“…And to the LGBTQ community of Oxford and beyond, I hope that I might have had a small part in helping you feel seen. Cinema absolutely has the power to do that.”
Interim Executive Director Jim Brunzell, said, “The Oxford Film Festival has long been a nationally celebrated event among filmmakers and industry veterans. This year looks to be no different based on the sheer number of filmmakers already confirmed and expected to come to Oxford and represent their films. Local film fans here in Oxford, the state of Mississippi, and nearby in Memphis, as well know that this is a destination fest where they can immerse themselves in cinema, meet and engage filmmakers and film artists, and ask them all the questions we routinely have as we exit the theater. We are thrilled to report that this year we will clearly be able to introduce our film fans to a lot of directors, writers, actors, producers, and more!”
Interim Executive Director Jim Brunzell, said, “We are excited to present this year’s films and special events to our local film fans here in Oxford, the state of Mississippi, and nearby in Memphis, as well. We have diligently built a program that include discovery titles, award winners, festival favorites from Venice, Toronto, Sundance, Berlin and SXSW film festivals, enlightening, innovative, and entertaining features and shorts that should inspire everyone to immerse themselves in the Oxford Film Festival world once again.”
The Oxford Film Festival took the next step in returning to film festival normalcy (at least as we know it) by doing the in-person screenings and events that filmmakers and film fans were missing so badly over the past year or so. The red carpet presentations are a HUGE part of that experience we enjoy at the film festivals Wildworks PR does its thing at, so guess what..? Socially distanced and careful with the mask protocol (basically, we trusted our filmmakers and their teams that they were okay within their filmmaker “bubbles”, but beyond that it was masks on while moving about – and as you’ll see, there were some groups that really “pushed” that protocol…). So we limited he press participation, spaced out the photos and interviews, took a little more time with the entire process and voila! Red Carpets are back!
The 2021 Oxford Film Festival was one of the first to dip its toes into doing the in-person screenings this year (March 24-28) which meant a return to doing red carpets and more. Under circus-style tents, in a convention center, in a hotel lobby, and outside a multiplex, filmmakers had their films screened, did Q&As, interviews, red carpet photos and more. The film festival weathered two separate tornado threats, rain, and brought the community of Mississippi film fans and filmmakers (many of whom made the trip from various spots around the country) back together in a warm and friendly return to the film festival world so may of us have missed for a year.
Brunzell, said, “I’m extremely excited for this new opportunity with OxFilm. Outgoing ED Melanie Addington has done an incredible job and has been a force bringing OxFlim to the national forefront in regional film festivals in North America. I have some very big shoes to fill and I’m thrilled to get to Oxford and start working with the board of directors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and the Oxford community in continuing its rich and vibrant festival.”
Genre fans can have a field day debating whether or not this counts as a zombie movie, since the rabid move fast and technically are not dead. Because they’re mindless, and spread the infection by biting people, this seems close enough for horseshoes. In a notable departure from the standard walking dead, however, it’s not so much a shot to the head that finishes them, but a slicing of the neck artery, hosing everyone in the vicinity down in crimson spew. And it doesn’t necessarily take something like a chainsaw to get the job done. A pair of nailclippers proves extremely versatile.
Oxford Film Festival Chairman of the Board Steven Case, said, “The Oxford Film Festival, and now, OxFilm reflect the joy of making films, watching films and immersing ourselves in the world of cinema that comes directly from Melanie. While we are thrilled for her and this new position at the Tallgrass Film Festival, we are also bolstered by the knowledge that she will be leaving us in prime position to keep growing and being the cultural and artistic force in this state that few could have imagined before she took the helm.”
Oxford Film Festival Executive Director Melanie Addington said, “Of course, we still have the virtual presentation of our films to look forward to, beginning on Thursday. However, as one of the first film festivals to offer in-person screenings and events since the pandemic began, this year’s edition will always retain a special place for both our film fans and especially for our attending filmmakers, as well as these award winners. Gathering under the big tents, the Conference Center and the Malco Commons to enjoy, be entertained, and celebrate a wonderful group of films and share in that enjoyment with others – even if were still socially distanced and wearing our masks, was truly special for everyone.”
Oxford Film Festival Executive Director Melanie Addington, said, “These three films exemplify the best of what the Oxford Film Festival offers with its programming. Drought is a multiple award-winner on the circuit, Not Going Quietly gives rare insight into the experience of living with a disability, and Breaking News in Yuba County is a certified crowd pleaser courtesy of Tate Taylor. In year one, we showcased his talents as a young filmmaker, and eighteen years later we are all grown up and can’t wait to once again showcase his work on this Mississippi made film. Add to that, a full lineup of in-person and virtual panels and passholder parties to underline the festival experience side-by-side with our films.” Addington added, “As well as requiring all films to have closed captioning this year, our open and closing films shine with great disability representation which is something we strive to celebrate at Oxford.”
