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SPONSORS SCREENERS Asurion B&B Concrete Co., Inc. Valerie Angeloro James Hull BancorpSouth Louis Armour John & Katie McCustion BBQ by Jim Ken Calloway Art Pinkerton Benjamin Moore Paints Chris Cockrell Jim Palmer Buffalo Wild Wings Mary Couldrovich Carolyn Parson Celebrity Fastwrap Morgan Cutturini Stephen Polley Chick-fil-A Melanie Deas Nikhat Powell City of New Albany Thom Eason Tim Prewitt CREATE Foundation, Inc. Celia Fleishhacker Meredith Tollison Eat With Us Group Bob Franks Jeff Tomlinson (DBA Harvey’s, Fairpark Grill, Sweet Peppers Deli) Jimmy Grisham Roy Turner Elaine Dundy and Roy Turner Williams Heard Teri Ward Endowment for the Arts Sonya Keith Peggy Webb Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation Mieako Kikuchi Greatest Hits Music & Books Itawamba Community College Janet Martin Harry Martin Select Properties, PLLC Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF Malco Theatre – Tupelo Commons Mississippi Development Authority OUR VOLUNTEERS Mississippi Film Office Mitchell Distributing, Inc. We strive for accuracy. Pardon any mistakes. Mont’s Paper Company Nautical Whimsey Italian Bistro & Wine Bar ABOUT THE COVER North Mississippi Sports Medicine Orthopedic Clinic, PLLC Phelps Dunbar, LLP A special thanks to our festival committee Quality of Life member Louis Armour, who serves as a Reed’s Department Store screener and designed the art for this year’s Renasant Center for IDEAS festival which is on the cover. Louis brings Romie’s Grocery to the festival his artistic touch and talents, Snelling Personnel Services coordinating and assisting with many South Restaurant elements of the festival. Steele’s Dive Synder Media The Stables Thornton Dental Clinic MR. REELY DESIGNED BY LOCAL Todd’s Big Star Tupelo Coca-Cola Bottling Company ARTIST RICHARD MCGEHEE Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau Tupelo Consignment Music Tupelo Flea Market Tupelo High School Class of 1972 Tupelo Restaurant Association VIP Cinema Seating Watkins College of Art, Design and Film Weatherall’s Printing tupelo.net

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 1 WELCOME TO THE 2015 TUPELO FILM FESTIVAL!

The Tupelo Film Festival Society TOMMY IVY welcomes you to the 12th Annual President - Lee County Board of Supervisors Tupelo Film Festival. The festival The Lee County Board of Supervisors proudly supports the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. We are happy to assist in this year brings a variety of film 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 opportunities from workshops, to at what we have to offer. On behalf of the Lee County Board of Supervisors we welcome filmmakers, special events taking panels to independent films, special place this year at the Malco Theatre. events, children’s activities, a high school competition and nights of MAYOR JASON L. SHELTON awesome music. City of Tupelo Welcome 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 We salute our filmmakers and the with great independent films, special events, and more. Please take a moment to slow down from the hectic pace of efforts they make as they bring their everyday activities and enjoy the art of the filmmakers and the hospitality of Tupelo. scripts to screen, and we are delighted to be a stepping stone along their path to success. Film is everyday life from NEAL MCCOY the most extreme to the bare bones Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau On behalf of the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau, we through the greatest of technology welcome you the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. Cited as one of America’s Top 10 Small Film Festivals in the country by to the smallest in equipment. Film Livability.com, the festival is a celebration of great films and a gathering for film fans from across the globe. We invite you is the a story told, a cartoon enjoyed, to experience Tupelo while you are here by visiting our many a drama that keeps you on the edge attractions, enjoying our eclectic culinary scene, and shopping our unique retail shops. Thank you for being here and we hope of your seat, a comedy that brings to see you back real soon shooting your next project. laughter, an emotional tale that brings WARD ELMING tears, a historic adventure, a fight for Mississippi State Film Office justice…it is entertainment! Come The Mississippi Film Office welcomes you to the 12th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. From the beginning, we have been a very and lose yourself in the story and find proud supporter of this outstanding festival and always look forward to seeing the films and meeting the filmmakers. Now yourself at the 12th Annual Tupelo comfortably in a new venue, the Malco Cinemas, and under the umbrella of CREATE Foundation for the second year, we know Film Festival! 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi MR. REELY PRESENTS THE AWARDS

FEATURE SHORT STUDENT The Ron Tibbett Award 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place Best of Show Sponsored by Sponsored by Sponsored by Sponsored by B&B CONCRETE CO. INC. VIP CINEMA SEATING CREATE FOUNDATION, INC. ASURION The Ron Tibbett Award is presented each year in memory of Ron Tibbett 2nd Place 2nd Place 2nd Place who helped launch the Tupelo Film Sponsored by Sponsored by Sponsored by Festival in 2004. BENJAMIN MOORE PAINTS SNYDER MEDIA NORTH MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MEDICINE & ORTHOPEDIC The Elvin Whitesides 3rd Place 3rd Place CLINIC, PLLC Director’s Award Sponsored by Sponsored by Sponsored by his fellow class- GREATEST HITS MUSIC TODD’S BIG STAR 3rd Place mates of Tupelo High School BOOK Sponsored by Class of ‘72 MUSIC VIDEO MONT’S PAPER COMPANY DOCUMENTARY 1st Place The Casey Spradling 1st Place Sponsored by Award Best Mississippi ELVIS PRESLEY BIRTHPLACE Sponsored by High School Film BANCORPSOUTH FOUNDATION Sponsored by Casey Spradling Endowment 2nd Place Honorable Mention Sponsored by Sponsored by THORNTON DENTAL CLINIC TUPELO CONSIGNMENT The Robert Reed Award MUSIC Best Documentary 3rd Place Sponsored by Reed’s Department Store Sponsored by PERSONNEL SERVICES

TICKETS Take Advantage of Filmmakers Our Complimentary Attending Will Offer ADMISSION Panel & Workshops on Q&A’s after Their Screen Three & Four: Saturday! Screenings. Thursday, Friday, & Saturday April 16 - 18 Day Pass: $15 Student: $7.50 (with ID) MR. LAWRENCE STANLEY Senior: $7.50 (with ID)

Screening Pass: $35 The Tupelo Film Festival committee was deeply saddened by (includes all three days of films) 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 *Tickets Available Day of Event will be greatly missed but his smile and spirit will live on. For details visit: tupelofilmfestival.net

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 3 SPECIAL AWARDS

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. THE ELVIN WHITESIDES DIRECTOR’S AWARD Elvin 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. Casey Spradling The 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. ROBERT REED The 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 16th – Screen 3 THURSDAY NIGHT, APRIL 16th FRIDAY NIGHT, APRIL 17th Foreign Block (Shorts) Kick Off Party – Romie’s Grocery Join Us at Steele’s Dive – with 1:00 Welcome Featuring Sam Mosley and the Sam music by Wes Sheffield and the 1:05 Nell & Nugget Mosley Band – 7:30 p.m. 1:15 Gwen MaGee: Threads of History Slow Burners 1:49 Extreme Pinocchio FRIDAY, APRIL 17th Screen 3 Q&A SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH Screen 3 U.S. Block (Documentary) MS High School Film Competition Foreign Block (Documentary) 1:00 The Sum Total of Our Memory 10:00 MS High School Event 2:20 The Other F Word Break Special Screening 3:25 Q & A 12:30 Japan–America Society of U.S. Block (Feature) Mississippi Film – Departures Foreign Block (Shorts) 2:15 Spray Paint Atlas 3:35 No Love Lost 3:30 Q&A Workshop/Lecture 3:53 Flowers 3:00 Gena Ellis 4:03 The Treehouse U.S. Block (Students) Workshop/Lecture 4:20 I Know You 3:40 Irresistible 4:30 Rob Underhill 3:46 I Need My Monster U.S. Shorts 3:58 Spirit of Negation Feature 4:40 Hypothetically 4:13 Broken Jam 5:45 Away 4:48 Shotgun 4:28 Q & A 5:50 Fever Dreams 5:02 Nobody 5:00 Break 6:55 Q&A 5:20 Night of the Living Twinkies 8:00 Awards Presentation 5:30 Avarice U.S. Block (Shorts) Q & A 6:00 Garage Sale 6:15 Elvis – the Guitar SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH Screen 4 Music Video Block 6:26 Rudy’s Old Hat Panel Discussion 5:40 Can’t Give Up On You Q & A 10:00 Darkness to Light: Horror to 5:44 Allen Mann – Visions Sci-Fi – Aspects of Production 5:49 Don’t Be Judging Me U.S. Block (Feature) 11:30 Break 5:54 Francesca 7:00 Ozland 5:58 Broncho – What 9:00 Q & A Casting Workshop 6:00 From Tribulation To Triumph 1:00 Lisa Lax/Sharon Ward 6:05 Q&A FRIDAY, APRIL 17th Screen 4 Break U.S. Block (Documentaries) Workshop/Lecture THURSDAY, APRIL 16TH Screen 4 1:30 Wildflower 3:00 Kat Phillips Foreign Block (Students) 2:00 Because No one Else Would 1:00 Welcome Q & A U.S. Block (Feature) 1:05 Robbing Blind 4:15 Earthrise 1:15 The Lightguard U.S. Block (Feature) 5:55 Q&A 1:46 The Cutting Room 2:30 Route 30 Three Break Foreign Block (Documentary) U.S. Block (Documentaries) U.S. Student/Shorts 2:00 Where is Elle – Kari and what happened to 4:10 Locked Out 6:20 Take the Mountain Noriko-san? 4:40 Mississippi Milk 6:30 Witness Monitor 2:50 Break Q&A 6:40 Colorless 5:00 Break 7:10 Q&A Foreign Block (Shorts) 3:00 The Stomach U.S. Block (Shorts) Tupelo Premier 3:16 Newborn 6:00 Pizza Man vs. the Tornado 7:20 The Gift 3:30 Carry On 6:08 A Horror Movie 7:35 Q&A 6:20 Got No Fetish U.S. Block (Students) 6:36 Self Offense Celebrate the wrap in Downtown 3:40 Deliver US From Evil 6:51 The Last Foreclosure 4:00 Like Father, Like Son 7:15 Q&A Tupelo starting at Nautical Whimsey and tour the trail of music venues! U.S. Shorts U.S. Block (Feature) 4:20 The Watch 7:25 Ghosting 4:45 September Sketch Book 8:55 Q & A 4:55 Once Upon A Time On The Border 5:15 Around The Next Corner 5:45 Q&A

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 5 JUDGES

FEATURE WES BENTON RIDGELAND, MS 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.

JEREMY NOCON LOS ANGELES, CA 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.

Welcome Filmmakers and Special Guests!

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Tupelo, Mississippi JUDGES

DOCUMENTARY BILL KAVANAGH NEW YORK, NEW YORK 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. MICHAEL SWANSON LOS ANGELES, CA 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.

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2015 Tupelo Film Festival 7 JUDGES

SHORT LAURA BERNIERI BOSTON, MA/LOS ANGELES, CA/CLARKSDALE, MS 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.

KATHILYNN PHILLIPS ATLANTA, GA 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.

MUSIC VIDEO STEVE AZAR GREENVILLE, MS 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.

JERRY PHILLIPS IUKA, MS Jerry 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi JUDGES

STUDENT GENA ELLIS CHICAGO, IL 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.

BANNER GWIN RIDGELAND, MS Banner 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.

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 9 THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 3

FOREIGN BLOCK (SHORTS)

NELL AND NUGGET | 1:05 PM | G GWEN MAGEE: THREADS OF HISTORY | 1:15 PM | G

Director: Nicola Tyndale-Biscoe Ripe - Mohamed Ali’s Happy Day Feast Director: Anne Cremieux Writer: Nicola Tyndale-Biscoe Ripe - Mohamed Ali’s Happy Day Feast Producer: Nicola Tyndale-Biscoe Ripe - Mohamed Ali’s Happy Day Feast Mississippi quilt artist Gwendolyn Magee’s art poignantly features the history of the South and its horrific violence towards African Australia, 1890. The gold-fields of NSW are almost abandoned, apart Americans, from slavery to the present. American folk art specialists, from families of ‘gleaners’ who scavenge for gold in the exhausted local artists, and museum goers comment on her work. 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. FOREIGN BLOCK (DOCUMENTARY)

EXTREME PINOCCHIO | 1:49 PM | R THE OTHER F WORD | 2:20 PM | G

Director: Pascal Chind - Short Cut Director: Isabel Bleim Writer: Pascal Chind - Short Cut Writer: Isabel Bleim Producer: Olivier Lamy Producers: Isabel Bleim, Andre Bleim

A dwarf junkie dresses up as Pinocchio to steal money from a What does forgiveness really mean? Is it always essential or is it schizophrenic psychopath who thinks he’s Geppetto… 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 3

FOREIGN BLOCK (SHORTS)

NO LOVE LOST | 3:35 PM | G FLOWERS | 3:35 PM | G

Director: Shekhar Bassi Director: Sabina Sattar - SWOOSH! Writers: Shekhar Bass, Shalinder Bassi Writer: Sabina Sattar - SWOOSH! Producers: Shalinder Bassi, Shekhar Bassi, Gemma Lloyd, Helen Silver Producers: Sabina Sattar - SWOOSH!,, Monika Kocian - SWOOSH!

A Jewish boy nurturing a secret romance with a Muslim girl, despite A boy falls in love with a deaf and mute girl and has to find a way to the realities of their backgrounds, is unaware he is being stalked. communicate his feelings for her. 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.

THE TREEHOUSE | 4:03 PM | G I KNOW YOU | 4:20 PM | G

Director: Amy Coop - Epitaph, A Little Bit Country, The Fairweather Girl, Director: Colin Gerrard Boy Soldiers, Out of Darkness Writer: Colin Gerrard Writer: Amy Coop Producer: Colin Gerrard Producers: Amy Coop, Benedict Turnbull This short film does not push the envelope of cult personality In the shadow of a family funeral, a young boy retreats to the and distortion of media; neither does it break the bonds of false treehouse he built with his father and shuts himself in and the rest of exaggeration. Rather it enfolds it. It’s a game of confidence. What if you the world out. Whilst there he is befriended by an enigmatic young girl couldn’t tell the difference between what was real and what was not? from next door who helps him to come to terms with his loss and face What if you could get away with something and everyone seemingly up to the future. believed you? Sometimes it doesn’t matter who you are; it’s who they think you are.

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 11 THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 3

U.S. SHORTS

HYPOTHETICALLY | 4:40 PM | G SHOTGUN | 4:48 PM | R

Director: Peter Zinn - *first film Director: Maverick Moore Writer: Geoffrey Pomeroy - Over the Hedge Writers: Maverick Moore , Zachary Korpi, Steven Trebus Producers: Stephanie Dawson Scout & Maggie - Death’s Door Producers: Steven Trebus , Zachary Korpi

Two “could be” mob-types go to a restaurant to discuss “business.” Three girls burn rubber and leave no survivors on an inexplicably But they do so in such non-committal terms it becomes a verbal joust wild ride. with many comedic turns and rhyme schemes that keep the audience guessing: “Are these guys for real?”

NOBODY | 5:02 PM | G NIGHT OF THE LIVING TWINKIES | 5:20 PM | G

Director: William Bryan Director: Rex Harsin – Chuck the Duck, The Good, the Bad & the Purdie, Writer: William Bryan Purdie Wars, Purdieliverance, Girl Trouble, Backstage Producers: William Bryan, Tom Radovich Writer: Rex Harsin – Chuck the Duck, The Good, the Bad & the Purdie, Purdie Wars, Purdieliverance, Backstage, Girl Trouble A biographical story of Elvis Presley in high school in Memphis, Producers: vOz Vanelli – Fish Story, A Hole in the Bucket, Purdie’s Trouble with 1953, featuring his tender relationship with his loving mother, Pepper, Purdie and the Beefcake Burnout his devoted teacher, and the senior year talent show that changed Night of the Living Winkies is a cartoon poking fun at America’s everything. 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 3

MUSIC VIDEO BLOCK

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

Director: Scott McEntire - TwinkleTown, Simple, Rent Party Director: Fiona Cochrane Writers: Josh Carr – The Door, Scott McEntire – TwinkleTown, Anyone, Simple, Producer: Fiona Cochrane Christopher S. Thompson – The Gleaning, Jarrod Paul Beck – Perfect Machine Producer: Kayla Esmond A return to psychedelia, ’cause you just can’t give it up.

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.

ALLEN MANN – VISIONS | 5:44 PM TUPELO CHAPTER

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. WELCOME FILMMAKERS!

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 13 THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 3

DON’T BE JUDGING ME | 5:49 PM FRANCESCA | 5:54 PM

Director: Daniel Espeut Director: Gaëna da Sylva Producer: Daniel Espeut Writer: Bill Madden Producers: Bill Madden, Gaëna da Sylva The music video for Playground Hero’s debut single, “Don’t Be Judgin’ Me”, is an uninterrupted long take featuring Lead Vocalist, ‘Francesca’ was inspired by the art and life of American Estebon Watson, singing as he dances down the sidewalk. The video photographer Francesca Woodman. Captivated by the mysterious was directed and produced by Daniel Espeut, who also appears in the black and white photography of Woodman (which features herself), beginning sitting next to Estebon and fellow band members Davon, Ian Madden paid tribute to Woodman on his new album, “New Religion.” and Jonathan. To emphasize Estebon’s manic and drunken state as he Director and photographer Gaëna da Sylva portrays Woodman with tells the story of what happened to him that day, Mr. Espeut uses the art shadowy imagery, bringing to life Madden’s lyrics, “Ghostly images of quick-change to reappear as four separate characters. appear like gossamer blurred apparitions.”

BRONCHO - WHAT | 5:58 PM FROM TRIBULATION TO TRIUMPH | 6:00 PM

Producer: Tim Ackelmire Director: Rex Harsin Producer: Bran Simmons 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. 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 4

FOREIGN BLOCK (STUDENTS)

ROBBING BLIND | 1:05 PM | PG THE LIGHTGUARD | 1:15 PM | R

Director: Mike Chantaj Director: Bob Demper Writer: Mike Chantaj Writer: Bob Demper Producers: Jessieh Slezak, Mike Chantaj Producer: Bob Demper, Mischa Staupe

After a botched break-in, an amateur burglar, hoping to leave a life Alone in his lookout, lighthouse keeper Chien Baak oversees the of crime behind, must continue to break the law with his brother in an shore of a small coastal village. One grey afternoon an unknown ship attempt to eventually live a clean and guilt-free life. 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 (DOCUMENTARY)

THE CUTTING ROOM | 1:46 PM | R WHERE IS ELLE – KARI & WHAT HAPPENED TO NORIKO-SAN | 2:00 PM | G Director: Marco Velez – Love Falls, A Lost Generation, Fear Writer: Marco Velez – Love Falls, Fear, Will & Mary Producer: Eugenia Lagorio – She Walks, Amontillado, Megamillion Director: Dvorit Shargal Writer: Dvorit Shargal François Gauthier is hired by the great film director Angel Rizzoli Producer: Kastina Communications LTD to edit his upcoming film noir. He becomes completely obsessed with A nostalgic, fascinating and heart-breaking journey into very Isabel , the lead actress and star of the film, and buries himself in popular photographed children’s books in black & white from the this editorial madness, performing horrific acts in the name of his mid-20th century. An unbelievable detective story, which follows the obsession. 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.

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 15 THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 4

FOREIGN BLOCK (SHORTS)

THE STOMACH | 3:00 PM | R NEWBORN | 3:16 PM | PG

Director: Ben Steiner – The Flea, Trannibal Fleash Feast, Insecticide Director: Simret Cheema-Innis Writer: Ben Steiner Writer: Simret Cheema-Innis Producer: Dan Dixon Producer: Simret Cheema-Innis

Frank’s had enough. A spirit medium whose unique and grotesque Marris lives alone in a house left to her by her recently deceased method of channeling the dead is putting his own life at risk; he wants grandmother. One day a mysterious bowl arrives at her door. But the out. But others, in this world and the next, have plans of their own. bowl is more than it seems. Part body-horror, part ghost-story, The Stomach is a unique tale of Supernatural Noir.

U.S. BLOCK (STUDENTS)

CARRY ON | 3:30 PM | G DELIVER US FROM EVIL | 3:40 PM | G

Director: Yatao Li Director: Robert McDermott Writer: Yatao Li Writer: Robert McDermott Producer: Yatao Li Producer, Chris Johnson

During the brutal withdrawal of Japanese forces at the end of WWII, In this modern day thriller set in the open plains of the high a Chinese father does whatever he can to save his family. Midwest, three men begin to discover a man’s hidden identity when they inadvertently welcome him into their home.

Tupelo, Mississippi THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 4

U.S. SHORTS

LAKE FATHER, LIKE SON | 4:00 PM | PG13 THE WATCH | 4:20 PM | PG

Director: Ioannes Palomaria Directors: Roger Franks – The Carrier Writer: Ioannes Palomaria Writers: Roger Franks – The Carrier Producer: Ioannes Palomaria Producers: Michael Devereaux – The Carrier, Mixed Assumptions

A film by Ioannes Palomaria, made for his final 7th grade project for A chance meeting with Mason Hughes, who was involved in The Thomas Starr King’s Film and Media Magnet. He also stars in his own Civil Rights Movement, changes the life of Nathan Bishop in ways he movie. never expected.

SEPTEMBER SKETCH BOOK | 4:45 PM | G ONCE UPON A TIME ON THE BORDER | 4:55 PM | PG

Director: Ronnie Cramer – Pillow Girl, Cantata in C Major, Sixty in 60 Directors: Álvaro H. – Blanco Medrano’s Visit Writer: Ronnie Cramer Writers: Álvaro H. – Blanco Medrano’s Visit Producers: Ronnie Cramer Producers: Alejandro Pardo , Estefanía Lamas

“September Sketch Book” is an experimental film created using old A weary border guard and a legendary bounty hunter meet in the school animation; over 5,400 drawings are made with pen and paper. middle of the blazing desert in a bizarre and tense encounter. The film is abstract in nature, with sequences based on flags from around the world.

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 17 THURSDAY, APRIL 16 | SCREEN 4

KICK OFF PARTY – ROMIES GROCERY

AROUND THE NEXT CORNER | 5:15 PM | R SAM MOSLEY & THE SAM MOSLEY BAND | 7:30 PM Directors: Mike Gillis New Albany resident and blues legend Sam Mosley Writer: Mike Gillis Producers: Mike Gillis has over 40 years of writing award winning music playing the blues to fans all over the world. Mosley Young angry woman changes after conversing with lonely older man. 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 1 Online Bill Pay. at High Record Studios in Memphis and released two 45s with the songs “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “Is It The Smart Way to Pay. Over?” Over the years Sam has toured the world with With Online Bill Pay, you can conveniently receive, track and pay his music and has played with and/or written songs all your bills online in minutes. Make one-time payments, schedule for many of the great names R&B. Sam has had a blues recurring payments or set alerts when bills come due. marker placed in the honor of Mosley Johnson Band It’s a fast, e cient way to manage your on Cleveland Street in New Albany. fi nances and ensure you never miss a due date. After the kick off party, check out the music at Gabriel’s on Gloster w/ Zechariah Tillotson – just a couple of blocks away!

(1) Bill Pay Free for personal checking accounts.

Tupelo, Mississippi FRIDAY, APRIL 17 | SCREEN 3

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: Barbara Klutinis – Severing the Soul, Stepping into the Stream, Director: Trevor Campbell Journey Swiftly Passing, Wind/Water/Wings, Still Life with Barbie, The IWWF Writer: Trevor Campbell Rendezvous Connection, Trumpet Garden, Pools Producer: Michelle Campbell Writers: Barbara Klutinis Producers: Barbara Klutinis Six weeks after his fiancee disappears, a law student and his ex- girlfriend go on a half-hearted crime spree across the Western US An ode to memory: couples diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s come trying to find her. to terms with their changing roles. Medical experts in Alzheimer’s Disease offer their perspectives from the front lines.

U.S. BLOCK (STUDENTS)

IRRESISTIBLE | 3:40 PM | G

Director: Maggie Bushway Writers: Maggie Bushway, Rob Bushway, Kathi Bushway Producer: 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

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 19 FRIDAY, APRIL 17 | SCREEN 3

I NEED MY MONSTER | 3:46 PM | G SPIRIT OF NEGATION | 3:58 PM | PG

Director: Richard Marrujo Director: Alexander Kuribayashi Writer: Howard Cook – The Ninety Nines, Forever Mankind Writer: Adam Buffery Producers: Steven Baker, Howard Cook – A Complex Villanielle, 8 Second Dance, Forever Mankind, The Ninety Nines, In this Gothic Western, a teenager attempts to escape the chaos of Civil War renegades. Influenced by a mysterious stranger, the boy is When Ethan checks under the bed for his monster, he finds a note drawn back into the violence. instead: “Gone fishing. Back in a week. –Gabe” What will Ethan do? He needs a monster under his bed.

U.S. BLOCK (SHORTS)

BROKEN JAM | 4:13 PM | R GARAGE SALE | 6:00 PM | PG

Director: Emanuele Michetti Director: Meaghin Burke – Killer Kudzu, Pusharatas, The Artifact Writer: Emanuele Michetti Writer: Meaghin Burke Producer: Altreproduzioni Producer: Greg Earnest – The Artifact, Motorists v Cyclists, Pusharatas, Echoes

An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older suffer Lydia and her father struggle to heal a fractured relationship while from a diagnosable mental disorder. Through a day, this story shows preparing to sell his house. Packing and selling cherished childhood the difficulty maintaining a romantic, cohabiting relationship, suffering objects conjures a host of memories for Lydia, who is still reeling with mental disease. 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi FRIDAY, APRIL 17 | SCREEN 3

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

Directors: Ken Calloway Director: Herman Snell Writers: Rex Harsin, Leesha Faulkner Producer: Philip Scarborough Producers: vOz Vanelli Abandoned at birth, Rudolph “Rudy” Boutwell spent the majority of The story of a gift to a young boy that forever changed the face of his life rescuing treasures that other people had abandoned. American music. Adapted from the story as told by Elvis’s cousin, Sybil Presley, in the book “We Remember Elvis.”

U.S. BLOCK (FEATURE)

OZLAND | 7:00 PM | PG

Director: Michael Williams – Kane, Illumination, Lukos PROUD SUPPORTERS OF Writer: Michael Williams – Kane, Illumination, Lukos Producer: Michael Williams – Kane, Illumination, Lukos TUPELO FILM 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 FESTIVAL very survival of these two divergent travelers.

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 21 FRIDAY, APRIL 17 | SCREEN 4

U.S. BLOCK (DOCUMENTARIES)

WILDFLOWER | 1:30 PM | G BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WOULD | 2:00 PM | G

Director: Max Zoghbi Directors: Tim Finkbiner, Dan Oliver Writer: Max Zoghbi Writer: Hal Goodtree Producer: Jarred Coates – God’s Not Dead Producer: Hal Goodtree

Broken up at the time, my now wife, Bonnie Kate, was shot and survived This is the story of the Durham Renaissance, from booming tobacco the 2012 Batman Theatre Mass Shooting in Aurora, CO. Choosing to grow town to abandoned 19th century relic and back again as the Silicon and persevere even in the harshest of seasons and circumstances, Bonnie Kate Valley of the South. It’s the story of vision and risk, partnerships and shines brightly through the darkness and chooses to accept joy every step of perseverance to rebuild a community. 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.

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

ROUTE 30 THREE! | 2:30 PM | PG LOCKED OUT | 4:10 PM | G

Director: John Putch Directors: Sean W. Malone – No Vans Land Writer: John Putch Producers: Sean W. Malone –No Vans Land Producer: John Putch Locked Out chronicles the struggles and success of Melony The final chapter of the trilogy focuses on the mysterious Armstrong, an entrepreneur who fought state restrictions to become disappearance of Rotten Egg, a camera that reveals the truth in every the first professional African hair braider in Mississippi. 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi FRIDAY, APRIL 17 | SCREEN 4

U.S. BLOCK (SHORTS)

MISSISSIPPI MILK | 4:40 PM | G PIZZA MAN VS. THE TORNADO | 6:00 PM | G

Directors: David Rogers, Brittany Retherford Director: Ken Calloway Writers: David Rogers, Brittany Retherford Writer: Ken Calloway, Rex Harsin Producers: Chandler Griffin, Lisa Biagiotti – Barefoot workshops Producer: vOz Vanelli

A family farm’s struggle to produce a local product and bring it to the com- Pizza Man faces his greatest challenge yet as he goes up against the munities of North Mississippi. Tupelo Tornado!

A HORROR MOVIE | 6:08 PM | R GOT NO FETISH | 6:20 PM | R

Director: Glenn Payne – Earthrise Director: Rebecca Busch Writers: Casey Dillard – Genrevolt, The Fall of Henry, Glenn Payne (concept by) Writers: Rebecca Busch, Monika Winters-Sanchez, Natalie Lentz Producer: Glenn Payne Producers: 3 Hats Productions, Obscura Films, Jeff Sanchez

Six “teens” are expecting a night of fun, but their cabin party quickly When a naïve student photographer attends a suburban fetish turns into a night of terror, danger and cliches. 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.

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 23 FRIDAY, APRIL 17 | SCREEN 4

U.S. BLOCK (DOCUMENTARIES)

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

Director: Wendy Keeling – Key West Vet, Just Grate Director: John Wilson – Varmint 1 & II, Dead Man’s Hand, Varmint Reloaded, Writers: Alex Hall, Robert Coles, Wendy Keeling Exodus, Elle Davis Woods, Help Wanted Producer: Wendy Keeling – Just Grate, Chloe, The Dooms Chapel Horror Writer: John Wilson – Varmint 1 & II, Dead Man’s Hand, Varmint Reloaded, Exodus, Elle Davis Woods, Help Wanted This reality parody brings the viewer inside the daily life of a dysfunctional Producers: Jason Koonce – Varmint 1 & II, Dead Man’s Hand, Varmint family and their bounty hunting business. Twyla Sue Dollarhide, aka “Bounty Reloaded, Exodus, Elle Davis Woods, Help Wanted Mama” and her gun toting lamebrain family try to prove that “Momma” always gets her man. 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 NIGHT U.S. BLOCK (FEATURE) JOIN US AT STEELE’S DIVE WITH MUSIC BY

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

Director: Kevin Alexander Boon – Two Days Back Wes represents a new generation of artists reviving the Writer: Kevin Alexander – Boon Two Days Back tradition of authentic Mississippi music. Inspired by the Producer: Robin Allaire McCarthy powerhouse catalogue of bluesmen, folk artists, and pew- The son of a schizophrenic mother and abusive father must unravel swaying gospel musicians from the area, he combines the best the mystery of his frightening visions before he succumbs to madness. elements in a unique but familiar fashion to create a truly enjoyable listening experience.

Tupelo, Mississippi MS HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION SATURDAY, APRIL 18 | SCREEN 3

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!

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.

FILMMAKING – PRESENTED BY MICHAEL WILLIAMS

“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! ABOUT MICHAEL Michael 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.

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 25 MS HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION JUDGES

DON TINGLE PHILIP GENTILE Workshop Director, Alabama Instructor of Film Filmmakers Co-Op Studies in Mass Communication/ Journalism University of Southern Mississippi HUNTSVILLE, AL HATTIESBURG, MS

MAX SHORES AND THE 2015 Producer/Director, University of Alabama Center for Public Television & Radio COMPETING TUSCALOOSA, AL FILMMAKERS ARE…

Tupelo, Mississippi KOSSMAN’S, INC. CAR COMMERCIAL JASMINE MURRAY – MISS MISSISSIPPI (GRAND presented by Rebecca Koehler MARSHALL OF THE 2015 STARKVILLE CHRISTMAS Mississippi School for Mathematics and PARADE) - presented by Preston Booth Science – A Kossman’s, Inc. car expresses Starkville High School - A feature package to its reliability and versatility as it goes from be inserted in the live broadcast of WOBV’s center stage to backstage. Cleveland, MS – presentation of the 2015 Starkville Christ- 30 seconds (Commercial) mas Parade introducing the Grand Marshall of the parade, Miss Mississippi, Jasmine Murray. – Starkville, MS – 4 minutes, 28 seconds. (Commercial) DAMPED OSCILLATING MOTION WORST CASE SCENARIO presented by Rebecca Koehler presented by Preston Booth Mississippi School for Mathematics and Starkville High School – A deal between Science – An exploration of the various thieves goes down exactly as you would ex- types of damped oscillating motion in the pect as you encounter these bandits worst context of spring-mass systems through case scenario. – Starkville, MS – 5 minutes, different fluids. Cleveland, MS – 2 minutes, 9 seconds (Short) 56 seconds (Short)

A TASTE OF SHERRY SERIOUS presented by Isabella Kinder presented by Preston Booth Lion Heart Academy – Sherry has just Starkville High School - Dialogue is key returned from a trip to France, only to find but in-continuity is fun. – Starkville, MS that certain things have changed. When – 1 minute, 33 seconds – (Short) 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)

SPEAKING THOUGHTS CONSTITUTIONAL LITERACY PSA presented by Hancock High School presented by Laura Leigh Hicks Video Production Club Salt Homeschool – A 60 second com- Hancock High School – A girl who can’t help mercial/PSA promoting constitutional but speak her mind gets a taste of her own literacy. – Steens, MS – 1 minute (Com- medicine. She then decides she should be mercial) herself, and finds another person who too identifies with her hardships. – Diamond- head, MS – 6 minutes, 33 seconds. (Short)

ADULT-ISH MHEA FILM FESTIVAL PROMO presented by Alec Martin presented by Laura Leigh Hicks Madison Central High - “It’s a long road Salt Homeschool – 30 second commercial to independence.” – Madison, MS – 5 spot for the Mississippi Home Educators minutes, 20 seconds – (Short) Association Film Festival (2014) – Steens, MS – 30 seconds – (Commercial)

ACCS FOOTBALL “HYPE” FILM A KILL TO REMEMBER presented by ACCS Team presented by Christian Bean Adams County Christian School - Adam Tupelo High School – A man awakens to County Christian School won the right to find he has killed his friend. All may not be play for the state championship after 31 as it seems. – Tupelo, MS – 2 minutes, 37 years. The team lost in a tight battle, so seconds – (Short) 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) ACCS SALUTES VETERANS AND SOLDIERS A MAN AND HIS MACHINE presented by ACCS Team presented by Christian Bean Adams County Christian School – hosts a Tupelo High School – A man spends his military appreciation football game night days on the computer. Could love save every season. Our student film team wanted him? – Tupelo, MS – 1 minute, 42 seconds to create a patriotic tribute to our men and – (Short) 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)

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 27 SATURDAY, APRIL 18 | SCREEN 3

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

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

This past year the ICC students wrote a script and produced Director: Yôjirô Takita their first film: Chocolate Milk Writer: Kundô Koyama Runtime – 130 minutes Film Synopsis: Young people realize the truth to Carl Jung’s philosophy: “Everything that irritates us about others can Departures is a special screening presented by the Japan-America lead to an understanding of ourselves.” Society of Mississippi.

For the second year in a row, the Japan-America Society of Mis- Jon Armstrong, Morgan Cutturini, and Keith Morris, ICC sissippi (JASMIS) is partnering with the Tupelo Film Festival to Film Instructors, have been working with film students and present the 2008 Japanese film “Departures” (“Okuribito”) to the seeing buds begin to blossom much due to the needed film general public and festival attendees alike. equipment which was donated last year by Eric and Kat Phillips (Producer, Director, Writer – TFF alumni filmmak- This film will be presented FREE OF CHARGE to anyone that er.) It has transformed the burgeoning film club into a bona wishes to attend, as well as all attendees of the Tupelo Film Festi- fide film program and ICC now has several film classes, a val. The film will be presented with Japanese language audio and designated film room on campus, and excited students who English subtitles. feel that a whole new world has opened up to them. Mor- gan commented, “I can’t thank Eric, and Kathilynn Phillips Departures tells the story of an unemployed cellist named Daigo who moves back to his hometown after his symphony disbands. enough for their generous donation that has supported the As a newly unemployed cellist, he takes a job preparing the dead growth of ICC’s film program and the vision and encour- for funerals. The film stars Motoki Masahiro, Hirosue Ryōko, Yo agement from Pat Rasberry, Tupelo Film Commission/Tu- Kimiko and Yamazaki Tsutomu. pelo Film Festival Society.”

Tupelo, Mississippi 2015 Tupelo Film Festival 29 PANEL DISCUSSION – DARKNESS TO LIGHT: HORROR TO SCI-FI – ASPECTS OF PRODUCTION

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

HUDSON HICKMAN Hudson 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. LISA LAX Lisa 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.

WES BENTON Wes 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.

Tupelo, Mississippi SATURDAY, APRIL 18 | SCREEN 3

GLENN PAYNE Glenn 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.

ROB UNDERHILL Rob 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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Advertising | Marketing | Public Relations | Brand Development | Marketing Strategy | Media Planning & Buying | Website Development

662-844-2654 | www.robinson-advertising.com 201 South Spring Street, Suite 600, Tupelo, MS 38804

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.

Open daily for tours: 306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo MS 38801 662.841.1245 l www.elvispresleybirthplace.com

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 31 SATURDAY, APRIL 18 | SCREEN 3

WORKSHOP/LECTURE

GENA ELLIS | 3:00 PM ROB UNDERHILL | 4:30 PM WRITING THE ADAPTATION: CULLING NUGGETS FROM THE SOURCE LONG-TERM STRATEGY FOR THE COMPLETED FILM AND WRITING THE GOLDEN SCRIPT Rob Underhill is a film and TV director, producer, writer and editor. His For Gena, it all begins with the written word. She wrote and co-produced films have been in competition at over 200 film festivals worldwide, including Tupelo’s 2007 Ron Tibbett Best of Show winner, Angela’s Decision, which also ST. LOUIS (Academy Award-qualifying), OAXACA (Mexico), SUNSCREEN won Australia’s Gold ACE Award for cinematography, Houston’s Gold Remi (Academy-sponsored) and CANNES (France), have received over 80 awards for adaptation, and other awards, and studied at universities. Gena’s given including for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and have scored rave workshops on adaptation, writing, Indie films, and taught at universities, reviews from top film critics like Mark Bell of Film Threat and Anne Brodie prompting her to publish an eBook in 2015- with an AD early draft, the short of Criticize This! Featured on the National Public Radio shows, The State story, TV pilot pages, and the story of becoming an Australian film. While Gena Of Things with Frank Stasio and The Story with Dick Gordon, Rob’s work is has even been on screen in TV shows Shameless and Chicago Fire, plus films regularly subject in newspapers, radio, TV-news and more. Carolina STYLE Transformers 3 and the Bollywood hit, DHOOM 3, her favorite sets are those of Magazine recognized Rob as one of 25 “Most Stylish People” influencing her daughter, Ursula, who’s in the MFA directing program at Columbia in NYC. positive change in the Carolinas. And he is a RAWards Indie Art Award Gena was recently in Mermaids, a Northwestern University NUWFA grant film recipient for Best Regional Filmmaker. He is the featured Speaker at the by Nina Rogers. Gena really understands the ‘magic’ that film students create 2015 graduation commencement exercises for the Department of English at with hard work and a low budget. She is of course working on a script and a North Carolina State University. His work has aired on the ASPiRE network another book. Visit Genaingeneral.com or Browndotproductions.com for more and other national US and European TV outlets. Visit his website atwww. info. RobUnderhill.com; *like* his Facebook for regular updates at www.facebook. com/RobUnderhillProductions. MUSIC VIDEO FEATURE

AWAY | 5:45 PM FEVER DREAMS | 5:50 PM | PG13

Director: Rodney Daughtrey Directors: Rob Underwood Producer: Rodney Daughtrey Writers: Al Julian, Paul Julian

The first music video from a new band/recording project called Fever Dreams, a new TV Series, is in development in the vein of Tales “Waves Through Windows”, “Away” was shot and edited by Rodney from the Crypt and Twilight Zone with self-contained tales of suspense Daughtrey, the drummer in the band, using a Canon 5DM3 camera and terror! and Final Cut Pro X editing software, on location in Vancouver, Boston, and San Francisco.

Tupelo, Mississippi SATURDAY, APRIL 18 | SCREEN 4

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 LISA LAX/SHARON WARD | 1:00 PM 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 Sharon Ward, Jackson, MS – Actors Tools Liars. • Headshots: What makes a good headshot? • Resumes: Outline of what needs to be on an actors resume A legit agency in NYC, she represents actors for Film, and Television. In Memphis, • Reel: How do I get a reel? she provides a full service agency. Already her clients are working on many projects • What does an actor need to bring to an audition? including The Americans, Blue Bloods, Nashville, Boardwalk Empire, The Blacklist, • What do I expect at an audition and how do I prepare? Blue Cross Blue Shield, Nike, TN Lottery, AT & T, Sleepy Hollow, Forever, Law & • I booked the job, now what? Order, I Saw The Light, Shaq, Inc, Vacationland, Resurrection, Chicago P.D., Animal • Being on set? What to expect when you are on set. Planet, America’s Most Wanted, Dead Man Down,East Bound And Down, Rock And • Representation: How do I get an agent? Roll Pilot, South Of Heaven West Of Hell, Turn, Drop Dead Diva, American Hustle, • How to tape yourself when you can’t make an audition in person? The Wolf Of Wall Street, Thanks For Sharing, and Non-Stop. • 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

KAT PHILLIPS | 3:00 PM

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.

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 33 SATURDAY, APRIL 18 | SCREEN 4

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

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

Director: Glenn Payne Directors: Deborah J. Freeland – The Road To San Mateo Writer: Glenn Payne Writers: Katrina Sims Producers: Glenn Payne, Michael Williams, Josh Whites Producer: Division of Outreach – The Road To San Mateo

99% of the human race has colonized on Mars. The remaining few work to No other American family legacy is quite like the Montgomery’s of rehabilitate our dying planet. Each year a small number are selected to return “Davis Bend,” Mississippi. Their story begins as slaves on the extensive home to aid in the process. For those few, it will be their first glimpse of Earth. plantations established by Joseph E. Davis in the 1820s and is told We follow them on their journey in this sci-fi psychological thriller. through rare period photographs, many of which have been hidden Go home. For the first time. away for over a century.

WITNESS MONITOR | 6:30 PM | R COLORLESS | 3:48 PM | PG

Directors: Edward Worthy Director: L. Denise Heidelberg Writers: Edward Worthy Writer: L.Denise Heidelberg Producers: Edward Worthy, Jordan Lewis Producers: Celeste Heidelberg, Shannon Lewis, Kendra Liddell

Following the witness of a murder from a surveillance room, a man Dorian, a biracial teenager, raised by his African-American father is locked in with the murderer on his way in. Will he make it out alive seeks out his estranged mother. or be found guilty of his own crime?

Tupelo, Mississippi SATURDAY, APRIL 18 | SCREEN 4

TUPELO PREMIER CELEBRATE “THE WRAP” IN DOWNTOWN TUPELO

THE GIFT | 7:20 PM | G WES SHEFFIELD & THE SLOW BURNERS |

Directors: Gabriel Robertson We’ll gather at Nautical Whimsey and enjoy the unique Writer: Gabriel Robertson atmosphere, awesome music, fantastic food, and sweet, Producer: Ken Petrie southern hospitality from hostess “Amanda.” Go on the “walk To celebrate his eleventh birthday, a young boy selects his gift – little about” and search the music trail listening to great tunes. knowing that his choice will change the world. 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!

These words describe what we do equipment for an elementary as a community foundation. They school, funding for local arts pro- also issue a call for you to join us. grams, or revitalizing communities As we partner together, we can through our affiliate program, we strengthen our region and change need your support and involve- our world. ment. CREATE is your community Whether it’s providing food for foundation. We are committed to honor the hungry, temporary shelter for improving the quality of life for the the homeless, college scholarships people of Northeast Mississippi. It’s for deserving students, playground what we do together. give serve educate connect unite elevate

2015 Tupelo Film Festival 35 Tupelo, Mississippi Leo "Bud" Welch at Po' Monkey's Juke Joint — Merigold, MS

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.

4/3/15 9:34 AM TUPELO FILM FEST FULL PAGE VISIT MS.indd 1 2015 Tupelo Film Festival 37

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

Start your story at visitmississippi.org.

lost in the moment, you fi nd much more. And you’ll take it with you forever.

Mississippi is alive. Let it grab you. The music. The food. The laughter. When you get

An itinerary is a good start. But the real trip begins when you leave it by the wayside. Leo "Bud" Welch at Po' Monkey's Juke Joint — Merigold, MS CONNECTING PEOPLE THROUGH INDIE FILM.

WWW.TUPELOFILMFESTIVAL.NET