The documentary film "Shopping for Superman" has been selected to premiere at the Cinema Columbus Film Festival, scheduled from April 30th to May 4th in Columbus, Ohio. The festival, recognized as the top choice in USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for best film festival, continues its tradition of highlighting independent filmmakers.
Wes Eastin, a first-time filmmaker from Atlanta, Georgia, began production on "Shopping for Superman" in 2016. His aim was to explore the significance of comic book shops and their origins. Eastin describes his work as "a love-letter to the friendly neighborhood comic shop," emphasizing their role in encouraging reading and engagement with art despite digital trends.
The film includes interviews with notable figures such as Phil LaMarr, Todd Stashwick, Kevin Eastman, and Jeff Smith. It aims to highlight the social importance of comic shops and their need for support. Eastin noted that "retail comic shops have been in trouble the last few years," affecting communities by reducing access to stories that promote positive values.
After raising $30k through crowdfunding in late 2024 for post-production costs on a total budget of $100k, Eastin submitted his film to various festivals worldwide. He expressed gratitude for being part of Cinema Columbus’s lineup, calling it serendipitous due to his connections with Columbus during production.
Production concluded in spring 2024 with support from Kenyon College's faculty and students. The college's Wright Center film studio was used to create a mock comic book shop. Eastin acknowledged the collective effort behind the project: "People want to credit the director but I couldn’t have done this without everyone’s belief in the story I’m telling."
"Shopping for Superman" will premiere on May 3rd at 4:30 pm at Gateway Film Center in Columbus, coinciding with Free Comic Day. Tickets are available on Cinema Columbus’s website or via a provided link.
For further details about "Shopping for Superman" and Wes Eastin, contact Leo Parrill at info@shoppingforsuperman.com.
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