Oswego, N.Y- Oswego State is receiving bigger name-speakers as years go on, especially for the media. The newest name on the list is Miguel Coyula, one of biggest filmmakers in Latin America. Along with him was actress Lynn Cruz who presented workshops for an audience interested in directing and acting.

Coyula is known for his political-heavy films such as Nadie (No One) and Memorias del Desarollo (Memories of Overdevelopment.) He presented screenings for both films and a Q&A session for each film.

In Cruz’ first workshop, she showed students how Coyula creates effects for his movies. Stop-motion style, Miguel adds images from magazines or other sorts of things into backgrounds of a film shot. Her second event was a presentation on the difference between acting in theatre and film. Oswego State professor Ulises Mejia, who organized the event, was present to translate what she said to the audience. Cruz says directors should learn about their actors on both the personal and work level in order for acting in a movie to feel more genuine. She also loves to co-direct with Miguel. ”I don’t only work as an actress but also behind the camera. I’ve discovered in my opinion that the actor’s role is more difficult,” Cruz said.

Coyula believes the film industry in Cuba is changing instantly because of the country’s westernization. “Directors aren’t working as independently as before, most films are now commercialize. The film industry began so filmmakers can only work as independently. But now that’s all changed,” Coyula said.

At the end of the event, Coyula showed a snippet of his current movie in production, Blue Heart.

Need to get back into “running shape” or just want to have a good time with your friends? You are in luck because next Saturday, October 15, both Cooper and Glimmerglass fitness centers will host a 5k run called The Great Pumpkin Run. This race is to benefit Blessings in a Backpack.

Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, people, and resources, to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry. In the United States, there are more 15-million children in this country who are at the risk of hunger.

“In previous years, this race has donated money to the Susan G. Komen foundation for Breast Cancer”, said Sarah DeGeorge, a Graduate Assistant for Oswego Fitness Centers. “This year we wanted to donate to Blessings in a Backpack because the proceeds will impact the local Oswego community.”

This 5k can be done as either a run or walk. The course starts and ends just outside of Hart Hall. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the race which includes best costume, the most participants from a club/organization/Resident Hall floor and many more. Trophies are awarded for those who have the top 3 finishing times (both men and women). Also, Cider, donuts and pumpkin decorating are included after the race.

Students can register at either Cooper or Glimmerglass Fitness Centers now until October 15 for five dollars. To those that did not register beforehand, from 12:30pm to 1:15pm, there will be a table outside of Marano Campus Center to register right before the race.

So if you have nothing going on for October 15, come out and walk or run for a great cause.