PREVIEW: “The Aura of Upstate” Experience to pay homage to Upstate New York on the big screen
09/12 @ AMC Theatres, Saratoga Springs
Photo provided by artist
“When I first started this project three years ago, I never expected it to come this far, let alone make it to AMC.”
It’s easy to lose sight of the characteristics of your surroundings that make it so special when you’ve grown used to seeing and experiencing them every day. For some, that may especially be the case when it comes to Upstate New York, with its convenient location offering the opportunity to venture just a stone’s throw south to the Big Apple or a slightly longer stone’s throw north to Canada. But one upstate-based creative has been shining a light on our area for three years through a multimedia project called “The Aura of Upstate.”
On Saturday, September 12, the documentary, podcast and animation will come to life at the AMC Saratoga Springs theatre as the final stop on the tour. Evens Angulo-Duvil, creator and filmmaker, will host the evening love letter to the region, offering opening remarks before the screenings of the documentary and animated film take hold. He’ll also clue guests in with his thoughtful reflection and an audience Q&A. The experience will offer audience members the opportunity to immerse themselves in inspiring local stories while connecting with the creative team behind the project at an after party at Franklin Square Market following the screening.
Angulo-Duvil says it feels surreal to have “The Aura of Upstate” make it to the big screen.
“When I first started this project three years ago, I never expected it to come this far, let alone make it to AMC. It’s really cool because I’ve been showing up to AMC screenings ever since I was a little kid, and I always thought it would be cool to at least have my name in the end credits of a film, but to be making a film that hits so close to home and hear my voice and have my face be on the big screen, it’s an incredible feeling,” he shared.
Producer Bubba Willis echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of remaining true to their upstate roots, but still elevating the experience to the next level.
“They say go big or go home. So I’m glad that we’re still able to do it local and bigger than ever,” Willis explained.
But most of all, in addition to a newfound sense of pride for upstate, there’s a resounding message they hope viewers carry with them as the lights slowly come back on and they begin to shuffle out of the theatre.
“I hope they walk away inspired and motivated to continue their creative pursuits,” Angulo-Duvil said.
Furthermore, he hopes people understand the fact that they don’t necessarily have to go to a big city to create something meaningful. By utilizing the limited resources that may be available, creators are still able to offer something impactful that connects with a wide range of people — this starts with supporting local creators.
“I think there’s always the conversation about people leaving, and they may leave because they don’t feel that sense of support. If they’re a talented or creative individual, I think it’d be best for us to support individuals like that that we find around here, so they can continue cultivating and honing their craft and creating something established and stable here. That would give more people a reason to tap into Upstate New York and see what it is we have going on here,” Angulo-Duvil described.
While this chapter of “The Aura of Upstate” is coming to a close, attendees of the screening can also catch a glimpse of what’s to come in Season 2. Something Angulo-Duvil is eager to dive into, being that the first season was more of a proof of concept. The new chapter will be more refined and involves a bigger team to bring the story to life.
To purchase tickets to the screening of “The Aura of Upstate” Experience and after party, visit this link or scan the QR code on the flyer.
