Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation September 18, 2009

It was the summer of 1981 in Mississippi, and three 12-year-old friends, Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala and Jayson Lamb, began filming their own shot-by-shot adaptation in the backyards of their Mississippi homes. One summer turned into seven years, and their film was in the can.

Fourteen years later, in 2003, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin Texas was proud to announce the theatrical world premiere of "Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation." After the world premiere, things suddenly exploded. Chris, Jayson & Eric were approached by agents and magazines wanting to interview them.

In 2004, it was announced that Hollywood producer Scott Rudin had purchased the life rights of Eric, Jayson and Chris to make a biographical film about their experiences making Raiders: The Adaptation. Writer Daniel Clowes is currently working on the screenplay, to be released by Paramount Pictures.

Steven Spielberg himself said in a letter to the boys: "Wanted to let you know how impressed I was with your very loving and detailed tribute to our Raiders of the Lost Ark. I saw and appreciated the vast amounts of imagination and originality you put in your film."

Merrimack Hall is proud to present the Alabama premiere of "Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation," including two screenings of the film, and workshops with creators Eric Zala and Chris Strompolos.

Official Website: http://www.merrimackhall.com/raiders.html