This Train-A Feature Film by AU Professor Jack Lugar & AU Alum, Ed Fry '93
Over three years ago, in 2021, Professor Jack Lugar partnered with Ed Paul Fry ('93) to produce an independent, micro-budget film that would be shot in and around the city of Anderson. The result was a feature film titled This Train, about a fading rock star, Ricky "Hellcat" Heller (Fry), who returns to his hometown of Anderson after abandoning his wife and friends following the death of his son.
Ricky thinks his life is at the end when he connects with a friend of his deceased son and discovers new meaning to life and a path to redemption. The connection of This Train to Anderson University goes beyond Lugar and Fry's partnership.
To bring their vision to life they tapped into several alumni and students. Starring alongside Fry is Julia Barnett Tracy ('92) as Ricky's wife Susanna. Barnett Tracy's first feature film as writer/director, A Christmas in New Hope, will be released November 2024 on all major platforms. Benjy Gaither ('92) also contributed to the film as an actor and composer, creating the score and producing original music with Fry.
Other AU graduates who acted in the film were Roland VanHorn ('70), Samuel Lynch ('21), and Anya Burke ('24). The production crew was also filled with AU alumni. Jonathan P. Williams ('22) was the director of photography and camera operator and worked closely with Lugar to capture the heartfelt story of the film. Roger Gibson ('22) handled sound, Hannah Gross ('23) was first assistant camera, and Emily Lugar ('22) was props master.
In addition to so many alumni, several current AU students contributed to the production. The film premiered in October of 2023 at the Heartland International Film Festival and has since played at other festivals across the states and internationally. As of August 2024, the film is available to watch on a variety of streaming services including Apple TV, Amazon, and Hoopla as well as DVD. To find out more about the film, This Train, and where you can watch it, go to www.thistrainmovie.com.