MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) -
An independent short film made by a Middle Tennessee State University professor is raising some eyebrows - not because of the villain in the story, but because of the controversial topic children are portraying.
MTSU Associate Professor of Mass Communication Dr. Bob Pondillo's 23-minute short film, The Miracles on Honey Bee Hill, has a story line that touches on one of the most sensitive issues: gay marriage.
"This movie is not about being mean, it's being tolerant, loving, kind and forgiving," Pondillo said.
It's also touching a few nerves, but Pondillo said that wasn't the intent. He said it's a fairy tale about a budding relationship between Mille and Ed, which happens to be two girls, showing an innocent perspective to a controversial issue.
"I thought that maybe this movie would ruffle some feathers and cause people to think," Pondillo said.
There was an anonymous MTSU student that expressed some concerns about the short film, and that got the attention of the Tennessee Board of Regents and Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro.
Ketron hasn't seen the film but wanted to get answers from the university for the concerned student. The student took issue with the gay storyline and the use of students, faculty and money to make the short film. School officials see this as a non-issue, saying it's a learning experience for students who will get to share their work with others.
Lori Turner's soon-to-be 11-year-old daughter Lucy got the lead role as Millie. Turner says her daughter would not have taken part if she thought the kids would be exploited.
"You have to see the film to know it is in no way sexual, or dirty or exploitative at all," Turner said. "It's very sweet."
The only adult in the film plays the role of God, who wants to know what the entire ruckus is about and sets everyone straight.
"I think that's what I tried to do in this movie is to love each other, that's what it is all about," Pondillo said.
The Miracles on Honey Bee Hill was filmed on the MTSU campus and premiered back in March. MT/Lambda, a gay-straight alliance group on campus, invited people to view the film.
Some students of Pondillo's American Media and Social Institutions courses got 10 points extra credit for attending.
You can view the full short film by clicking on the following link, http://youtu.be/4t0wS2Gd-z8.
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