A hometown is the best place to start any journey.
This is one of the messages director Michael Carney shared with his audience during the local premiere of his film, “Same Kind of Different as Me.” Thomas County Central High School Broadcasting Department students were invited to attend the red carpet event, which was part of the Covey Film Festival, held Oct. 26 at Gateway Cinemas.
"This is just another experience for our students made possible by the caring nature of someone who is established in the media industry and wanting to share with 'up and comers'," TCCHS Broadcasting teacher Kristy Maxwell said. "These experiences can help make young people more excited about pursuing a career in this field because they see first-hand that there are some nice and caring people in it."
Carney personally attended the event. He felt it important to hold a premiere in Thomasville and wanted to include local students because his film’s message is universal.
“The message of the movie is for everyone, no matter their age, and I want people to see that,” Carney said. “Our film really challenges people to live beyond themselves and to get their hands dirty serving others. I’m going around the country showing the film and spreading the message that the best place to start is in your own hometown. My backyard is Thomasville, my new hometown. It’s important to practice what I preach.”
The film’s plot is based on a true story. International art dealer Ron Hall and his wife Debbie befriend a homeless man, and this interaction leads the couple on an astonishing journey of discovery and compassion.
“The movie was amazing,” junior Brooklyn Reese said. “It was powerful, sending a message about how it doesn’t matter if someone is homeless or rich, the size of their heart is what matters.”
Students invited to this event had the opportunity not only to have fun but also to get a social experience they’d never forget.
Senior Hailee Wilder calls Carney “super nice” and she enjoyed the fact that he “greeted us personally….”
TCCHS senior Jennifer Wilson dubs the premiere “an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Perhaps the most interesting part of the entire event is the fact that such an event occurred in the small town of Thomasville,” she said. “It truly shows that no matter where you are from, anything is possible as long as you have determination and dedication.”
