The Academy who? Clarksdale, Mississippi, steals Hollywood’s spotlight during its upcoming sixth annual Clarksdale Film Festival, January 28-30, 2016.
“The Clarksdale Film Festival is all about Mississippi, blues and Southern connections,” said co-organizer Roger Stolle. “No other film event in the world boasts such a fascinating, curated collection of films, music and events all tied to the Land of the Crossroads.”
From Mavis Staples to the Rolling Stones, from Mississippi baseball to the Magnolia State’s 1950s atomic testing, there’s a film for everyone — and a whole lot more.
Held at Delta Cinema (11 Third St.) and the New Roxy (363 Issaquena Ave.), a full event line-up is available at www.clarksdalefilmfestival.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND GUESTS
“It is a wonderful way to spend a chilly Delta weekend,” said Erica Hall, another co-organizer. “In addition to films, we have a camera-drone workshop with Coop Cooper, history bus tours with Robert Birdsong, and blues music by Sean ‘Bad’ Apple.”
Plus, Clarksdale Film Festival has a nice cross-section of filmmakers presenting their work — including Dixieland director Hank Bedford (interviewed last month in Vanity Fair magazine; read here) as well as Zydeco Crossroads director Robert Mugge and blues musician Vasti Jackson. (Mugge’s Deep Blues and Blues Divas will also screen.).
Over a dozen other directors and producers are expected to attend, and Mississippi Film Office director Ward Emling will also be on hand.
HIGHLIGHTS HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
“Like our other annual events, the Clarksdale Film Festival shines a light on all that makes our town and region so interesting and important,” said co-organizer Nan Hughes. “Festivals like this help our community draw music fans and tourists from around the world year around.”
As evidence, Hughes points out the notable number of “former tourists” who have moved to Clarksdale in recent years to help with cultural tourism, music events and downtown revitalization — over three dozen at last count from at least a dozen U.S. states and four foreign countries.
It’s cheap and easy to join the fun. Clarksdale Film Festival tickets are just $5 per day or $10 for a weekend pass.
The non-profit event is always in search of additional support. Interested sponsors, donors and volunteers can email Hughes at pba@cableone.net.
“Mississippi gets its close-up… to celebrate the Magnolia State’s films and filmmakers.” — Garden & Gun magazine
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