Authored By seanphippster

Two Chattanooga icons meet up for a romantic evening on the town.

That concept-broached by Signal Mountain Middle High School junior Clint Blevins-was the genesis of what would become an award-winning short film.

“Coke and MoonPie” is the alluring story of how two of Chattanooga’s most recognizable products fell in love. The film took first place in EPB and ESE Networks’ Chattanooga Rocks Contest, winning $2,500.

The contest asked students to create a short video illustrating why Chattanooga is a great place to live and/or visit.

Matt Doebler teaches a two-year film studies course at the school. As a part of the course, students not only learn about film theory and how to properly critique a film, but they also learn more advanced ideas about production.

“The caveat to focusing on technique is the story is king,” he said. “You can have a really great story and not a lot of technology, and people are still going to be interested.”

And “Coke and MoonPie” is a great story.

“It was a brilliant idea, simple, fun and original,” Doebler said. “Even before production started, we knew it was going to be a strong story.”

The film opens on a park bench in Coolidge Park with a glass bottle of Coca-Cola “making eyes” at a single-decker chocolate MoonPie.

Moving quickly (this is a short film, after all), the two continue their relationship at a number of Chattanooga landmarks. They ride the carousel, swim in the fountain and visit the Tennessee Aquarium.

Their date continues to Rock City, where the two share a first kiss while observing “seven states.”

Back downtown and completely in love, they take in a gorgeous sunset above the Walnut Street Bridge, and the image fades out as some fairly heavy petting (at least, as much as can be imagined) occurs.

In just the first year of film studies at SMMHS, Doebler said he was beyond thrilled with the product thus far.

“I think watching the students grow in their ability to optimize the resources they have has been really rewarding,” he said.

Updated @ 9:20 a.m. on 5/20/14 to correct a factual error: Clint’s last name is Blevins, not Davis, as originally reported.