It has been more than 30 years since a rowdy anti-war demonstration at Kent State University ended with four students shot dead by National Guardsmen.

        The tragedy sparked a wave of furious protests nationwide. It also left the community of Kent shocked with grief and torn by recriminations.

        It was that effect on the people closest to the event that attracted independent filmmaker Jay Craven to the story in Scott Lax's novel, The Year That Trembled.

        The movie, shot at Hiram College and other northern Ohio locations, will be screened Tuesday night at the Esquire as part of the Cincinnati International Film Festival.

IF YOU GO

What: The Year That Trembled   When: 7:15 p.m. Tuesday   Where: Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton   Who: Cinematographer Jeff Barklage and at least one producer will be on hand to discuss the film.   Tickets: $8   Phone: 379-6462   Festival Web site: www.cincinnatifilm.com   Movie Web site: www.tytt.com

        The movie features an ensemble cast of young TV and movie veterans - including Meredith Monroe (Dawson's Creek), Marin Hinkle (I Am Sam), Jonathan Brandis (Hart's War), Jay R. Ferguson (Evening Shade), Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years), Sean Nelson (The Corner) and Charlie Finn (Super Troopers).

        “These young actors knew nothing about the Vietnam War or Kent State. They didn't even know Kent State happened,” said the director, who was a college student in Boston at the time of the tragedy. “It was a challenge for them to go back and inhabit these characters.”

        Also key to the cast are Ohio natives Fred Willard and Martin Mull in rare dramatic roles. Mr. Willard plays a father whose daughter comes under official scrutiny for her part in the protests; Mr. Mull plays his old friend, an FBI agent investigating the case.

        “The idea was that these characters have their lives upended, not only by anxiety over the impending draft lottery, but also by the fallout around this event,” Mr. Craven said.

        The results were good enough to earn Mr. Craven and company the Midwest Independent Filmmakers of the Year Award presented in Cleveland at the 2002 Midwest Independent Filmmakers Conference.

        The project was born when Mr. Craven, a professor of film studies at Marlboro College, met novelist Scott Lax at a bed-and-breakfast in Middlebury, Vt.

        Over breakfast, conversation turned to Mr. Lax's then-unpublished manuscript, which he pulled from his car truck for Mr. Craven to read.

        When the director said he wanted to make the book into a movie, Mr. Lax and his nephew Tyler Davidson took on the job of raising money to get the production rolling.

        The movie won generous support from Ohio residents, including volunteer extras from Kent State, and used several Ohio crew members.

        One of them was Milford-based cinematographer Jeff Barklage, who was hired after the original director of photography fell behind schedule.

        Mr. Barklage “came on in the most difficult of circumstances,” said Mr. Craven. “But he was extremely professional. He won the loyalty of the crew immediately, he got them on his side.

        “He's also one of the friendliest guys in the world. I will work with him again.”

        The film has been making its way into the film circuit, and Mr. Craven said the filmmakers are now working hard to arrange for theatrical distribution.

        It is not an easy chore.

        “Any independent film that is entirely financed outside the system has to fight for every inch,” he said. “It's fiercely competitive. You are up against films with promotional budgets of $50 million.”

        Nevertheless, Mr. Craven said he has faith.

        “We believe there is an audience. We believe we can reach that audience.”

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