“…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.”
Addington said, “Getting the opportunity to have our own space and to host events and our educational events is an incredible next step for Tallgrass. We are so lucky to be working with Bokeh Development to be housed in the Lux and can’t wait to expand independent film offerings to Wichita year-round. There will be a lot to talk about, because there is a lot to come!”
“With our procurement of a grant called Reimagined Spaces, we took the idea to heart, reimagining a lot of the festival this year as we continue in year two of the pandemic,” said Executive Director Melanie Addington. “At the core of Tallgrass, we remain a festival focused on filmmakers finding their audience and creating community around film. Movies are the great bridge-builder that unites us as people. The 19th annual Tallgrass may look different but the core remains always the same.”
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.”
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.”
“As we continue to prepare for next month’s film festival, we want to be very clear about the aggressive steps we are taking in order to make our film festival safe so our patrons can begin to get back to enjoying the movie going experience in the company of other people again,” said Executive Director Melanie Addington.
Oxford Film Festival’s Executive Director, Melanie Addington, said, “In a year of crisis, we were reminded that one thing remains constant: movies bring us together, bring out our shared humanity, help us navigate sorrow, joy, love, trauma, remind us to laugh, and keeps us occupied while sheltering at home.
