January 29, 2009
Talk of the South
Facebook
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
Courtesy of Paul Saltzman
Go South
Oxford's Oscars
When a town has been home to the likes of William Faulkner, John Grisham, and Barry Hannah, it’s hard for it to be known as anything other than a writers’ mecca. But in recent years, Oxford, Mississippi, has been generating some cinematic buzz thanks to the Oxford Film Festival. Taking place February 5–8, this year’s event boasts an impressive ninety-five independent flicks from fourteen countries.
The lineup covers an array of subjects, from little dogs (Atencion Al Cliente) to big oil (Crude Independence), and includes several films with roots running deep in the delta. Fresh off its Sundance premiere comes Prom Night in Mississippi, featuring Morgan Freeman and directed by Paul Saltzman (above). The documentary chronicles Charleston High School’s first racially integrated prom, which didn’t happen until 2008. Change finally came when Freeman’s second offer to fund it was accepted. You won’t find paparazzi mobbing the Square, but you just might catch the legendary actor celebrating a film that hits close to home.
