November 15, 2024

Columbus State thanks The Columbusite for originally authoring this article, adapted here for our online newsroom, and for continuing to spotlight our students, alumni, faculty, and arts programs and events.

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In October, The Columbusite accompanied Columbus State University leaders, faculty and arts patrons to U.S. premiere of Claudia Müller's new documentary about mid-20th century American author Carson McCullers at the Paley Center for Media in New York. The event, which boasted a guest list of more than 400 people, began with a reception in the Center's main lobby before migrating into the theatre for the screening. 

At the premiere, Dr. Nick Norwood, director of the university's Carson McCullers Center for Writers & Musicians, welcomed guests and discussed the center's mission of preserving the legacy of Carson McCullers, nurturing writers and musicians, educating young people, and fostering literary, musical, artistic and intellectual culture in the United States and abroad. Norwood's devotion to McCullers and her work shone as he thanked guests for attending the hallmark celebration and explained how, through the center, McCullers' work reaches readers worldwide every year.

Dr. Stuart Rayfield, Columbus State's president, also welcomed guests and championed the McCullers Center as a tool for educational advancement, advocacy and continued celebration of McCullers' life and work. She also thanked the center's patrons and guests for attending the premiere.

Guests were then treated to a special screening of the film "A Tree, A Rock, A Cloud," which is based on McCullers' short story of the same name. Actor/director Karen Allen adapted the short story for the screen. The film includes stars Jeffrey DeMunn, James McMenamin and Jackson Smith. It left audience members captivated by its depth and beautiful representation of McCullers' short story. Allen was in attendance and addressed the audience with passion as she expressed her love of McCullers and her admiration of the university's McCullers Center.

Photo of Dr. Nick Norwood, the director of the Carson McCullers Center, speaking at the "Wunderkind" premiere about the center's mission and the author's legacy.

Then, came the premiere of Müller's new documentary “Wunderkind,” co-produced by the McCullers Center. It enraptured the audience almost instantly with its rare footage of a video interview with McCullers never seen before by the public. This initial scene sets the tone for the entire film beautifully, as it catches viewers off guard by inserting them directly into a conversation with McCullers herself. 

“Wunderkind” holds within it a complex simplicity unearthed exquisitely by Müller's direct and honest approach to championing McCuller's life and work. By choosing to work exclusively with those who either knew McCullers personally or are today's most internationally renown experts on her life, Müller's documentary produces a strikingly fresh view of the author's life as told through the eyes of those most impacted by her. What's more? Müller's choice to champion Columbus, Georgia's role as a key influence on McCullers' work led to the city being showcased beautifully on screen throughout the entire film.

“Wunderkind” is a must-see that takes viewers on an exciting journey through the life of McCullers and the development of her legacy by those who loved her most. Fans will love the film for its depth of knowledge and rich unveiling of the details of her life, however those new to McCullers' work will also find it fascinating.

The biographical documentary's preview was part of the university's work in New York to preserve McCullers' Nyack, New York, home as a domestic study hub for Columbus State students and faculty. Read more about those plans here in the the university's online newsroom and about the Carson McCullers Center on its website.

For more information on and streaming options for “Wunderkind,” visit the Phlox-Films website.

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Article and event photos reprinted with permission from The Columbusite.