Two Angola connections established Tri-State University as the host of the first Indiana screening of “On the Lam,” a full-length student feature film, on July 31—star/co-writer and co-editor Aaron Syler graduated from Angola High School four years ago, and his dad, Dave, chairs TSU’s Department of Mathematics and Informatics. The film will roll in the University Center’s Fabiani Theatre at 7 p.m.

Syler recently graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio, and spent his spring break with four fellow students in Big Bend National Park in Texas producing “On the Lam,” a “what if” movie addressing the possibility of a future war and a reinstated draft. Characters played by Syler and Greg Kissner disappear into the American West to avoid the draft, encounter problems with other draft dodgers, and are forced to re-enter society.

TSU English professor and film expert Dennis Petrie, the author of a textbook series on critical film watching, offered some analysis of the movie, a free Cinema Sampler special summer event co-sponsored by True Studios and the TSU Humanities Institute.

“Although On the Lam is an inexpensively-made, independent work that originated as a film school project, the movie’s visual and sound elements seem professional,” Petrie said. “Its performances, story, dialogue, and original musical score are creative and entertaining in a commercial sense. And the serious thematic qualities of its drama surpass those in many Hollywood productions.”

The film will run for one hour and 32 minutes. While it has no Motion Picture Association of America rating, it would most likely garner a PG-13 or even R rating for language, sexuality, brief nudity, and violence, Petrie said. He emphasized the film is not for children.

Members of the filmmaking team are scheduled to attend the screening and participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience afterward. Free refreshments will be served at an informal reception to follow in the University mall area outside Fabiani Theatre.

Tri-State University, an internationally recognized, private, independent, co-educational institution, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees in programs to students in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, business, teacher education, communication, criminal justice, golf management, social sciences, and various other fields of study. Tri-State is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 21 varsity sports. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, it operates a 400-acre main campus in Angola, Ind. with off-campus centers in Angola, Fort Wayne, Merrillville, and South Bend/Mishawaka, Ind.