HUNTINGTON — Marshall University student filmmaker Francesca E. Karle ( “On The River's Edge,” 2005) will present the World  Premiere of her film, “Back to The Bottle,” a docu-drama on alcohol addiction on Thursday, April 17 at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.  This is the feature film for the  opening night of the Appalachian  Film Festival as well.

A "Hollywood" red carpet event  will open to the public at 5 p.m. for seating in the bleechers including free refreshments, prizes and live radio remote.
For the general seating ticket holder dress is semi or formal attire. They can enter onto the red carpet at 6:15 p.m. at the corner of 10th Street and 4th Avenue ( 4th Ave will be closed between 9th and 10th streets). Food will be served between 6:15 and 7:15 pm in the theater graciously provided by Rocco's Restaurante, Sodexo at Marshall University, Pullman Plaza Hotel Catering, Brunetti's Bakery,  Uno Chicago Grille,  Bob Evans Restaurants, Heiners Bakery, Pepsi and Starbucks.  VIP (actors, celebrities and entertainers) red carpet entrance  will commence at 7:15 p.m. for the media. Among the celebrities will be Ashley McNeely of MTV's “A Shot At Love,” and David Otunga of  VH1's “I Love New York 2.”

The program begins at 7:45 p.m. with Tim Irr as the  Master of Ceremonies. Tim White Youth Empowerment Leader for Cabell County will lead off the evening followed by local and national recording artists whose songs are featured in the film.

Written by Francesca Karle,  the theme song for the film will be performed by Rick Ruggles of the Saturday Night Jamboree. Local artists Eddie Riffe and Tony Maynard of ETA will be singing a featured song.  Former American Idol contestant George Huff will be performing live.

“Back To The Bottle” will begin about 9 p.m. The program will close at 9:45 p.m. after a few closing remarks by West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin or his representative and Ann McGee of the Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership.

The ticket price is $25 and may be purchased at the United Way on Madison Avenue,   Midway Barber Shop on 1st St- 4th Ave,   First Sentry Bank 8th Street   or to charge tickets by phone contact Corey at (304) 523-2764. Tickets go on sale March 3, 2008.
Major sponsors for the premiere include Walmart Supercenter Route 60,  St. Mary's Medical Center, Trifecta Productions,  Clear Channel Communications-WKEE and WTCR,  Brickstreet Mutual Insurance,  Bulldog Creative Services, Huntington Regional Film Commission and Oasis Behavioral Health Services.

Proceeds, above costs, will benefit the Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership.