People lined up well in advance of the World Premiere showing of “My Name is Paul” on August 22. (Brenda Barger photo)

By BRENDA BARGER
DavidsonNews.net/CorneliusNews.net

KANNAPOLIS – Last Thursday, Aug. 22, the historic Gem Theatre in Kannapolis hosted a world premiere of the film “My Name is Paul” by Davidson filmmaker Trey Ore.  It was a “reel” happening. 

The Gem is a lovely venue with roomy seats, a heavy velvet curtain covering the stage and large bird frescoes on the side walls. Admittedly full length movies no longer come on “reels,” but this was indeed a “happening!” A red carpet covered the sidewalk as invited VIP guests of all ages and attire queued up to enter the 916 seat (including a balcony) theater dating from 1948.

Director and producer Henry H. “Trey” Ore III, elegant in black tie, posed for endless photos with enthusiastic movie-goers. Involved in TV/film from an early age, Trey produced “My Name is Paul” as a short film resulting from his interest in telling the story of Paul/Saul from the Bible. The short received many awards at film festivals and prompted Ore to consider a full length feature by the same name.

He produced the film through Quiet No More (QNM) Films LLC, the movie was shot in the Charlotte-Mooresville-Concord-Rockwell area. Many of the actors and film crew as well as Trey’s family were in the audience last Thursday for the showing which allowed the greater community to see what QNM had achieved. It is expected that major distributors will obtain permission to show the film through TV and Cinema as well as Netflix and DVD sales eventually. (For more information, access the film’s website at www.QNMFilms.com)

This movie is a modern day telling of the Apostle Paul’s story beginning with his persecution of Christians followed by his conversion, redemption and forgiveness. As Trey comments, “I am blessed to be part of the Story God is telling and notes that God is the Executive Producer for all of my projects. He just lets me put my name on it.” From the positive audience reaction last week, we will be hearing more about this film in the future – and about Trey Ore, who capped an exciting premiere with his 40th birthday celebration the next day on August 23. Congratulations!

Trey and his wife, Vanessa, and their three children live off Shiloh Church Road, across the Cabarrus line east of Davidson. They are members of Grace Covenant Church in Huntersville. Trey leads Men’s Bible Studies and speaks frequently at Men/Youth engagements. His first book, “The Fearless Factor,” was published in 2009 and is available at Amazon.com or through Warren publishing in Cornelius.

Meet the Ore family: Trey and his wife, Vanessa, with their children Joshua (15), Madison (12) and Micaela (8). 

A version of this story also appeared as part of the Aug. 27, 2013 “Around Davidson” column on DavidsonNews.net.