Fountain of Youth captured on film –
by UF telecom professor
(January 31, 2005) Forget exercise, revitalization cream and cosmetic surgery. A University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications professor has found the fountain of youth.
Associate Professor in telecommunication James Babanikos wrote, directed, edited and produced a 75-minute drama, “A Second Chance,” about a frail 78-year old man who finds a crystal-clear spring that makes him decades younger.
Babanikos has worked in the film industry since 1984. Many of his films have been screened internationally and have won awards. PBS broadcast two of his productions, the drama “Catherine’s Story” and the documentary “Color My World.” In 1993, he joined the college to teach in the production sequence.
“A Second Chance,” a drama highlighting “love, compassion and the fountain of youth,” premieres Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gannett Auditorium, 1064 Weimer Hall. The College will host a reception in the Weimer Hall Courtyard beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Frank Hubert plays the main character, Edward, at 78; Vince Pisani plays him at 28. Lorraine Kirkland plays his hesitant wife Maggie. Other actors include Michael Cole, Ley Bragg and Lauren Roth. The director of photography is Ernst Michel and the music is by Roger Hunt.
“A Second Chance” is produced in collaboration with the College of Journalism and Communications and WUFT-TV.
The college is a national leader in the professional education of future journalists and other communications practitioners. Nationally accredited, it has programs in telecommunication production and operations, advertising, print and broadcast journalism, and public relations, as well as graduate-level programs in science/health communication, documentary, media law, political communication, international communication, and other specialties.
The Campaign for the University of Florida