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A Team, a Town and the Best Darned Fans in College Football Local filmmakers release officially licensed documentary focusing on the energy and vitality of the Virginia Tech football fan, their dedication to a “nation” of Hokies, and their inherent optimism and creativity.
Virginia Tech alumni Chris Valluzzo (’98) and Sean Kotz (’89, ’91) began planning HOKIE NATION in 2005, eager to show their audience what makes a true college football fan. With filming beginning in early 2006 and production completed in March of 2007, this unique documentary focuses on the quality and lifestyle of Virginia Tech’s fans, from preseason through the bowl game. The documentary will premiere at the historic Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg, Virginia on Friday, August 31 at 7pm with encore showings at 9:30pm and Sunday and Monday matinees. The Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, Richmond’s Byrd Theater and Norfolk’s Naro Theater will screen HOKIE NATION the following week.
“Hokie Nation” features interviews with fans and sports legends that have all called Lane Stadium home. NFL greats such as Bruce Smith, Antonio Freeman and Shayne Graham offer insight into what made their time at Tech so distinctive. Fan favorite, Coach Frank Beamer, helps illuminate the Hokie phenomenon, as do fans of all ages. Students, faculty, media personalities, law enforcement officials and even two Virginia governors all come together to tell the story. The entire game day experience is documented first-hand through world-renowned tailgates in the parking lots, deep coverage from in the stands and birds-eye views from the stadium’s luxury boxes.
"What we found, over and over again, is a fan base with an exceptional and unique culture,” says co-director/producer Sean Kotz. “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'--an inherent belief that anything can be accomplished, any obstacle can be overcome with unity, faith and will power. This film was born out of a genuine love of the team, the town and especially the Hokie fans."
“So many moments have been special to me in this project,” says co-director/producer, Chris Valluzzo. “Interviewing Frank Beamer, Bud Foster and Brian 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 Carrol Dale, a Tech great who played in the first Super Bowl for the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi. Talking with former Governor Mark Warner and current Governor Tim Kaine made me think, man, everyone is a Hokie fan. But probably the greatest moment for me, was walking through the parking lot and the stadium and people shouting 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.”
TRAILER DEBUT PRESS CONFERENCE AND DVD PRESALES:
At 2:30 pm on July 25th at University Bookstores Volume 2 location (University Mall, University City Boulevard), the HOKIE NATION producers/directors will be onhand to officially unveil the film’s trailer. They will make a short presentation and answer questions from the press. DVD pre-orders are currently available at www.hokiemovie.com, but after the trailer release press conference, pre-order sales will switch to University Bookstores. Probable DVD release date will be on or before September 14, with pre-ordered DVDs shipping out first.
For additional information on Hokie Nation, contact Chris Valluzzo or Sean Kotz or visit www.hokiemovie.com.
ABOUT HORSEARCHER PRODUCTIONS -A film production company in the New River Valley, Horse Archer Productions was founded by two Hokie alumni, Chris Valluzzo and Sean Kotz. Horse Archer Productions, LLC is an independent company. HOKIE NATION will be an OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY LICENSED product. - END
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