September 24, 2007

Anticipation hung in the air and there was complete silence as the theater lights dimmed and the film began for the private screening of “The Confessional” on September 9. The new Livermore Cinemas provided just the right digital equipment required for the independent film which was shot using two HD Panasonic VX200 digital cameras and Redrock 35mm lenses.

“We wanted to thank the Bay Area community for all their support,” said executive producer Martha Holder, “so we elected to first screen the movie in the area to allow many of those so generous to us to attend. We met so many people who wanted to help us in the making of this movie, giving their homes and businesses to us so that we could get the small town feel of ‘Clearheart’ the fictional town where much of the story of ‘The Confessional’ plays out.”

The psycho-thriller, shot almost entirely in Sunol, is about a disturbed man who assumes the identity of a priest and arrives at the small town of “Clearheart” where he begins to manipulate the townspeople and all mayhem ensues.

It was fun seeing just about every building in town represented in the movie and, of course, all the Sumolians who appeared as extras. Besides shooting the film primarily at the Little Brown Church of Sunol, other film locations included Sunol Glen School, Sunol Coffee House, Whistle Stop Antiques, Elliston Vineyards and the homes of the Pepper family and the Van Dyke family.

Director James Cotton was thrilled with the crowd’s reaction to the film. In fact, in one particular scene the entire audience let out a collective shriek followed by a severe case of nervous laughter. As the movie concluded, James invited everyone to an after-party at nearby Fire & Ice where they mingled with the stars of the film. A private screening in Los Angeles will be held in October and then public distribution so the entire world will be able to view this amazing film. Please visit the movie’s website for updates, www.theconfessionalmovie.com or www.imdb.com.

The Pacific Locomotive Association is hosting a reception featuring original paintings of Sunol by Ruth Trimingham on October 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Sunol Depot. The Trimingham family was among the earliest settlers in town arriving in 1890 and established the Trimingham Brothers General Store, which is now occupied by the Whistle Stop Antique Store,

Ever wonder if spirits are lingering at the Elliston’s 122 year old mansion? Author and psychic, Irma Slage will be a guest speaker at the mansions first ever séance on October 12. The event, held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., will also include wine tasting from Elliston Vineyards and Little Valley Vineyards and imported cheeses for only $25.00 per person. Please call Sandi Bohner at 925-862-9006 for reservations soon because space is limited and the event is sure to sell out quickly.

Another fun event being held at Elliston Vineyards is Rocktoberfest on October 27. All ages are welcome at this rocking costume party which will feature the bands, Evergreen, Elffarmraffle and Meris. The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and costs $5.00 if you arrive in costume or $8.00 without costume.