet Event

Forester Film set to launch newest feature film

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University and Forester Film will host the highly anticipated red-carpet premiere of its third feature film, SENIORS, on Friday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m. in Zurcher Auditorium, followed by a special Sunday matinee screening on April 26 at 3:00 p.m.

Produced through Huntington University’s nationally recognized capstone film program, SENIORS stars legendary actor John Rhys-Davies and rising talent Paris Brosnan in a powerful, heartwarming story about mentorship, purpose and redemption. The film follows a rebellious high school senior completing court-ordered community service at a retirement home, where he forms an unlikely friendship with a troubled war veteran. What begins as obligation transforms into a life-changing journey for both characters, revealing that it is never too late to find meaning, healing and hope.

The April 24 premiere will feature a full red-carpet experience beginning at 6:30 p.m., including media appearances and a packed audience. Most of the film’s cast and several professional crew members are expected to attend, including Paris Brosnan, making it one of the most significant film events in the region. Those attending the red carpet portion will receive free Culver’s frozen custard and a gift bag with novelty items referencing the film.

“This is more than just a movie premiere, it’s a celebration of story, mentorship and the next generation of filmmakers,” said Lance Clark, dean of the School of the Arts at Huntington University and director of SENIORS. “We set out to create a film that speaks across generations. At its core, SENIORS is about the power of unlikely relationships and how wisdom and purpose can be passed down in the most unexpected ways. I truly believe audiences will leave encouraged, inspired and deeply moved. We can’t wait to celebrate the craft of movie making at the highest level right here in Northeast Indiana and we want to pack out our theatre with guests from around the region.

“SENIORS is really about redemption. It’s about how purpose can be rediscovered even in broken places. It shows that when we take the time to invest in someone else, especially across generations, something powerful happens that can change both lives. This story gets at something deeply human — we all want to be seen, to matter and to know our life still has purpose. SENIORS reminds us that no one is too far gone, and no season of life is wasted. Sometimes the very person we least expect ends up changing everything.”

The film represents a unique production model that blends professional actors with student filmmakers, giving Huntington University students hands-on experience at the highest level of production. Over 30 students were involved with the production of the film, working alongside Screen Actors Guild cast from all over the region, including LaToya Griffin of Fort Wayne, as well as professional crew from around the country and 130 local extras from Northeast Indiana, including Huntington, Fort Wayne, Bluffton, Wabash, Decatur and Ossian.

Producer Matt Webb emphasized the significance of the collaboration.

“This program offers a unique opportunity for students and professionals to work side-by-side to create something we are all really proud of,” Webb said. “The history of most crafts, including film, is filled with masters teaching apprentices until they become masters themselves and take on apprentices of their own. That’s both the model and hope of this program. We can’t wait for these students to come back in a few years as mentors sharing from their own professional experience.

“This is not a student film. It’s truly a professional experience. Through 15 weeks of intensive prep, 5-6 weeks of filming and an additional 15 weeks of post-production, marketing and distribution, the students get to experience the full scope of what it takes to bring a feature film from conception into theatres.”

Webb added HU’s production model is unique from what students would experience at other institutions, noting Huntington provides a far more robust and expansive program, right from day one.

“Lots of universities can provide wonderful short-film experiences for their students, but many of those students don’t make anything until their junior year,” Webb said. “At HU, our students have cameras in their hands in the first week of school and are working in support positions for senior thesis films within the first month. After producing dozens of short films and projects, our students then get to work on 1-3 feature-length movies before they graduate. It’s not only a unique program for the Midwest, or even other Christian colleges and universities, it’s a standout program nationwide.”

About the Cast

John Rhys-Davies is an internationally acclaimed actor best known for his roles as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Sallah in the Indiana Jones films. With a career spanning decades across film, television and stage, Rhys-Davies has become one of the most recognizable and respected character actors in the industry. His commanding presence and depth bring authenticity and gravitas to the role of the war veteran in SENIORS.

Paris Brosnan, son of actor Pierce Brosnan, is an emerging actor and artist gaining recognition for his work in film and visual arts. With a growing presence in the entertainment industry, Brosnan brings a fresh and compelling performance to SENIORS, capturing the complexity and transformation of a young man at a crossroads in life.

About Forester Film

Forester Film is the feature film production arm of Huntington University, dedicated to mentoring the next generation of storytellers through real-world filmmaking experiences. Over the past five years, the program has produced three feature-length films, combining student crews with industry professionals to create meaningful, high-quality cinematic content.

SENIORS Premiere Event Details

Red Carpet
Friday, April 24
6:30 p.m.
Merillat Centre for the Arts
Huntington University

Premiere Screening
Friday, April 24
7:00 p.m.
Zurcher Auditorium
Huntington University

Special Matinee Screening
Sunday, April 26
3:00 p.m.
Zurcher Auditorium

Tickets are available to the public, with special access provided for cast, crew and University students and staff. Tickets can be purchased by visiting hutington.edu/SeniorsPremiere.