Nolan Dean

Musician Suzanne Vega leads several filmmakers set to make their way to Oxford Film Festival at the end of March

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!”

Nolan Dean talks RAP SQUAD: HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEW; hip-hop and spoken word to heal community

In the interview, I talk to Dean about his relationship with director Nathan Willis and what his role as producer entailed on RAP SQUAD. We also discuss the insecurity regarding their own insight and perspective that led to a desire by Dean and Willis, who are white, to find a black editor to work on the film. We also talk about ensuring that you don’t manufacture good guys versus bad guys who aren’t really there.