It's lights, camera, action time for Thomas Mann.

The Dothan High School graduate is now a film student at Columbia College in Chicago. Mann is shooting his first feature-length documentary, and he wants to show the world the artistic side of his hometown.

"With this documentary we hope we can push Dothan into the forefront of this movement, and really make Dothan a hub for the arts," Mann said Monday at the Dothan Opera House.

Mann is filming a dress rehearsal of Patti Rutland Jazz Dance Company Friday. He says the group will be a major part of the beginning of his film. He says it will then progress to the past, present, and future of the arts in the Circle City.

Mann says he didn't realize until he went away to college that his past hobby is more than just a pastime.

"I have really realized that art is not only a hobby, it is a way of life: says Mann. "It is a substantial way of living just like being a businessman or a doctor. When you are an artist it encompasses your whole being."

Mann and the many involved in this "labor of love" hope it will show that Dothan at the cutting-edge of infusing art into the community.

"I think that everyone that watches will be able to see and understand how we have changed over time," says Executive Director of the Dothan Cultural Arts Center Ann Cotton. "And I am just excited to be apart of it."

Cotton says Mann has been filming every corner of the Center, and says he has offered up the building for anything he needs.

And for the first time director and producer, there is a simple goal in mind for this film.

"If we change one kids life who says 'you know what I want to be an artist,' that is good enough for me." added Mann. "But we hope this documentary will inspire people to go out into their communities and push for the arts in their communities."

He hopes to be finished with post-production by next March, and plans to debut the film all around Dothan.

The Patti Rutland Jazz Dance Company has a series of shows in upcoming days. They are celebrating their 25th season. Here is information of the shows:

“Reunion” by the Patti Rutland Jazz Dance Company.
- Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m.
- Monday, June 29, at 7:30 p.m.

All shows are at the Dothan Opera House. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Students and senior citizens can enter the Sunday show with two cans of food.