Viewers give thumbs up at premiere of 'Imprint'

By Ruth Milne, Journal staff | Sunday, September 16, 2007

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RAPID CITY - When the credits rolled after the final scene of the new Linn Productions film "Imprint" at the Carmike on Friday, applause filled the packed theater.

And at the after-party later that evening, between snacks, speeches and blooper reels, audience members and individuals involved in the production had nothing but good things to say about the supernatural thriller shot at the 777 Ranch and on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

"I'm very proud to be a South Dakotan when I see a film like that," said attendee Lila Mehlhaff. "It made me feel about my state and my culture the way 'Dances With Wolves' did."

She particularly admired how the film addressed problems facing the Native American community without overlooking its positive elements and strong values.

"I'll see it again a time or two," she said with a smile.

State Sen. Jim Lintz from Hermosa, himself a veteran in the local film industry, said he was most impressed with the professional caliber of the film's technical aspects - photography, scenery, lighting and more.

Lintz also applauded the actors: "Each handed in top-notch performances," he said, adding that it reveals a lot about the directing and producing talent as well.

Invited to be a part of "Imprint" by producer Chris Eyre, whose other movies include "Smoke Signals" and "Skins," lead actress Tonantzin Carmelo said she found the filming "a magical experience."

Carmelo, gracious despite running on only one hour of sleep (she flew in from filming another movie), said she had seen "Imprint" several times already, but she still was impressed by the newly re-edited version screened at the premiere.

"It has more 'oomph,'" she said.

Former Rapid City mayor Jim Shaw was also in attendance, and - while he didn't use the word "oomph" - he was one of many viewers who mentioned the plot's surprise twist with admiration.

"It kept me in suspense. ... The ending blew me away. I had no clue," he said. "They've got a winner here."

From its showcasing of South Dakota's familiar scenery to its editing, music and lighting, he said he believed "Imprint" was impressive in every aspect and on a level with anything Hollywood puts out - a credit, Shaw said, to the hard work and dedication of the Linn family and everyone else involved.

One of the most involved of those people was Michael Linn of Rapid City's own, Linn Productions. Along with the directing credit, his name appears with many other tasks in the production credits - writer, executive producer, camera, etc. - but also in a new spot: composer of the film's original score.

"I've been doing music composition as a hobby for years," Linn said, explaining that over the years he has co-written the scores for many of his films without being credited.

Linn considered using a pseudonym for "Imprint," but finally decided it was time to go ahead and add his name to yet another slot.

In fact, Linn was involved in so many aspects of the film that it became very personal - making the film's warm reception even more satisfying.

He said it was a pleasure to attend the screening surrounded by friends and strangers alike and hear people laughing at the right moments and reacting emotionally to the film.

"It's all you can ask for," he said, beaming.

If you go

What: Supernatural thriller "Imprint."

When: 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. daily.

Where: Carmike Stadium 10, Rapid City.

Tickets: $8.50 adult; $5.75 child.

On the Web: www.imprintmovie.com