Friday, September 20, 2024 | 6-9 p.m. @ Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center
Football, film and fun! Join the Alumni Association for an advanced screening of the movie, The Senior, produced by Mark Ciardi ‘83, P‘26. Through his lens as a Terp alum and parent, Mark will host a special Q&A following the movie to share his experiences in the film industry and producing his most recent movie. This event is open to the UMD community and will also include food, giveaways, photo ops and more.
Additionally, this event is a part of the campus's Family Weekend programs.
Movie Synopsis: 35 years after getting kicked off his college football team, 59-year-old Mike Flynt decides to return to the gridiron for his senior year of eligibility and prove to his family, former teammates, and himself that it's never too late to tackle your dreams. Based on the true story.
Mark Ciardi '83, P'26
Producer
Look for the "Football & Film" event on their website!
If you are attending Family Weekend, please register via their registration portal (link below). Registration through the Family Weekend site will give you access to the various events and activities happening all weekend.
$5 for children under 12; $10 for adults (12+)
If you are attending as a student, alum or UMD community member not as a part of Family Weekend, please use this link to register for the event.
Mark Ciardi '83, P'26 is a Terp through and through. Ciardi played baseball at the University of Maryland where he majored in business before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
Producing movies like "The Rookie," "Miracle," "Chappaquiddick," "Secretariat", and others, Ciardi is one of the most prolific true-story producers in Hollywood. Today Ciardi resides in Los Angeles, California but returns to campus often as a member of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation Board of Trustees and of course to visit his son who is a current student.
Following a punishing dismissal from Sul Ross State University, and a costly ejection from the Lobos football team, Mike Flynt has led a troubled life. On the one hand, he persevered and created a loving family with his wife Eileen; however, his past regrets and the memories of his tough upbringing continue to hang over him. So when the opportunity of a lifetime lands in his lap - a chance to right his wrongs by returning to play - Mike takes it without thinking twice. The journey is a long and tough one, both physically and mentally, as Mike learns how much time has truly passed by him. Not necessarily on the field, where he performs incredible feats despite the kids calling him grandpa, but with his personal relationships. Whereas he thought he was trying to make up for his past and prove himself to his father long gone, in reality Mike learns this is actually about righting the relationship with his own son - a connection that has waned over the years. As Mike perseveres through the season, he realizes his role is greater than just his family, and develops into a role model for the misguided youth on his team. He uses his own mistakes and errors of judgment as examples, teaching them how to overcome their troubles and be better human beings. Injuries rack up as the season rolls on, casting doubt on how much Mike can truly contribute, but in the end he perseveres and finally steps onto the field - becoming the oldest contributing member of a football team in NCAA history.
Family Weekend consists of a weekend long series of events that includes a reception with President and Mrs. Pines, the Terp Family Festival & Tailgate, a home football game and other sporting events, academic program open houses, entertaining programs, and much more. Don’t miss this great opportunity to spend time with your Terp and enjoy the University of Maryland community!
To learn more, visit familyweekend.umd.edu.
This event is open to the entire UMD community - students, family members, friends, alums, faculty/staff and community members.
If you are participating in Family Weekend activities, be sure to register directly via the Family Weekend registration page.
This event is $5 for children under the age of 12; $10 for adults (or children over the age of 12). The cost of our event is the same for guests attending or not attending Family Weekend activities.