Thirteen years after making history as the first Mississippi film festival, the Magnolia Film Festival has grown to feature 35 films from across the world this year.
When Ron Tibbett, an independent filmmaker new to Mississippi, wanted to submit his newest film to a festival in the state, he discovered none existed. After the festival premiered in 1997, other Mississippi festivals emerged.
Tibbett died in a 2004 car wreck after completing his final film, “Citizen Shane.”
Joe Evans, chair of the Mag, said everyone involved is working to keep Tibbett’s legacy alive.
“As the chair of the film festival, I try to keep the spirit of the founder alive. [Tibbett] had the vision to support the filmmakers and nurture the art of film,” Evans said.
He said he hopes to make the experience enjoyable for both the filmmakers and the audience.
Connor Guyton, junior communication major at Mississippi State University, is on the film festival committee.
Guyton said she believes the Mag is a good opportunity for students to experience diversity.
“There are all kinds of films [at the festival.] Some aren’t in English, and they come from all over the world. Students should go with an open mind and shouldn’t get put off by the content,” Guyton said. “It is something we don’t get to see every day. There’s only one here and it only comes once a year.”
Filmmakers from around the globe will be in Starkville during the festival.
Canadian film director Patricia Chica will be showing her new short film “Day Before Yesterday” during Saturday session at 2 p.m.
“Day Before Yesterday” is a short that focuses on the story of a girl found on an empty street with no memory of how she ended up there. The police then proceed to interview her to try and discover the truth.
Chica said she and her producer were invited by Tibbett to participate in the 2001 festival where she won the Best Short Drama Award for her first short film “The Promise.”
“I had an amazing time [in 2001], and I have great memories from meeting fellow filmmakers and the warm people of Mississippi,” she said. “When Tibbett gave me the award, he made me promise to come back to the festival with my next film.”
She said even though Tibbett is no longer alive, she is returning to Starkville with her new short to keep her promise.
“It’s the right thing to do to honor Tibbett,” Chica said.
She said she hopes to make new memories and meet the audience at this year’s festival. She said she would like to invite all of her fans to meet her in Starkville and will answer their questions.
A judge at the Mag this year, MSU instructor Teresa Gawrych, said she will be critical of editing, camera operation and creativity.
Gawrych said she believes the festival provides a unique experience that can increase cultural awareness for anyone, not just communication students or people involved in film.
“It is nice to have an avenue for students to show the work they do outside of class,” she said. “It adds culture and art to the community.”
Gawrych also said the festival can be a learning opprotunity for potential young film students.
“Any filmmaker can [learn] by watching and critiquing films. Critically thinking about films, whether they are yours or someone else’s will make you a better shooter or editor,” she said.
Melanie Harris, Starkville Area Arts Council board member said she would like to encourage students to come with an open mind.
“You should come to see different movies and see what’s out there. Come with the spirit adventure – it’s a great learning experience,” she said.
The festival which began Thursday, will continue through Saturday.
The show Friday begins at 7p.m. and on Saturday the sessions begin at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Each session is $10 and a variety of films will be shown during each one.
The festival will take place at the Hollywood Premier Cinema in Starkville and tickets can be bought at the door. For more information about the festival, visit magfilmfest.com.
Editor’s Note: The list of the remaining films in the festival and what session they will play during are listed on page 8.