Tony and Emmy nominee to visit Carson-Newman University

^{Dylan Baker}

While he may not yet be a household name, Dylan Baker’s face is as recognizable as the several box office hits in which he has appeared.

From “Spiderman II” and “III” to his twice Emmy-nominated role in “The Good Wife,” Baker is known for his captivating presence and ability to draw interest. He will apply those skills at Carson-Newman University on Tuesday, Sept. 17 during “An Evening with Dylan Baker.”

A Virginia native, Baker’s large screen work has also graced “Secretariat,” “Revolutionary Road,” “Hide and Seek” and “Across the Universe.” The Tony-nominated actor – for “La Bête” – will appear in “Anchorman II,” which is scheduled for a Christmastime release.

As part of his East Tennessee visit, Baker will sneak preview “23 Blast,” his directorial debut that will compete on the festival circuit later this year. Carson-Newman is sponsoring the non-competitive preview, which closes the 2013 Knoxville Film Festival. The showing, slated for 5:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 at Regal Downtown West Cinema 8, is free and open to the public.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that Carson-Newman is sponsoring this screening,” said Keith McDaniel, executive director of the Knoxville Film Festival. “After seeing the film, it is a perfect fit. The film and University share (similar) values.”

Carson-Newman’s “Evening with…” event will feature short clips of the new film and provide attendees the opportunity to ask Baker about his work as a director and actor. Others associated with the film will be on hand for the event.

“23 Blast,” which McDaniel calls “touching, moving, and simply inspiring,” is based on the experiences of Travis Freeman, a high school football star suddenly stricken with blindness. The film examines his choice to weigh the risks and summon the courage to return to the gridiron sightless.

“Not only is it good filmmaking, … it is a great story,” McDaniel said. “And the fact that it happened just up the road in Corbin, Ky., makes it more interesting for the people of our area.”

“An Evening with Dylan Baker” begins at 7 p.m. in Phoenix Theater, located on the first floor of Henderson Humanities Building. As seating is limited, doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The Knoxville Film Festival (knoxvillefilmfestival.com) runs Sept. 19-22 at the Regal Downtown West. For more information on C-N’s “Evening with…,” contact 865-471-3294 or mbrochert@cn.edu.