The filmmaker: Before he was a director, Mike Akel was a teacher who dreamed of making a movie that showcased an honest portrayal of schoolyard life. What better way to dream up a future comedy than teaching conversational English in Chile? Once he finished teaching people how to chat, Mike moved to Austin, Texas, where he performed improv comedy and taught television and film classes at Travis High School—all inspiration for Chalk.

The flick: In the comedic style of The Office or the films of Christopher Guest, Chalk is a spirited portrait of life in the trenches of teaching. The film delicately navigates the classrooms of a cocky, yet self-conscious, young teacher who is convinced he will win "Teacher of the Year"; an awkward rookie trying to maintain control over his class; a tough-ass gym teacher looking for love; and the well-intended (and newly-appointed) assistant principal who is just not cut out for the job.

See it: Sunday, April 15th

Read Mike's responses to our Big Three Questions below, and check out the answers from Chalk writer, Chris Mass, as well!

What movie character would you like to meet for drinks?
M: The blond maiden from Lord of the Rings. Not Liv Tyler and not Cate Blanchett...King Theoden's niece. Why? Because no one REALLY CHOSE HER. She seemed lonely and sometimes I get lonely. She's pretty good with the sword, too.
C: Any character that Bill Murray has played—especially Herman Blume from Rushmore or Dr. Peter Venkman from Ghostbusters but not the guy from The Razor's Edge.

What historical time period would you visit and adapt into a film?
M: The Garden of Eden, where it all started. Can you imagine the beauty...at least before Adam and Eve chowed down on that apple.
C: The time of Christ, because I think a lot of people get that guy wrong.

What is the one thing that surprised you the most about making Chalk?
M: How well our real students and fellow teachers, all non-actors performed in the film.
C: The fact that it's success.

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Similar Topics:12th Annual Gen Art Film Festival, Big 3, Film

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