Independent Films From Around The World Will Screen At The 6th Annual Tupelo Film Festival

PRLog (Press Release) - May 07, 2009 -
The historic Lyric Theatre in downtown Tupelo, Miss. will be buzzing throughout the weekend as the Tupelo Film Festival offers public screenings of over forty independent films from filmmakers world-wide.  A robust schedule of special events begins Thursday, May 14 and continues through Saturday, May 16.
           “Connecting people through Indie film is the theme this year which says it all,” said Pat Rasberry, director of the festival.  “It is the filmmakers that we honor who sometimes put all on the line as they follow their dream to bring story to screen, creating joy, laughter, drama and inspiration.”
On Thursday films will screen from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Tupelo followed by the “Kick Off Party” on the Courthouse Lawn across from the Lyric beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Enjoy a blend of world cuisine by Romie’s Grocery at $8 a plate – while it lasts, and listen to global music performed by FoShOrchestra who will open the free outside screening of “The Human Experience.” This inspiring documentary details the journey of a band of brothers who travel the world in search for answers to the questions, “who am I?” “who is man?” “why do we search for meaning?”.  Their quest brings them into the lives of the homeless on the streets of New York, the orphans and disabled children of Peru, and the abandoned lepers in the forest of Ghana, Africa.  The film follows them as they are awakened to the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.  In case of rain, the film will be screened in the Lyric.  
On Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., presenter Hudson Hickman, a Los Angeles film and television producer with over 30 years experience, will host the Film Forum titled, “Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Filmmaking in the 21st Century.”  The event will be held at Vanelli’s Restaurant under the pavilion and admission is free; however, the buffet lunch is dutch treat.  Films will screen on Friday from 1 to 11:15 p.m., with a break from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday’s events include workshops, film screenings, and the weekend’s big finale, the awards ceremony.  “Fighting for Camera and Action Film Production 101,” will be presented by A.C. Weary and Adam Bricker from Action Film Works at the BancorpSouth Conference Center.  Admission is $25 if registered before May 8 and $35 after.  “MovieMakers: Movie Animation Workshop for Kids,” will be held at the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau.  No admission fee is required, but space is limited to 15.  
From 1 to 8:40 p.m., films will screen at the Lyric Theatre including the TV pilot, “The Future Life of Jake.”  The pilot is a special test screening, and the audience will get the first glimpse at the episode and have the opportunity to judge the show by filling out a questionnaire.  
Frank Vitolo, a 45-year veteran of the film and theatre community, will be the master of ceremonies for the awards ceremony, which will take place from 9 to 10:15 p.m.  Judges Michael Rose from Marina Del Ray, Calif., Philece Sampler from Los Angeles, Calif., and Michael Swanson from Charlotte, N.C. will have the tough challenge of selecting the award recipients who will receive Reely Awards and cash prizes.    
Rasberry said, “The festival weekend will offer an enjoyable and affordable weekend for all to experience, providing excellent independent films and educational opportunities.”
Film admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for students with identification, and $2.50 for seniors age 55 or older with identification. Complete information on the Tupelo Film Festival is available at www.tupelofilmfestival.net or (800) 533-0611.  Call early to inquire about a program!