NORMAL - Pontiac's successful battle to keep its state prison open has now been told on film. | Video: Pontiac prison history

Two Illinois State University students have produced a short documentary about the effort, submitting it as their entry in this year's Third Annual Socio-Political Film Festival this week at Illinois State University's Schroeder Hall.

"This is a good story about a town coming together," said Brian Seay, a former WHOI-TV photographer, who shot and directed the film.

Early in March, Seay was laid-off from his TV job, but continued pursuing the prison closure story. His partner, Griffin Hammond, helped edit the film. Both are ISU graduate students in the School of Communication.

The film, entitled "A First Look at Pontiac's Rebellion," follows Pontiac residents and prison staff affected by the proposed closing - a decision made by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich but reversed by his successor, Gov. Patrick Quinn in March.

Pontiac Mayor Scott McCoy's efforts in the months-long fight is an important part of the film. The prison is Livingston's third largest employer. McCoy and his wife, Jennifer, not only attended the festival but grabbed front row seats to view Seay's film for the first time.

"This is very emotional," McCoy said. "Fifteen minutes is not enough. Everyone got to know Brian while he was following several people to help tell the story."

The film festival was hosted by ISU's Project Student Organization that is led by Seay, who is president, and Hammond, who is vice president. The festival featured eight films produced by ISU students.

The purpose of the festival is to give students an opportunity to present films that address societal issues while celebrating the hard work of students and faculty involved in the projects.

On the Web:

http://www.communication.illinoisstate.edu/comweek