tupelo...TOMMY IVY President - Lee County Board of Supervisors The Lee County Board of Supervisors proudly supports the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. We are happy to assist in

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tupelo.nettupelo.net

12015 Tupelo Film Festival

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SPONSORS AsurionB&B Concrete Co., Inc.BancorpSouthBBQ by JimBenjamin Moore PaintsBuffalo Wild WingsCelebrity FastwrapChick-fil-A City of New AlbanyCREATE Foundation, Inc.Eat With Us Group(DBA Harvey’s, Fairpark Grill, Sweet Peppers Deli) Elaine Dundy and Roy Turner Endowment for the ArtsElvis Presley Memorial FoundationGreatest Hits Music & BooksItawamba Community CollegeJanet Martin Harry Martin Select Properties, PLLCKermit’s Outlaw KitchenMalco Theatre – Tupelo CommonsMississippi Development AuthorityMississippi Film OfficeMitchell Distributing, Inc.Mont’s Paper CompanyNautical Whimsey Italian Bistro & Wine BarNorth Mississippi Sports Medicine Orthopedic Clinic, PLLCPhelps Dunbar, LLPQuality of LifeReed’s Department StoreRenasant Center for IDEASRomie’s GrocerySnelling Personnel ServicesSouth RestaurantSteele’s DiveSynder MediaThe Stables Thornton Dental ClinicTodd’s Big StarTupelo Coca-Cola Bottling CompanyTupelo Convention & Visitors BureauTupelo Consignment MusicTupelo Flea MarketTupelo High School Class of 1972Tupelo Restaurant AssociationVIP Cinema SeatingWatkins College of Art, Design and FilmWeatherall’s Printing

SCREENERS

ABOUT THE COVER

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OFOUR VOLUNTEERS

Valerie AngeloroLouis ArmourKen Calloway Chris Cockrell Mary CouldrovichMorgan CutturiniMelanie Deas Thom EasonCelia Fleishhacker Bob FranksJimmy Grisham Williams Heard Sonya Keith Mieako Kikuchi

James Hull John & Katie McCustionArt PinkertonJim Palmer Carolyn Parson Stephen Polley Nikhat PowellTim Prewitt Meredith Tollison Jeff Tomlinson Roy Turner Teri Ward Peggy Webb

A special thanks to our festival committee member Louis Armour, who serves as a screener and designed the art for this year’s festival which is on the cover. Louis brings to the festival his artistic touch and talents, coordinating and assisting with many elements of the festival.

MR. REELY DESIGNED BY LOCALARTIST RICHARD MCGEHEE

We strive for accuracy. Pardon any mistakes.

tupelo.net

Tupelo, Mississippi

The Tupelo Film Festival Society welcomes you to the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. The festival this year brings a variety of film opportunities from workshops, to panels to independent films, special events, children’s activities, a high school competition and nights of awesome music.

We salute our filmmakers and the efforts they make as they bring their scripts to screen, and we are delighted to be a stepping stone along their path to success. Film is everyday life from the most extreme to the bare bones through the greatest of technology to the smallest in equipment. Film is the a story told, a cartoon enjoyed, a drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, a comedy that brings laughter, an emotional tale that brings tears, a historic adventure, a fight for justice…it is entertainment! Come and lose yourself in the story and find yourself at the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival!

WARD ELMINGMississippi State Film OfficeThe Mississippi Film Office welcomes you to the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. From the beginning, we have been a very proud supporter of this outstanding festival and always look forward to seeing the films and meeting the filmmakers. Now comfortably in a new venue, the Malco Cinemas, and under the umbrella of CREATE Foundation for the second year, we know the festival will continue to flourish and thrill both audience and filmmaker. To the audience, we thank you for your support and hope you enjoy the films. To the filmmaker, we thank you for your vision and commitment. And to the community we thank you for embracing the power and wonder of the cinema.

Mississippi is committed to film and dedicated to expanding its reach. We have created a strong and competitive incentive program: a 25% - 35% cash rebate on your spend and all of your payroll with a low $50,000 minimum spend that applies to features, shorts, documentaries, and more. All across Mississippi we have communities that serve our mission to build and support the industry, filled with hospitable people that embrace and understand the challenges of filmmaking, and diverse locations that will inspire and enthrall you.

We hope you enjoy your time in Tupelo and in our great state.

TOMMY IVYPresident - Lee County Board of SupervisorsThe Lee County Board of Supervisors proudly supports the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. We are happy to assist in any logistic that opens a door for a film project in our area and invite all who are looking at producing film to take a look at what we have to offer. On behalf of the Lee County Board of Supervisors we welcome filmmakers, special events taking place this year at the Malco Theatre.

MAYOR JASON L . SHELTONCity of TupeloWelcome to our city and the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival held at the Malco Theatre at Tupelo Commons. The City of Tupelo invites you to join us for a wonderful weekend filled with great independent films, special events, and more. Please take a moment to slow down from the hectic pace of everyday activities and enjoy the art of the filmmakers and the hospitality of Tupelo.

NEAL MCCOYTupelo Convention & Visitors BureauOn behalf of the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau, we welcome you the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. Cited as one of America’s Top 10 Small Film Festivals in the country by Livability.com, the festival is a celebration of great films and a gathering for film fans from across the globe. We invite you to experience Tupelo while you are here by visiting our many attractions, enjoying our eclectic culinary scene, and shopping our unique retail shops. Thank you for being here and we hope to see you back real soon shooting your next project.

W E LC O M E TO T H E 2 0 1 5 T U P E LO F I L M F E ST I VA L !


M R . R E E LY P R E S E N T S T H E AWA R D S

FEATURE1st PlaceSponsored byB&B CONCRETE CO. INC.

2nd PlaceSponsored byBENJAMIN MOORE PAINTS

3rd PlaceSponsored byGREATEST HITS MUSIC BOOK

DOCUMENTARY1st PlaceSponsored byBANCORPSOUTH

2nd PlaceSponsored byTHORNTON DENTAL CLINIC

3rd PlaceSponsored byPERSONNEL SERVICES

SHORT1st PlaceSponsored byVIP CINEMA SEATING

2nd PlaceSponsored bySNYDER MEDIA

3rd PlaceSponsored byTODD’S BIG STAR

MUSIC VIDEO1st PlaceSponsored byELVIS PRESLEY BIRTHPLACE FOUNDATION

Honorable MentionSponsored byTUPELO CONSIGNMENT MUSIC

STUDENT1st PlaceSponsored byCREATE FOUNDATION, INC.

2nd PlaceSponsored byNORTH MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MEDICINE & ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC, PLLC

3rd PlaceSponsored byMONT’S PAPER COMPANY

TICKETS

ADMISSIONScreen Three & Four:Thursday, Friday, & SaturdayApril 16 - 18Day Pass: $15Student: $7.50 (with ID)Senior: $7.50 (with ID)

Screening Pass: $35

(includes all three days of films)

*Tickets Available Day of Event

For details visit: tupelofilmfestival.net

Take Advantage of Our Complimentary

Panel & Workshops on Saturday!

The Ron Tibbett AwardBest of ShowSponsored byASURIONThe Ron Tibbett Award is presented each year in memory of Ron Tibbett who helped launch the Tupelo Film Festival in 2004.

The Elvin Whitesides Director’s AwardSponsored by his fellow class-mates of Tupelo High School Class of ‘72

The Casey Spradling Award Best Mississippi High School FilmSponsored byCasey Spradling Endowment

The Robert Reed AwardBest DocumentarySponsored byReed’s Department Store

The Tupelo Film Festival committee was deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Lawrence Stanley this past year. He and his lovely wife Mae exemplified the true hospitality of Tupelo by greeting and making all guests feel welcome at the festival. He will be greatly missed but his smile and spirit will live on.

Filmmakers Attending Will Offer

Q&A’s after Their Screenings.

MR. LAWRENCE STANLEY

Tupelo, Mississippi

S P E C I A L AWA R D S

THE RON TIBBETT AWARD (BEST OF SHOW)Ron Tibbett was born in Chicago in 1941. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in English. He served in the US Marines. He met his wife Charlotte Magnussen in Montreal and was married in 1978. He and his family (Charlotte and daughter Christine) moved to West Point, MS, in 1994. He always had an active interest in film and shot his first film “Swept Off My Feet” in West Point. Because there were no festivals in Mississippi to screen the film, he started the Magnolia Independent Film Festival, the first of its kind in MS. He loved sharing his craft, enthusiasm, and love of film with all but especially young minds. He encouraged many to follow their dreams in film. We miss him dearly. This award is presented each year in memory of Ron Tibbett who helped launch the Tupelo Film Festival in 2004.

Casey SpradlingThe Tupelo Film Festival joined with the Oxford Film Festival this past year to honor a great friend, Casey Spradling. Casey’s love and enthusiasm to learn all about the differ-ent techniques of filmmaking exceeded far beyond his expectations and he was mentored under some of the best in the art of filmmaking. He was eager to be versed in all aspects of filmmaking and he did just that. Casey passed away unexpectedly on set leaving a void in so many lives. Casey reached a height he probably never dreamed he could reach and left this world doing what he loved the most…making movies. This year Casey will be honored with the Casey Spradling Memorial Award going to Best Mississippi High School Film. An Endowment Fund has been set up in his memory – to learn more go to www.facebook.com/Cwspradlingfund.

THE ELVIN WHITESIDES DIRECTOR’S AWARDElvin Whitesides, a native of Tupelo, came to his love of film as a boy, sitting beside his father in the projection booth of the Lyric Theatre, screening years of first-run Hollywood features. That formative experience led to a BFA in Theatre from the University of Southern Mississippi, professional training in both New York and Los Angeles, and managing the Bing Theatre at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for over twenty years. Through-out his career, Elvin continued to make films, write, perform, produce, and direct until his untimely death in May 2010. A two-time judge at the Tupelo Film Festival, 2011 marks the inaugural Elvin Whitesides Director’s Award, a tribute to his talent for guiding and inspir-ing countless cast and crews toward a common creative goal through the magic of movies. This award is present in memory of Elvin Whitesides who served as a mentor to the festival, as well as a judge.

ROBERT REEDThe Tupelo Film Festival lost one of its valued committee members in 2014. Robert Reed served on the festival board, was a screener of documentary films, and gave tirelessly to the many activities of the festival. His dedication and love for film was evident as he served from the inception of the festival to his untimely passing. Robert’s humor, commitment and friendship will never be replaced. In memory of Robert’s love for documentaries, he will be honored with the Robert Reed Best Documentary Award. The award is given in his memory by Reed’s Department Store.


S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T STHURSDAY, APRIL 16th – Screen 3Foreign Block (Shorts)1:00 Welcome1:05 Nell & Nugget1:15 Gwen MaGee: Threads of History1:49 Extreme PinocchioQ&A

Foreign Block (Documentary)2:20 The Other F Word3:25 Q & A

Foreign Block (Shorts)3:35 No Love Lost3:53 Flowers4:03 The Treehouse4:20 I Know You

U.S. Shorts4:40 Hypothetically4:48 Shotgun5:02 Nobody5:20 Night of the Living Twinkies5:30 AvariceQ & A

Music Video Block5:40 Can’t Give Up On You5:44 Allen Mann – Visions5:49 Don’t Be Judging Me5:54 Francesca5:58 Broncho – What6:00 From Tribulation To Triumph6:05 Q&A

THURSDAY, APRIL 16TH Screen 4Foreign Block (Students)1:00 Welcome1:05 Robbing Blind1:15 The Lightguard1:46 The Cutting Room

Foreign Block (Documentary)2:00 Where is Elle – Kari and what happened to Noriko-san?2:50 Break

Foreign Block (Shorts)3:00 The Stomach3:16 Newborn3:30 Carry On

U.S. Block (Students)3:40 Deliver US From Evil4:00 Like Father, Like Son

U.S. Shorts4:20 The Watch4:45 September Sketch Book4:55 Once Upon A Time On The Border5:15 Around The Next Corner5:45 Q&A

THURSDAY NIGHT, APRIL 16thKick Off Party – Romie’s GroceryFeaturing Sam Mosley and the SamMosley Band – 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17th Screen 3U.S. Block (Documentary)1:00 The Sum Total of Our MemoryBreak

U.S. Block (Feature)2:15 Spray Paint Atlas3:30 Q&A

U.S. Block (Students)3:40 Irresistible3:46 I Need My Monster3:58 Spirit of Negation4:13 Broken Jam4:28 Q & A5:00 Break

U.S. Block (Shorts)6:00 Garage Sale6:15 Elvis – the Guitar6:26 Rudy’s Old HatQ & A

U.S. Block (Feature)7:00 Ozland9:00 Q & A

FRIDAY, APRIL 17th Screen 4U.S. Block (Documentaries)1:30 Wildflower2:00 Because No one Else WouldQ & A

U.S. Block (Feature)2:30 Route 30 Three

U.S. Block (Documentaries)4:10 Locked Out4:40 Mississippi MilkQ&A5:00 Break

U.S. Block (Shorts)6:00 Pizza Man vs. the Tornado6:08 A Horror Movie6:20 Got No Fetish6:36 Self Offense6:51 The Last Foreclosure7:15 Q&A

U.S. Block (Feature)7:25 Ghosting8:55 Q & A

FRIDAY NIGHT, APRIL 17th

Join Us at Steele’s Dive – with music by Wes Sheffield and the Slow Burners

SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH Screen 3MS High School Film Competition10:00 MS High School EventSpecial Screening12:30 Japan–America Society of Mississippi Film – Departures

Workshop/Lecture3:00 Gena EllisWorkshop/Lecture4:30 Rob Underhill

Feature5:45 Away5:50 Fever Dreams6:55 Q&A8:00 Awards Presentation

SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH Screen 4Panel Discussion 10:00 Darkness to Light: Horror toSci-Fi – Aspects of Production11:30 Break

Casting Workshop1:00 Lisa Lax/Sharon WardBreak

Workshop/Lecture3:00 Kat Phillips

U.S. Block (Feature)4:15 Earthrise5:55 Q&A

BreakU.S. Student/Shorts6:20 Take the Mountain6:30 Witness Monitor6:40 Colorless7:10 Q&A

Tupelo Premier7:20 The Gift7:35 Q&A

Celebrate the wrap in Downtown Tupelo starting at Nautical Whimsey and tour the trail of music venues!

Tupelo, Mississippi

J U D G E S

F E AT U R EW E S B E N TO N

Wes Benton started Red Planet Entertainment, LLC in 1980 and GhostRider Entertainment in 2007. He is the founder of the Sun & Sand Film & Music Festival. Benton produced his first film, Rites of Spring, in 2010. Benton worked as Motion Capture Producer or Motion Capture Supervisor on such feature films as I Am Legend, The Incredible Hulk, Mummy III, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Polar Express, and The Day After Tomorrow. He is cur-rently working on several films to be produced in Mississippi.

J E R E M Y N O C O N Jeremy Nocon, a seasoned producer from Los Angeles, develops and produces film & TV projects.

Jeremy credits his formal legal training and his love of the creative collaboration process for his flourishing career in the entertainment industry. He currently works as Vice President of Business Development for the world-famous Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, a division of The Jim Henson Company, developing projects with some of the top names in the entertainment industry.

R I D G E L A N D, M S

LO S A N G E L E S , C A

Welcome Filmmakers and Special Guests!

www.tupelomarket.com


D O C U M E N TA RYB I L L K AVA N AG H

Bill Kavanagh is an independent producer/director based in New York. Currently, he is in production on The Divide: One City’s Story. More information is at http://www.der.org/donate/#divide. His documentary film, A Matter of Place, highlights three stories of people who faced housing discrimination in present-day New York City, as well as their resolve to fight for justice. The film shines a bright light on housing discrimi-nation, one of America’s most shrouded civil rights issues. His other work includes the award-winning documentary Brick by Brick: A Civil Rights Story (2007 Tupelo Film Festival premiere) and Enemies of War (Independent Lens-PBS), as well as collaborations on other documentaries and independent films. He has a special place in his heart for Tupelo and the filmmaker-friendly nature of Tupelo Film Festival.

M I C H A E L S WA N S O N Michael Swanson is an Emmy Award winning film producer and the studio production executive for Universal Television’s Parks and Recreation, Community, Maury Povich, Food Fighters and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Mr. Swanson has produced features, documentaries, shorts and commercials to critical and audience acclaim through his film company, Faith Filmworks. Some of Mr. Swanson’s productions include the following: All About Us, filmed in Clarksdale, Mississippi; All About You; Two Seasons; Andraé Crouch: Making of The Journey; To Hell and Back and documentary film, The Wayman Tisdale Story, for which he won the Emmy. Mr. Swanson did graduate work at Princeton Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity program and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Television from the University of Notre Dame. A Chicago native, Mr. Swanson resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Christine, and their four children.

N E W YO R K , N E W YO R K

LO S A N G E L E S , C A

J U D G E S

101 Industrial DriveNew Albany, MS 38652

(662) 539-7017www.vipcinemaseating.com

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

World’s Largest Manufacturer of Luxury Cinema Seating

B & B Concrete Co., Inc.130 North Industrial Road

Tupelo, Mississippi662.842.6312

Tupelo, Mississippi

K AT H I LY N N P H I L L I P S Kathilynn Phillips, born in Mississippi, and now residing in Atlanta, Georgia, is a filmmaker whose

award-winning works, including her feature film, Chasing the White Dragon, have screened to thousands in the U.S., Europe and Asian Pacific. A former President and Board member of Women in Film and Television Atlanta, Kat is also Entertainment Industry Group Leader for the Ritz Group/Capital Community located in Atlanta. Interested in the growth of our young filmmakers, in 2014 at the Tupelo Film Festival, Kat and her husband Eric made a generous donation of camera equipment to the Itawamba Community College’s Film Club in Fulton, MS which led to the development of film courses. Kat is truly a leader and mentor in the film industry.

AT L A N TA , GA

M U S I C V I D E OST E V E A Z A R

Steve Azar is a modern day Renaissance man, hit songwriter, recording artist, music producer, golfer and philanthropist. Steve calls his own breed of music “Delta Soul,” a mixture of country, rock and blues. His debut album “Waitin’ On Joe” was released in 2001. The title track went to #1 on CMT and featured Acad-emy award winning actor Morgan Freeman. From the same album, the hit single “I Don’t Have To Be Me Til Monday” received three Million-Air awards from BMI and is one of the top five most played songs of the past decade on country radio. Turn on the radio today and you’ll likely hear it. Taylor Swift told People Magazine in 2010 that her favorite song of the year was Steve Azar’s “Sunshine, Slide On Over Here,” which was spotlighted in Oprah’s O Magazine in her Top Things to Buy at Christmas in 2011. “Sunshine” was also featured in US Weekly Magazine in June 2012 as one of the most popular celebrity wedding songs and was #1 video on Great American Country TV! Steve has written and recorded songs for film and worked in the role of music supervisor. “Doin’ It Right” (Delta Mix) from the latest release “Delta Soul: Volume One,” was the feature track for Sony Pictures 2013 movie Here Comes The Boom starring Kevin James and Selma Hayek. Reba McEntire ,among many others, has cut his songs. In 2007, Azar was personally chosen by Bob Seger to perform 46 shows on what was rated the #1 Tour in America by Pollstar Magazine. Steve currently wrote and recorded the official song for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships “Fly” and “Fly” is the feature track in the upcoming Sony Pictures Paul Blart Mall Cop 2. He co-founded Ride Records.

G R E E N V I L L E , M S

J E R RY P H I L L I P SJerry Phillips, son of legendary Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and VP of Sam Phillips Recording stu-

dios in Memphis, is a record producer, recording engineer, songwriter and musician. He is president and co-owner of Big River Broadcasting in Florence/Muscle Shoals, AL, and president and co-owner of Gold Coast Broadcasting in Clifton,TN, as well as vice president of numerous music publishing companies. Jerry has worked with such notable talents as Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Prine, Billy Lee Riley and many more. Jerry is also Executive Producer of the world wide radio and internet program ” Muscle Shoals To Music Row Live” heard on WXFL 96.1 and watched at MS2MR.Com.

I U K A , M S

S H O RTL AU R A B E R N I E R I

Laura Bernieri is a partner in MS Fried Alligator Entertainment whose first film, Mother of George, was selected for Dramatic Competition at Sundance 2013 and won Best Cinematography. She co-executive produced Sunny Side Up (Parker Posey, Jacksonville Film Fest ’11 Audience Award,) co-directed & produced Delta Rising: A Blues Documentary (Morgan Freeman, Willie Nelson; Best Producer Award Beverly Hills FF ’09.) At NBA All Stars 2010, a short she directed with Satch Sanders, Kareem, Jerry West received a standing ovation. Executive producer of Kettle of Fish (Mathew Modine, Gina Gershon Tribeca ’06), Could Be Worse! (Sundance ‘00), Passage to Paradise starring Julie Harris with Cristaldi Films (Cinema Paradiso), Bernieri co-produced Next Stop Wonderland (Hope Davis, Philip Seymour Hoffman) Sundance ‘98; Squeeze (Spirit Award Nominee ‘96), The Darien Gap (Sundance ‘96) and Death: A Love Story (Sundance ‘99), Laura founded the Harvard Square Scriptwriters collaborative and has moderated panels with Norman Mailer, Michael Cunningham, Russell Banks, Dennis Lehane, James Schamus, and Pamela Gray.

B O STO N , M A / LO S A N G E L E S , C A / C L A R KS DA L E , M S

J U D G E S


ST U D E N TG E N A E L L I S

For Gena, it all begins with the written word. She wrote and co-produced Tupelo’s 2007 Ron Tibbett Best of Show winner, Angela’s Decision, which also won Australia’s Gold ACE Award for cinematography, Houston’s Gold Remi for adaptation, and other awards, and studied at universities. Gena’s given workshops on adapta-tion, writing, Indie films, and taught at universities, prompting her to publish an eBook in 2015- with an AD early draft, the short story, TV pilot pages, and the story of becoming an Australian film. While Gena has even been on screen in TV shows Shameless and Chicago Fire, plus films Transformers 3 and the Bollywood hit, Dhoom 3, her favorite sets are those of her daughter, Ursula, who’s in the MFA directing program at Columbia in NYC. Gena was recently in Mermaids, a Northwestern University NUWFA grant film by Nina Rogers. Gena really understands the ‘magic’ that film students create with hard work and a low budget. She’ is, of course, working on a script and a another book. Visit Genaingeneral.com or Browndotproductions.com for more info.

B A N N E R GW I NBanner Gwin, a native Memphian, is a director and feature film editor currently based in Los Angeles. As

director, his work has been acquired by the permanent collection of The Museum Of Modern Art in NY, and the LACMA has honored him as one of seven Best Young Directors in Los Angeles. As editor, he recently completed the Boston-based crime drama God Only Knows starring Harvey Keitel, and he has functioned as assistant editor on many films such as Zero Dark Thirty, Lawless, and the soon to be released Child 44 pro-duced by Ridley Scott and Triple Nine directed by John Hillcoat.

C H I C AG O , I L

R I D G E L A N D, M S

J U D G E S

Tupelo, Mississippi

Director: Nicola Tyndale-Biscoe Ripe - Mohamed Ali’s Happy Day FeastWriter: Nicola Tyndale-Biscoe Ripe - Mohamed Ali’s Happy Day FeastProducer: Nicola Tyndale-Biscoe Ripe - Mohamed Ali’s Happy Day Feast

Australia, 1890. The gold-fields of NSW are almost abandoned, apart from families of ‘gleaners’ who scavenge for gold in the exhausted diggings. Nell, 13 & Nugget, 9 , sister and brother – live with their father Frank in the bush on the old chase. Frank spends his days foraging through tailings or ‘nickel-backing; deepening the old mine shafts. Nell & Nugget tend the veggies and chooks, collect the firewood & water. Frank is usually home by sunset – to wash and eat tea with the kids. One night he doesn’t come home.

Director: Isabel BleimWriter: Isabel BleimProducers: Isabel Bleim, Andre Bleim

What does forgiveness really mean? Is it always essential or is it sometimes impossible to attain? This feature-length documentary explores the meaning of forgiveness and examines its impact on our relationships and our sense of justice.

Director: Anne Cremieux

Mississippi quilt artist Gwendolyn Magee’s art poignantly features the history of the South and its horrific violence towards African Americans, from slavery to the present. American folk art specialists, local artists, and museum goers comment on her work.

FOREIGN BLOCK (SHORTS)

FOREIGN BLOCK (DOCUMENTARY)

NELL AND NUGGET | 1:05 PM | G

THE OTHER F WORD | 2:20 PM | G

GWEN MAGEE: THREADS OF HISTORY | 1:15 PM | G

Director: Pascal Chind - Short CutWriter: Pascal Chind - Short CutProducer: Olivier Lamy

A dwarf junkie dresses up as Pinocchio to steal money from a schizophrenic psychopath who thinks he’s Geppetto…

EXTREME PINOCCHIO | 1:49 PM | R

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 1 6 | S C R E E N 3


Director: Shekhar BassiWriters: Shekhar Bass, Shalinder BassiProducers: Shalinder Bassi, Shekhar Bassi, Gemma Lloyd, Helen Silver

A Jewish boy nurturing a secret romance with a Muslim girl, despite the realities of their backgrounds, is unaware he is being stalked. While the young lovers struggle to be open about their relationship, the stalker’s obsession reveals a thought provoking turn culminating in the trio coming face to face.

Director: Colin GerrardWriter: Colin GerrardProducer: Colin Gerrard

This short film does not push the envelope of cult personality and distortion of media; neither does it break the bonds of false exaggeration. Rather it enfolds it. It’s a game of confidence. What if you couldn’t tell the difference between what was real and what was not? What if you could get away with something and everyone seemingly believed you? Sometimes it doesn’t matter who you are; it’s who they think you are.


NO LOVE LOST | 3:35 PM | G

I KNOW YOU | 4:20 PM | G

Director: Amy Coop - Epitaph, A Little Bit Country, The Fairweather Girl, Boy Soldiers, Out of DarknessWriter: Amy CoopProducers: Amy Coop, Benedict Turnbull

In the shadow of a family funeral, a young boy retreats to the treehouse he built with his father and shuts himself in and the rest of the world out. Whilst there he is befriended by an enigmatic young girl from next door who helps him to come to terms with his loss and face up to the future.

THE TREEHOUSE | 4:03 PM | G

Director: Sabina Sattar - SWOOSH!Writer: Sabina Sattar - SWOOSH!Producers: Sabina Sattar - SWOOSH!,, Monika Kocian - SWOOSH!

A boy falls in love with a deaf and mute girl and has to find a way to communicate his feelings for her.

FLOWERS | 3:35 PM | G


Tupelo, Mississippi

Director: Peter Zinn - *first filmWriter: Geoffrey Pomeroy - Over the HedgeProducers: Stephanie Dawson Scout & Maggie - Death’s Door

Two “could be” mob-types go to a restaurant to discuss “business.” But they do so in such non-committal terms it becomes a verbal joust with many comedic turns and rhyme schemes that keep the audience guessing: “Are these guys for real?”

Director: Rex Harsin – Chuck the Duck, The Good, the Bad & the Purdie, Purdie Wars, Purdieliverance, Girl Trouble, BackstageWriter: Rex Harsin – Chuck the Duck, The Good, the Bad & the Purdie, Purdie Wars, Purdieliverance, Backstage, Girl TroubleProducers: vOz Vanelli – Fish Story, A Hole in the Bucket, Purdie’s Trouble with Pepper, Purdie and the Beefcake Burnout

Night of the Living Winkies is a cartoon poking fun at America’s obsession with fast, sugary food. It follows Purdie and Spencer Penguin as they travel in a truck containing the beloved Winkies, which have recently gone out of business. Winkie lovers are after them in hot pursuit.

Director: Maverick MooreWriters: Maverick Moore , Zachary Korpi, Steven Trebus Producers: Steven Trebus , Zachary Korpi

Three girls burn rubber and leave no survivors on an inexplicably wild ride.

U.S. SHORTS

HYPOTHETICALLY | 4:40 PM | G

NIGHT OF THE LIVING TWINKIES | 5:20 PM | G

SHOTGUN | 4:48 PM | R

Director: William BryanWriter: William BryanProducers: William Bryan, Tom Radovich

A biographical story of Elvis Presley in high school in Memphis, 1953, featuring his tender relationship with his loving mother, his devoted teacher, and the senior year talent show that changed everything.

NOBODY | 5:02 PM | G



Director: Scott McEntire - TwinkleTown, Simple, Rent PartyWriters: Josh Carr – The Door, Scott McEntire – TwinkleTown, Anyone, Simple, Christopher S. Thompson – The Gleaning, Jarrod Paul Beck – Perfect MachineProducer: Kayla Esmond

When Daddy died, he left Ronald with a diary that holds the combi-nation to a locked chest full of treasure. The problem is that Daddy left the map to the location of that chest with Ronald’s estranged brother, Merle. Merle’s daughter has taken steps to bring the brothers back to-gether, but the crooked roots of this dysfunctional family run deep, and may prove too much to overcome.

Director: Fiona CochraneProducer: Fiona Cochrane

A return to psychedelia, ’cause you just can’t give it up.

MUSIC VIDEO BLOCK

AVARICE | 5:30 PM | R CAN’T GIVE UP ON YOU | 5:40 PM

Director: Frank Ladner

Filmed in black-and-white with vintage lenses and low-fi optics, this music video tells the story of a reclusive man obsessed with seeking and documenting visions in the surrounding wilderness.

ALLEN MANN – VISIONS | 5:44 PM


TUPELO CHAPTER

WELCOMEFILMMAKERS!

Tupelo, Mississippi

Director: Daniel EspeutProducer: Daniel Espeut

The music video for Playground Hero’s debut single, “Don’t Be Judgin’ Me”, is an uninterrupted long take featuring Lead Vocalist, Estebon Watson, singing as he dances down the sidewalk. The video was directed and produced by Daniel Espeut, who also appears in the beginning sitting next to Estebon and fellow band members Davon, Ian and Jonathan. To emphasize Estebon’s manic and drunken state as he tells the story of what happened to him that day, Mr. Espeut uses the art of quick-change to reappear as four separate characters.

Director: Rex HarsinProducer: Bran Simmons

This is the official music video for the song, “From Tribulation To Triumph” by Jake Wood. Both the song and video convey a strong, uplifting message of hope, love, and reconciliation.

Director: Gaëna da SylvaWriter: Bill MaddenProducers: Bill Madden, Gaëna da Sylva

‘Francesca’ was inspired by the art and life of American photographer Francesca Woodman. Captivated by the mysterious black and white photography of Woodman (which features herself), Madden paid tribute to Woodman on his new album, “New Religion.” Director and photographer Gaëna da Sylva portrays Woodman with shadowy imagery, bringing to life Madden’s lyrics, “Ghostly images appear like gossamer blurred apparitions.”

DON’T BE JUDGING ME | 5:49 PM

FROM TRIBULATION TO TRIUMPH | 6:00 PM

FRANCESCA | 5:54 PM

Producer: Tim Ackelmire

I shot this on my iPhone 5 and Canon Vixia HF R300 and edited it on Final Cut X. It is my Apple TV screensaver featuring some of my paintings and trip screensavers. Featuring the song What by Broncho.

BRONCHO - WHAT | 5:58 PM



Director: Mike ChantajWriter: Mike ChantajProducers: Jessieh Slezak, Mike Chantaj

After a botched break-in, an amateur burglar, hoping to leave a life of crime behind, must continue to break the law with his brother in an attempt to eventually live a clean and guilt-free life.

Director: Dvorit ShargalWriter: Dvorit ShargalProducer: Kastina Communications LTD

A nostalgic, fascinating and heart-breaking journey into very popular photographed children’s books in black & white from the mid-20th century. An unbelievable detective story, which follows the missing heroes of the books: Were they real children? Where are they now? The books were created by the photographer Anna Riwkin-Brick. Most of them were written by Astrid Lindgren.

Director: Bob DemperWriter: Bob DemperProducer: Bob Demper, Mischa Staupe

Alone in his lookout, lighthouse keeper Chien Baak oversees the shore of a small coastal village. One grey afternoon an unknown ship looms up, which seems to be a harbinger of doom. The nights following ship more questions than answers. One thing is for sure: the sea awaits…

FOREIGN BLOCK (STUDENTS)

FOREIGN BLOCK (DOCUMENTARY)

ROBBING BLIND | 1:05 PM | PG

WHERE IS ELLE – KARI & WHAT HAPPENEDTO NORIKO-SAN | 2:00 PM | G

THE LIGHTGUARD | 1:15 PM | R

Director: Marco Velez – Love Falls, A Lost Generation, FearWriter: Marco Velez – Love Falls, Fear, Will & MaryProducer: Eugenia Lagorio – She Walks, Amontillado, Megamillion

François Gauthier is hired by the great film director Angel Rizzoli to edit his upcoming film noir. He becomes completely obsessed with Isabel , the lead actress and star of the film, and buries himself in this editorial madness, performing horrific acts in the name of his obsession.

THE CUTTING ROOM | 1:46 PM | R


Tupelo, Mississippi

Director: Ben Steiner – The Flea, Trannibal Fleash Feast, InsecticideWriter: Ben SteinerProducer: Dan Dixon

Frank’s had enough. A spirit medium whose unique and grotesque method of channeling the dead is putting his own life at risk; he wants out. But others, in this world and the next, have plans of their own. Part body-horror, part ghost-story, The Stomach is a unique tale of Supernatural Noir.

Director: Robert McDermottWriter: Robert McDermottProducer, Chris Johnson

In this modern day thriller set in the open plains of the high Midwest, three men begin to discover a man’s hidden identity when they inadvertently welcome him into their home.

Director: Simret Cheema-InnisWriter: Simret Cheema-InnisProducer: Simret Cheema-Innis

Marris lives alone in a house left to her by her recently deceased grandmother. One day a mysterious bowl arrives at her door. But the bowl is more than it seems.


U.S. BLOCK (STUDENTS)

THE STOMACH | 3:00 PM | R

DELIVER US FROM EVIL | 3:40 PM | G

NEWBORN | 3:16 PM | PG

Director: Yatao LiWriter: Yatao LiProducer: Yatao Li

During the brutal withdrawal of Japanese forces at the end of WWII, a Chinese father does whatever he can to save his family.

CARRY ON | 3:30 PM | G



Director: Ioannes PalomariaWriter: Ioannes PalomariaProducer: Ioannes Palomaria

A film by Ioannes Palomaria, made for his final 7th grade project for Thomas Starr King’s Film and Media Magnet. He also stars in his own movie.

Directors: Álvaro H. – Blanco Medrano’s VisitWriters: Álvaro H. – Blanco Medrano’s VisitProducers: Alejandro Pardo , Estefanía Lamas

A weary border guard and a legendary bounty hunter meet in the middle of the blazing desert in a bizarre and tense encounter.

Directors: Roger Franks – The CarrierWriters: Roger Franks – The CarrierProducers: Michael Devereaux – The Carrier, Mixed Assumptions

A chance meeting with Mason Hughes, who was involved in The Civil Rights Movement, changes the life of Nathan Bishop in ways he never expected.

U.S. SHORTS

LAKE FATHER, LIKE SON | 4:00 PM | PG13

ONCE UPON A TIME ON THE BORDER | 4:55 PM | PG

THE WATCH | 4:20 PM | PG

Director: Ronnie Cramer – Pillow Girl, Cantata in C Major, Sixty in 60Writer: Ronnie Cramer Producers: Ronnie Cramer

“September Sketch Book” is an experimental film created using old school animation; over 5,400 drawings are made with pen and paper. The film is abstract in nature, with sequences based on flags from around the world.

SEPTEMBER SKETCH BOOK | 4:45 PM | G


Tupelo, Mississippi

Directors: Mike GillisWriter: Mike GillisProducers: Mike Gillis

Young angry woman changes after conversing with lonely older man.

New Albany resident and blues legend Sam Mosley has over 40 years of writing award winning music playing the blues to fans all over the world. Mosley got his musical start in 1956 at the age of ten when he had a group with his brothers called the ‘Starlighters’, which they later changed to ‘Jamie Mosley and the Dynamics.’ Jamie was Sam’s brother. In 1967, after a tour in Vietnam, Sam met up again with friend, schoolmate and musician Bob Johnson. They decided to form a band and the name was changed numerous times throughout the years. The first name of the band was ‘Bobby Johnson and the Messengers’, before it was changed to ‘Sam and Bob and The Soul Men’, then it was changed to ‘Mojobo,’ before finally to the ‘Mosley and Johnson Band.’ In 1967 the duo started recording tracks in Tupelo at John Mahalic studio. In 1968, they were playing at a Memphis nightclub and were asked for some demos. Soon after, they recorded at High Record Studios in Memphis and released two 45s with the songs “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “Is It Over?” Over the years Sam has toured the world with his music and has played with and/or written songs for many of the great names R&B. Sam has had a blues marker placed in the honor of Mosley Johnson Band on Cleveland Street in New Albany.

After the kick off party, check out the music at Gabriel’s on Gloster w/ Zechariah Tillotson – just a couple of blocks away!

AROUND THE NEXT CORNER | 5:15 PM | R SAM MOSLEY & THE SAM MOSLEY BAND | 7:30 PM


KICK OFF PARTY – ROMIES GROCERY

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Director: Barbara Klutinis – Severing the Soul, Stepping into the Stream, Journey Swiftly Passing, Wind/Water/Wings, Still Life with Barbie, The IWWF Rendezvous Connection, Trumpet Garden, PoolsWriters: Barbara KlutinisProducers: Barbara Klutinis

An ode to memory: couples diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s come to terms with their changing roles. Medical experts in Alzheimer’s Disease offer their perspectives from the front lines.

Director: Trevor CampbellWriter: Trevor CampbellProducer: Michelle Campbell

Six weeks after his fiancee disappears, a law student and his ex-girlfriend go on a half-hearted crime spree across the Western US trying to find her.

U.S. BLOCK (DOCUMENTARY) U.S. BLOCK (FEATURE)

THE SUM TOTAL OF OUR MEMORY… | 1:00 PM | PG SPRAY PAINT ATLAS | 2:15 PM | PG

Director: Maggie BushwayWriters: Maggie Bushway, Rob Bushway, Kathi BushwayProducer: Maggie Bushway

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” - Romans 7:15

IRRESISTIBLE | 3:40 PM | G

F R I DAY, A P R I L 1 7 | S C R E E N 3

U.S. BLOCK (STUDENTS)

Tupelo, Mississippi

Director: Richard MarrujoWriter: Howard Cook – The Ninety Nines, Forever MankindProducers: Steven Baker, Howard Cook – A Complex Villanielle, 8 Second Dance, Forever Mankind, The Ninety Nines,

When Ethan checks under the bed for his monster, he finds a note instead: “Gone fishing. Back in a week. –Gabe” What will Ethan do? He needs a monster under his bed.

Director: Meaghin Burke – Killer Kudzu, Pusharatas, The ArtifactWriter: Meaghin BurkeProducer: Greg Earnest – The Artifact, Motorists v Cyclists, Pusharatas, Echoes

Lydia and her father struggle to heal a fractured relationship while preparing to sell his house. Packing and selling cherished childhood objects conjures a host of memories for Lydia, who is still reeling from the death of her sister. As she tries to accept her complicated relationship with her father, she also celebrates the opportunity to make amends across the generations.

Director: Alexander KuribayashiWriter: Adam Buffery

In this Gothic Western, a teenager attempts to escape the chaos of Civil War renegades. Influenced by a mysterious stranger, the boy is drawn back into the violence.

U.S. BLOCK (SHORTS)

I NEED MY MONSTER | 3:46 PM | G

GARAGE SALE | 6:00 PM | PG

SPIRIT OF NEGATION | 3:58 PM | PG

Director: Emanuele MichettiWriter: Emanuele MichettiProducer: Altreproduzioni

An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Through a day, this story shows the difficulty maintaining a romantic, cohabiting relationship, suffering with mental disease.

BROKEN JAM | 4:13 PM | R



Directors: Ken CallowayWriters: Rex Harsin, Leesha FaulknerProducers: vOz Vanelli

The story of a gift to a young boy that forever changed the face of American music. Adapted from the story as told by Elvis’s cousin, Sybil Presley, in the book “We Remember Elvis.”

Director: Herman SnellProducer: Philip Scarborough

Abandoned at birth, Rudolph “Rudy” Boutwell spent the majority of his life rescuing treasures that other people had abandoned.

U.S. BLOCK (FEATURE)

ELVIS - THE GUITAR | 6:15 PM | G RUDY’S OLD HAT | 6:26 PM | G

Director: Michael Williams – Kane, Illumination, LukosWriter: Michael Williams – Kane, Illumination, LukosProducer: Michael Williams – Kane, Illumination, Lukos

In a post-apocalyptic world, two wayfarers wander aimlessly until Leif finds a copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Interpreting the book, Leif allows it to challenge the beliefs, friendships, and even the very survival of these two divergent travelers.

OZLAND | 7:00 PM | PG


PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

TUPELO FILMFESTIVAL

Tupelo, Mississippi

Director: Max ZoghbiWriter: Max ZoghbiProducer: Jarred Coates – God’s Not Dead

Broken up at the time, my now wife, Bonnie Kate, was shot and survived the 2012 Batman Theatre Mass Shooting in Aurora, CO. Choosing to grow and persevere even in the harshest of seasons and circumstances, Bonnie Kate shines brightly through the darkness and chooses to accept joy every step of the long, painful and seemingly endless way. We know that this long suffering, chronic pain and present darkness is for an unfathomably greater good to come, and this film is a small glimpse into wrestling with that reality as I craftily propose in a movie theatre.

Directors: Sean W. Malone – No Vans LandProducers: Sean W. Malone –No Vans Land

Locked Out chronicles the struggles and success of Melony Armstrong, an entrepreneur who fought state restrictions to become the first professional African hair braider in Mississippi.

Directors: Tim Finkbiner, Dan OliverWriter: Hal GoodtreeProducer: Hal Goodtree

This is the story of the Durham Renaissance, from booming tobacco town to abandoned 19th century relic and back again as the Silicon Valley of the South. It’s the story of vision and risk, partnerships and perseverance to rebuild a community.

U.S. BLOCK (DOCUMENTARIES)

U.S. BLOCK (DOCUMENTARY)U.S. BLOCK (FEATURE)

WILDFLOWER | 1:30 PM | G

LOCKED OUT | 4:10 PM | G

BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WOULD | 2:00 PM | G

Director: John PutchWriter: John PutchProducer: John Putch

The final chapter of the trilogy focuses on the mysterious disappearance of Rotten Egg, a camera that reveals the truth in every photo, and a man’s quest to become ‘less’ boring. This stand-alone comedy delivers a romantic and upbeat message about relationships and the truth behind every story.

ROUTE 30 THREE! | 2:30 PM | PG



Directors: David Rogers, Brittany RetherfordWriters: David Rogers, Brittany RetherfordProducers: Chandler Griffin, Lisa Biagiotti – Barefoot workshops

A family farm’s struggle to produce a local product and bring it to the com-munities of North Mississippi.

Director: Rebecca BuschWriters: Rebecca Busch, Monika Winters-Sanchez, Natalie LentzProducers: 3 Hats Productions, Obscura Films, Jeff Sanchez

When a naïve student photographer attends a suburban fetish party to shoot for a class assignment, she is surprised to learn that no photos are allowed. Before she can make her exit, she is mistaken for a reluctant partygoer and encounters some very unusual suburbanites.

Director: Ken CallowayWriter: Ken Calloway, Rex HarsinProducer: vOz Vanelli

Pizza Man faces his greatest challenge yet as he goes up against the Tupelo Tornado!

U.S. BLOCK (SHORTS)

MISSISSIPPI MILK | 4:40 PM | G

GOT NO FETISH | 6:20 PM | R

PIZZA MAN VS. THE TORNADO | 6:00 PM | G

Director: Glenn Payne – EarthriseWriters: Casey Dillard – Genrevolt, The Fall of Henry, Glenn Payne (concept by) Producer: Glenn Payne

Six “teens” are expecting a night of fun, but their cabin party quickly turns into a night of terror, danger and cliches.

A HORROR MOVIE | 6:08 PM | R


Tupelo, Mississippi

Director: Wendy Keeling – Key West Vet, Just GrateWriters: Alex Hall, Robert Coles, Wendy KeelingProducer: Wendy Keeling – Just Grate, Chloe, The Dooms Chapel Horror

This reality parody brings the viewer inside the daily life of a dysfunctional family and their bounty hunting business. Twyla Sue Dollarhide, aka “Bounty Mama” and her gun toting lamebrain family try to prove that “Momma” always gets her man.

Wes represents a new generation of artists reviving the tradition of authentic Mississippi music. Inspired by the powerhouse catalogue of bluesmen, folk artists, and pew-swaying gospel musicians from the area, he combines the best elements in a unique but familiar fashion to create a truly enjoyable listening experience.

Director: John Wilson – Varmint 1 & II, Dead Man’s Hand, Varmint Reloaded, Exodus, Elle Davis Woods, Help WantedWriter: John Wilson – Varmint 1 & II, Dead Man’s Hand, Varmint Reloaded, Exodus, Elle Davis Woods, Help WantedProducers: Jason Koonce – Varmint 1 & II, Dead Man’s Hand, Varmint Reloaded, Exodus, Elle Davis Woods, Help Wanted

666 R. Johnson Rd. is the last foreclosure of the day for Caleb Graham, assistant manager at Muddy Waters Bank & Trust. Having a hard time finding the property, Caleb gets help from a grizzled, highway peddler who points him in the right direction. Or, is it the wrong one?

FRIDAY NIGHTJOIN US AT STEELE’S DIVE WITH MUSIC BYU.S. BLOCK (FEATURE)

SELF OFFENSE | 6:36 PM | R THE LAST FORECLOSURE | 2:00 PM | R

Director: Kevin Alexander Boon – Two Days BackWriter: Kevin Alexander – Boon Two Days BackProducer: Robin Allaire McCarthy

The son of a schizophrenic mother and abusive father must unravel the mystery of his frightening visions before he succumbs to madness.

GHOSTING | 7:25 PM | PG WES SHEFFIELD & THE SLOW BURNERS


U.S. BLOCK (DOCUMENTARIES)


The MS High School Film Competition will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will offer a full morning of activities for the competing students. Come out and help support our future filmmakers and see the work they have produced. Michael Williams will be present to present a workshop among other guests. Students from around the state are competing for awards – who will win??? Check out the list of competing films and the students who produced them. We want to especially thank our sponsors the Elaine Dundy and Roy Turner Endowment for the Arts (Tupelo, MS), Rock River Foundation (Charleston, MS) and Watkins Col-lege of Art, Design and Film (Nashville, TN) for their support. Also, a special thanks to our judges Phillip Gentile, University of Southern Mississippi, Max Shores, Univeristy of Alabama and Don Tingle, Alabama Filmmakers Co-op – Huntsville, AL. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

M S H I G H S C H O O L F I L M C O M P E T I T I O NS AT U R DAY, A P R I L 1 8 | S C R E E N 3

F I L M M A K I N G – P R E S E N T E D BY M I C H A E L W I L L I A M S

“Filmmaking”. You can do it!” A workshop that focuses on getting your film made from script to screen. You may think you need lots of money and equipment, but

really you need to know what story you’re trying to tell and get creative!

A B O U T M I C H A E LMichael Williams began creating short films in 2004 while in high school and throughout college at the University of Southern Mississippi where he studied film. Since then, he has been consistently creating short films and screening them at film festivals and film screenings across North America. This year will be the 10th anniversary of his first festival acceptance at the Tupelo Film Festival in 2005 with his film Amazing Grace. Williams’ professional career in film began in 2007 and his credits range from assistant camera to director of photography on many independent short and feature length films. Currently, Michael owns Shendopen Productions in downtown West Point, MS, continues to write and direct his own independent films, produce films by other regional filmmakers, and works regionally in the film industry primarily as a 1st AC, camera operator, and director of photography. After writing, directing, and producing over 20 short films, Williams broke into the feature length film territory with his debut feature, OzLand. His desire to tell complex stories visually draws him to pursuing a career as a cinematographer, however, as an artist and story teller, Williams writes and directs films like OzLand on the side so that he can share his stories with whoever is interested in watching them.

Awards and cash prizes will be awarded at the end of the event and students have an opportunity to meet visiting filmmakers throughout the day and attend workshops and events. Students competed this year in short, documentary, animation, and commericial categories.

Tupelo, Mississippi

A N D T H E 2 0 1 5 C O M P E T I N G

F I L M M A K E R S A R E …

D O N T I N G L EWorkshop Director, AlabamaFilmmakers Co-Op

HUNTSVILLE, AL

M A X S H O R E SProducer/Director, University of Alabama Center for Public Television & Radio

TUSCALOOSA, AL

P H I L I P G E N T I L EInstructor of FilmStudies in Mass Communication/ JournalismUniversity of Southern Mississippi

HATTIESBURG, MS

M S H I G H S C H O O L F I L M C O M P E T I T I O N J U D G E S


KOSSMAN’S, INC. CAR COMMERCIALpresented by Rebecca KoehlerMississippi School for Mathematics and Science – A Kossman’s, Inc. car expresses its reliability and versatility as it goes from center stage to backstage. Cleveland, MS – 30 seconds (Commercial)

JASMINE MURRAY – MISS MISSISSIPPI (GRAND MARSHALL OF THE 2015 STARKVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE) - presented by Preston BoothStarkville High School - A feature package to be inserted in the live broadcast of WOBV’s presentation of the 2015 Starkville Christ-mas Parade introducing the Grand Marshall of the parade, Miss Mississippi, Jasmine Murray. – Starkville, MS – 4 minutes, 28 seconds. (Commercial)

DAMPED OSCILLATING MOTIONpresented by Rebecca KoehlerMississippi School for Mathematics and Science – An exploration of the various types of damped oscillating motion in the context of spring-mass systems through different fluids. Cleveland, MS – 2 minutes, 56 seconds (Short)

WORST CASE SCENARIOpresented by Preston BoothStarkville High School – A deal between thieves goes down exactly as you would ex-pect as you encounter these bandits worst case scenario. – Starkville, MS – 5 minutes, 9 seconds (Short)

A TASTE OF SHERRYpresented by Isabella KinderLion Heart Academy – Sherry has just returned from a trip to France, only to find that certain things have changed. When she hears on the radio that a storm is brewing, she goes to warn her boyfriend, Claude, but gets a surprise instead. – Gre-nada, MS – 7 minutes, 40 seconds (Short)

SERIOUSpresented by Preston BoothStarkville High School - Dialogue is key but in-continuity is fun. – Starkville, MS – 1 minute, 33 seconds – (Short)

SPEAKING THOUGHTSpresented by Hancock High School Video Production ClubHancock High School – A girl who can’t help but speak her mind gets a taste of her own medicine. She then decides she should be herself, and finds another person who too identifies with her hardships. – Diamond-head, MS – 6 minutes, 33 seconds. (Short)

CONSTITUTIONAL LITERACY PSApresented by Laura Leigh HicksSalt Homeschool – A 60 second com-mercial/PSA promoting constitutional literacy. – Steens, MS – 1 minute (Com-mercial)

ADULT-ISHpresented by Alec MartinMadison Central High - “It’s a long road to independence.” – Madison, MS – 5 minutes, 20 seconds – (Short)

MHEA FILM FESTIVAL PROMOpresented by Laura Leigh HicksSalt Homeschool – 30 second commercial spot for the Mississippi Home Educators Association Film Festival (2014) – Steens, MS – 30 seconds – (Commercial)

ACCS FOOTBALL “HYPE” FILMpresented by ACCS TeamAdams County Christian School - Adam County Christian School won the right to play for the state championship after 31 years. The team lost in a tight battle, so our film and photography team crafted a short “pep” film to get the team and school psyched up for the 2015 season. – Natchez, MS – 1 minute, 22 seconds - (Short)

A KILL TO REMEMBERpresented by Christian BeanTupelo High School – A man awakens to find he has killed his friend. All may not be as it seems. – Tupelo, MS – 2 minutes, 37 seconds – (Short)

ACCS SALUTES VETERANS AND SOLDIERSpresented by ACCS TeamAdams County Christian School – hosts a military appreciation football game night every season. Our student film team wanted to create a patriotic tribute to our men and women who have served and are serving in the military and use our new green screen technology in the film’s production. – Nat-chez, MS – 1 minute, 45 seconds – (Short)

A MAN AND HIS MACHINEpresented by Christian BeanTupelo High School – A man spends his days on the computer. Could love save him? – Tupelo, MS – 1 minute, 42 seconds – (Short)

Tupelo, Mississippi

S AT U R DAY, A P R I L 1 8 | S C R E E N 3

Director: Yôjirô TakitaWriter: Kundô Koyama

Runtime – 130 minutes

Departures is a special screening presented by the Japan-America Society of Mississippi. For the second year in a row, the Japan-America Society of Mis-sissippi (JASMIS) is partnering with the Tupelo Film Festival to present the 2008 Japanese film “Departures” (“Okuribito”) to the general public and festival attendees alike.

This film will be presented FREE OF CHARGE to anyone that wishes to attend, as well as all attendees of the Tupelo Film Festi-val. The film will be presented with Japanese language audio and English subtitles.

Departures tells the story of an unemployed cellist named Daigo who moves back to his hometown after his symphony disbands. As a newly unemployed cellist, he takes a job preparing the dead for funerals. The film stars Motoki Masahiro, Hirosue Ryōko, Yo Kimiko and Yamazaki Tsutomu.

This past year the ICC students wrote a script and produced their first film: Chocolate Milk

Film Synopsis: Young people realize the truth to Carl Jung’s philosophy: “Everything that irritates us about others can lead to an understanding of ourselves.”

Jon Armstrong, Morgan Cutturini, and Keith Morris, ICC Film Instructors, have been working with film students and seeing buds begin to blossom much due to the needed film equipment which was donated last year by Eric and Kat Phillips (Producer, Director, Writer – TFF alumni filmmak-er.) It has transformed the burgeoning film club into a bona fide film program and ICC now has several film classes, a designated film room on campus, and excited students who feel that a whole new world has opened up to them. Mor-gan commented, “I can’t thank Eric, and Kathilynn Phillips enough for their generous donation that has supported the growth of ICC’s film program and the vision and encour-agement from Pat Rasberry, Tupelo Film Commission/Tu-pelo Film Festival Society.”

FREE JAPANESE SCREENINGS BEGIN AT 12:30 PMCHOCOLATE MILK BY ICC STUDENTS

DEPARTURES | 12:30 PM | GCHOCOLATE MILK | 10:00 AM | G


Tupelo, Mississippi

PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N – DA R K N E S S TO L I G H T:H O R R O R TO S C I - F I – A S P E C T S O F P R O D U C T I O N

S E A N J O H N S O NSean Johnson, Director of Marketing and Tourism for the City of New Albany and a co-owner of

NewAlbany99, got his background in publishing and city planning. He started the first zombie run in New Albany and is planning a mega haunted house for next year. Sean will lead the panel in dis-cussing the aspects of producing the dark side of filmmaking with a panel that covers everything from acting to horror festivals to the technical side of things and more.

H U D S O N H I C K M A NHudson Hickman, a former Senior VP of Production for MGM Worldwide TV, has been in-

volved in more then 25 movies at MGM as well as 700 hours of episodic TV, including Stargate SB-1, TV’s longest running science-fiction series; Dead Like Me, The Outer Limits, Stargate Atlantis, The Magnificent Seven, and Stargate Universe. Prior to his stint at MGM he worked on numerous projects including MacGyver, The Love Boat, Get a Life and Phenom. Hudson has successfully col-laborated on films from underwater suspense (Into the Blue 2) to high tech thriller (War Games; The Dead Code) to romantic comedy (The Cutting Edge; Fire and Ice) and has credits on such films as Mr. Holland’s Opus and The Mighty Ducks. Currently Hudson is in advance prep for his Indie feature, Beulah. He is a member of both the Producers’ and the Directors’ Guilds and served on the Advisory Board of the Association of Film Commissioners International for more than 10 years.

L I S A L A XLisa Lax has talent agencies in Memphis and New York and has earned the reputation of discov-

ering and nurturing talent then finding roles for them in film and television. The former actress, manager and casting director has placed clients in projects such as The Americans, Blue Bloods, Nashville, Boardwalk Empire, The Blacklist, Sleepy Hollow, Law and Order, I Saw the Light, Resur-rection, Chicago P.D., Animal Planet, America’s Most wanted, Dead Man Down, East Bound and Down, Rock and Roll Pilot, South of Heaven West of Hell, Turn, Drop Dead Diva, American Hustle, The Wolf of Wall Street. Thanks for Sharing and Nonstop. Lax is most noted for jump starting the career of Memphis actress, Lucy Hale, of Pretty Little Liars.

W E S B E N TO NWes Benton has been involved in all aspects of production as well as a wide range of budgets.

He has help set up motion capture stages for Polar Express, The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian, The Incredible Hulk, The Mummy: Tomb of the Emperor, Avitar, on set capture for I am Legend.

SCREEN 4 | 10:00 AM | THRILLER, DRAMA, SCI-FI , HORROR – HEAR WHAT OUR PANEL HAS TO SAY!


G L E N N PAY N EGlenn Payne has directed and produced over 20 independent films. He organizes and runs the

Tupelo Halloween Horror Film Festival which is entering into its fourth year. He is currently pro-ducing a comedy pilot entitled Stagrassle Paranormal.

R O B U N D E R H I L LRob Underhill is an Indie film director, producer, writer, editor of more than 50 short films and

6 feature films that have been in competition at over 200 film festivals worldwide, including ST. LOUIS (Academy Award-qualifying) and CANNES (France), and have received over 90 interna-tional film festival awards. He has built films from concept to final cut with a range of budgets from ultra-low to “just enough”. He loves to share his experiences and tips for successful filmmaking and mounting a successful film festival campaign. More is at www.RobUnderhill.com


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Open daily for tours:306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo MS 38801662.841.1245 l www.elvispresleybirthplace.com

See, Feel and Touch where the King of Rock ‘N Roll began his musical journey.A 15-acre park where you can enjoy the history of THE BOY, ELVIS.

Tupelo, Mississippi

WRIT ING THE ADAPTAT ION: CULL ING NUGGE TS FROM THE SOURCEAND WRIT ING THE GOLDEN SCRIPT

For Gena, it all begins with the written word. She wrote and co-produced Tupelo’s 2007 Ron Tibbett Best of Show winner, Angela’s Decision, which also won Australia’s Gold ACE Award for cinematography, Houston’s Gold Remi for adaptation, and other awards, and studied at universities. Gena’s given workshops on adaptation, writing, Indie films, and taught at universities, prompting her to publish an eBook in 2015- with an AD early draft, the short story, TV pilot pages, and the story of becoming an Australian film. While Gena has even been on screen in TV shows Shameless and Chicago Fire, plus films Transformers 3 and the Bollywood hit, DHOOM 3, her favorite sets are those of her daughter, Ursula, who’s in the MFA directing program at Columbia in NYC. Gena was recently in Mermaids, a Northwestern University NUWFA grant film by Nina Rogers. Gena really understands the ‘magic’ that film students create with hard work and a low budget. She is of course working on a script and a another book. Visit Genaingeneral.com or Browndotproductions.com for more info.

LONG-TERM STR ATEGY FOR THE COMPLE TED FILM Rob Underhill is a film and TV director, producer, writer and editor. His

films have been in competition at over 200 film festivals worldwide, including ST. LOUIS (Academy Award-qualifying), OAXACA (Mexico), SUNSCREEN (Academy-sponsored) and CANNES (France), have received over 80 awards including for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and have scored rave reviews from top film critics like Mark Bell of Film Threat and Anne Brodie of Criticize This! Featured on the National Public Radio shows, The State Of Things with Frank Stasio and The Story with Dick Gordon, Rob’s work is regularly subject in newspapers, radio, TV-news and more. Carolina STYLE Magazine recognized Rob as one of 25 “Most Stylish People” influencing positive change in the Carolinas. And he is a RAWards Indie Art Award recipient for Best Regional Filmmaker. He is the featured Speaker at the 2015 graduation commencement exercises for the Department of English at North Carolina State University. His work has aired on the ASPiRE network and other national US and European TV outlets. Visit his website atwww.RobUnderhill.com; *like* his Facebook for regular updates at www.facebook.com/RobUnderhillProductions.

GENA ELLIS | 3:00 PM ROB UNDERHILL | 4:30 PM

WORKSHOP/LECTURE


FEATURE

Directors: Rob UnderwoodWriters: Al Julian, Paul Julian

Fever Dreams, a new TV Series, is in development in the vein of Tales from the Crypt and Twilight Zone with self-contained tales of suspense and terror!

FEVER DREAMS | 5:50 PM | PG13

MUSIC VIDEO

Director: Rodney DaughtreyProducer: Rodney Daughtrey

The first music video from a new band/recording project called “Waves Through Windows”, “Away” was shot and edited by Rodney Daughtrey, the drummer in the band, using a Canon 5DM3 camera and Final Cut Pro X editing software, on location in Vancouver, Boston, and San Francisco.

AWAY | 5:45 PM


Sharon Ward, Jackson, MS – Actors Tools• Headshots: What makes a good headshot?• Resumes: Outline of what needs to be on an actors resume• Reel: How do I get a reel?• What does an actor need to bring to an audition?• What do I expect at an audition and how do I prepare?• I booked the job, now what?• Being on set? What to expect when you are on set.• Representation: How do I get an agent?• How to tape yourself when you can’t make an audition in person?• How do I promote myself as an actor?

Sharon Ward is a native of Mississippi and has been in the film/ acting industry for 13 years. She began as a talent agency in Central Mississippi in 2002 and grew to be the largest talent agency in the state representing models and actors throughout the southeast.

Sharon created a model and talent showcase, Showcase of the South, to promote Mississippi talent to larger markets. She was able to connect with large agencies in New York and Los Angeles and as well as internatonally. She brought many agents from large firms into the state of Mississippi to recruit and sign her talent.

Sharon sold the agency in 2012 to concentrate on different aspects of the film industry. She began to do local casting, wardrobe, props, and hair and makeup on

LISA LAX/SHARON WARD | 1:00 PM

WORKSHOP/LECTURE


set. She is still very busy in this aspect of the business. She recently became a licensed esthetician and enjoys being on set behind the scenes.Casting-the-net.com is Sharon newest venture. She has designed a website for directors and producers to recruit talent that will work locally in Mississippi. The website will pool all the talent together to make it easier to view and book talent within the state.

Lisa Lax, Memphis, TN – Actors Tools• How to prepare• How to conquer the room• Directors and Producers, Oh my!

Lax, who has spent 20 years working as an actress, manager and casting director, has labored mostly below the radar in Memphis. But when she opened her own talent agency, The Lisa Lax Agency, in January 0f 2008 it created a buzz. Lax has a knack for discovering untapped talent, nurturing it and delivering it to the right door says actor, “Chris Ellis” of Hollywood. In September of 2011, Lax opened a second office in New York City. The expansion came as a result of Lax’s long time development of relationships with national casting agents, producers and directors. Lisa is most noted for jump starting the career of Memphis actress, Lucy Hale of Pretty Little Liars.

A legit agency in NYC, she represents actors for Film, and Television. In Memphis, she provides a full service agency. Already her clients are working on many projects including The Americans, Blue Bloods, Nashville, Boardwalk Empire, The Blacklist, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Nike, TN Lottery, AT & T, Sleepy Hollow, Forever, Law & Order, I Saw The Light, Shaq, Inc, Vacationland, Resurrection, Chicago P.D., Animal Planet, America’s Most Wanted, Dead Man Down,East Bound And Down, Rock And Roll Pilot, South Of Heaven West Of Hell, Turn, Drop Dead Diva, American Hustle, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Thanks For Sharing, and Non-Stop.

PREPARING YOUR FILM FOR DISTRIBUTION

Kathilynn Phillips, born in Mississippi and now residing in Atlanta, Georgia, is a filmmaker whose award-winning works, including her feature film, Chasing the White Dragon, have screened to thousands in the U.S., Europe and Asian Pacific. A former President and Board member of “Women in Film and Television” Atlanta, Kat is also Entertainment Industry Group Leader for the Ritz Group/Capital Community located in Atlanta. Interested in the growth of our young filmmakers, in 2014 at the Tupelo Film Festival, Kat and her husband Eric, made a generous donation of camera equipment to the Itawamba Community College’s Film Club in Fulton, MS which led to the development of film courses. Kat is truly a leader and mentor in the film industry.

In her workshop she’ll discuss preparing your completed film for distribution; from the creation of requisite deliverables, to driving an audience to your product and to what you might expect to net from sales agents.

KAT PHILLIPS | 3:00 PM

Tupelo, Mississippi

Director: Glenn PayneWriter: Glenn PayneProducers: Glenn Payne, Michael Williams, Josh Whites

99% of the human race has colonized on Mars. The remaining few work to rehabilitate our dying planet. Each year a small number are selected to return home to aid in the process. For those few, it will be their first glimpse of Earth. We follow them on their journey in this sci-fi psychological thriller.

Go home. For the first time.

Directors: Deborah J. Freeland – The Road To San MateoWriters: Katrina SimsProducer: Division of Outreach – The Road To San Mateo

No other American family legacy is quite like the Montgomery’s of “Davis Bend,” Mississippi. Their story begins as slaves on the extensive plantations established by Joseph E. Davis in the 1820s and is told through rare period photographs, many of which have been hidden away for over a century.

EARTHRISE | 4:15 PM | PG TAKE THE MOUNTAIN | 6:20 PM | G

Directors: Edward WorthyWriters: Edward WorthyProducers: Edward Worthy, Jordan Lewis

Following the witness of a murder from a surveillance room, a man is locked in with the murderer on his way in. Will he make it out alive or be found guilty of his own crime?

WITNESS MONITOR | 6:30 PM | R


U.S. BLOCK (FEATURE) U.S. STUDENT/SHORTS

Director: L. Denise HeidelbergWriter: L.Denise HeidelbergProducers: Celeste Heidelberg, Shannon Lewis, Kendra Liddell

Dorian, a biracial teenager, raised by his African-American father seeks out his estranged mother.

COLORLESS | 3:48 PM | PG


Directors: Gabriel RobertsonWriter: Gabriel RobertsonProducer: Ken Petrie

To celebrate his eleventh birthday, a young boy selects his gift – little knowing that his choice will change the world.

THE GIFT | 7:20 PM | G

TUPELO PREMIER

These words describe what we do as a community foundation. They also issue a call for you to join us. As we partner together, we can strengthen our region and change our world. Whether it’s providing food for the hungry, temporary shelter for the homeless, college scholarships for deserving students, playground

equipment for an elementary school, funding for local arts pro-grams, or revitalizing communities through our affiliate program, we need your support and involve-ment. CREATE is your community foundation. We are committed to improving the quality of life for the people of Northeast Mississippi. It’s what we do together. se

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We’ll gather at Nautical Whimsey and enjoy the unique atmosphere, awesome music, fantastic food, and sweet, southern hospitality from hostess “Amanda.” Go on the “walk about” and search the music trail listening to great tunes.

Circle back to the hotel catching tunes at Gabriel’s on Gloster, IDK and Blue Canoe. It’s a great way to end the night!

CELEBRATE “THE WRAP” IN DOWNTOWN TUPELO

WES SHEFFIELD & THE SLOW BURNERS |


Tupelo, Mississippi


An itinerary is a good start. But the real trip begins when you leave it by the wayside. Mississippi is alive. Let it grab you. The music. The food. The laughter. When you get lost in the moment, you fi nd much more. And you’ll take it with you forever.

Start your story at visitmississippi.org.

Leo "Bud" Welch at Po' Monkey's Juke Joint — Merigold, MS

TUPELO FILM FEST FULL PAGE VISIT MS.indd 1 4/3/15 9:34 AM

An itinerary is a good start. But the real trip begins when you leave it by the wayside. Mississippi is alive. Let it grab you. The music. The food. The laughter. When you get lost in the moment, you fi nd much more. And you’ll take it with you forever.

Start your story at visitmississippi.org.

Leo "Bud" Welch at Po' Monkey's Juke Joint — Merigold, MS

TUPELO FILM FEST FULL PAGE VISIT MS.indd 1 4/3/15 9:34 AM

C O N N E C T I N G P E O P L E T H R O U G H I N D I E F I L M .

W W W. T U P E LO F I L M F E ST I VA L . N E T

Documents

tupelo...TOMMY IVY President - Lee County Board of Supervisors The Lee County Board of Supervisors proudly supports the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. We are happy to assist in