Milwaukee's draw for making, producing and showcasing independent film continues to grow. And local filmmaker Tate Bunker is one of several Milwaukeeans we can thank for that. Bunker's credits include numerous film short productions, directorial contributions and even a bit of television.

Despite stints in Los Angeles, New York and Portland, this Denver native calls Milwaukee home. Most recently moving to Milwaukee from Florida, luckily for us, Bunker seems here to stay and he's brought his great talent with him.

This Thursday, the Oriental Theatre hosts the premiere of Bunker's latest short, "The Albatross." Combined with two award-winning recent shorts, "Perceval" and "Starlight," Bunker calls Thursday's event the "Trilogy of Light."

"The motif of light is really thematic in all three of these movies. In 'Starlight" the main character wishes to get to starlight, in "Perceval,' Perceval is blinded by a magical light and in 'The Albatross' it's more of an internal light and the search to find your light of creation," says Bunker.

Bunker made "Starlight" in 2006, "Perceval" in 2007 and "The Albatross" in 2008. Filming near the UWM campus, "The Albatross" utilizes Wisconsin's diverse scenery and stars Bill Baldus and Daniel Mooney.

"I rely entirely on the art community. Milwaukee has a tremendous art community and film community; if you're working on something, everyone shows up and just helps out. And, I can make movies here," Bunker explains.

"There is a tremendous amount of work in L.A. or New York but what interests me is making a great piece of art."

The "Trilogy of Light" event includes showing seven of Bunker's shorts, in all. The screening starts at 7 p.m. this Thursday at the Oriental Theatre. Check out Landmark Lanes for an after party with a vintage film soundtrack and a triptych by local artists.