Virginia Tech Football Fans, Up Close And Personal

Virginia Tech Football Fans, Up Close And Personal

New 'Hokie Nation' Documentary Chronicles the Optimism and Creativity of 'the Best Fans in College Football'

BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- "Hokie Nation: A Team, A Town and the Best Darned Fans in College Football," a documentary film that depicts the energy and enthusiasm of Virginia Tech football fans year 'round, will premiere at the historic Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg at 7 p.m. Friday, August 31 -- the night before the opening game of the season.

An official university-licensed project, the film was made by local independent filmmakers and Virginia Tech alumni Chris Valluzzo and Sean Kotz, who began planning the production in 2005 as a way of honoring the school's vibrant and energetic fans. The long anticipated premiere will be held on the evening before the Hokies open their 2007-2008 season against East Carolina in a nationally televised game on ESPN, which will broadcast its "College GameDay" show from Blacksburg.

"What we found is a fan base with an exceptional and unique culture," says Kotz, the co-director/producer. "The Hokie Nation has created itself by blending traditional Appalachian values of family, hospitality, community and devotion with a blue collar work ethic, an eye toward the future and what we call the 'Hokie Spirit.' This film was born out of a genuine love of the team, the town and, especially, the Hokie fans."

That same approach to life helped Virginia Tech students rise above the tragedy that struck the campus in April of this year. "Hokie Spirit is an inherent belief that anything can be accomplished, any obstacle can be overcome with unity, faith and willpower," says Kotz.

"Hokie Nation" features interviews with fans and some of the sports legends who have called Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium home, including NFL greats Bruce Smith, Antonio Freeman and Shayne Graham. Coach Frank Beamer, a longtime fan favorite, helps illuminate the Hokie phenomenon, as do students, faculty, media personalities, law enforcement officials and two Virginia governors. The entire game day experience is documented through world-renowned tailgates in the stadium's parking lots, deep coverage from the stands and birds-eye views from the luxury boxes.

"So many moments have been special in this project," says co-director/producer Valluzzo. "Interviewing Frank Beamer, Bud Foster and Bryan Stinespring, who all gladly spoke with us for this documentary. Meeting and interviewing Bruce Smith, arguably the greatest player to ever call himself a Hokie. Talking with Carroll Dale, a Tech great who played in the first Super Bowl for the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi. And talking with former Governor Mark Warner and current Governor Tim Kaine made me think that everyone is a Hokie fan.

"But probably the greatest moment for me," he continues, "was walking through the parking lot and the stadium and hearing people shout out 'Hey, Hokie movie guy' and giving me the thumbs up. They were happy their story was being told and I am extremely proud to represent these wonderful people."

After its August 31 premiere, "Hokie Nation" will have encore showings at the Lyric at 9:30 that night and at Sunday and Monday matinees. The following week it will be shown at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse on September 6-7, Norfolk's Naro Theater on September 6, and Richmond's Byrd Theater on September 7. Check those theaters for showtimes. A DVD of the two-hour documentary will be available for general release around mid-September. To view a trailer or for information on purchasing the DVD, visit www.hokiemovie.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Horse Archer Productions

CONTACT: Sean Kotz, +1-504-392-1874, sean@horsearcherproductions.com; or
Chris Valluzzo, +1-540-257-4292, chris@horsearcherproductions.com, both of
Horse Archer Productions, LLC; or Marty Gitlin, +1-914-528-7702,
parnespr@optonline.net, of Parness & Associates Public Relations

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Profile: International Entertainment