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In “Congratulations,” Jim proposes to Bridget (Abby Miller, right). She turns him down, but when they go to see his mom, Nancy (Debra Jo Rupp, left), she thinks the engagement is on. The family dinner gets awkward – and funny – from there. “Congratulations" screens at the Oxford Film Festival at 6 p.m. Feb. 22. (Courtesy)
For proof, look at its schedule, full of award-winning films, locally-produced movies and workshops and panels. Oxford Film Festival’s organizers went out of their way to make this 10th anniversary festival a busy and memorable one.
“It’s a huge deal, and we’re constantly amazed and excited that we’ve made it to 10,” said Molly Fergusson, the Oxford Film Festival executive director. “We have a lot of free activities to celebrate 10 years. We’re doing what we can to give back.”
The festival kicks off with a special film fest-related Thacker Mountain Radio at 6 p.m. Feb. 21, followed by a screening of the Oxford community film “Ten.” In it, filmmaker Joe York talks to Oxford and Lafayette County 10-year-olds about what it means to be 10.
Then, the festival kicks off, and the weekend is full of movies, workshops and panels.
All workshops and panels are free on Saturday, as is the kids’ acting workshop.
The films, Fergusson said, are excellent selections.
“The older we get, the better submissions we get,” she said.
Selections include the documentary short “We Didn’t Get Famous: The Story of the Southern Music Underground, 1978-1990”; “Congratulations,” a feature about a couple that doesn’t get engaged; and “An Ordinary Hero,” a documentary about a Southern white woman’s battles during the Civil Rights era.
There’s also a block of Mississippi music videos, animated films and more. The entire schedule, including parties, panels and workshops, is online.
“You can look at everything by genre – animation, documentaries – and you can see what’s there and pick something to your liking,” Fergusson said. “We tried to get things most everybody would like.”
Tickets can also be purchased online, or they’re available at the door.
“It’s first come, first serve,” she said. “So we encourage everybody to get there early.”
sheena.barnett@journalinc.com
On the Big Screen
WHAT: Oxford Film Festival
WHEN: Feb. 21-24
WHERE: Films at the Malco Oxford Studio, and panels at The Lyric
Oxford. Check the schedule for special events.
COST: $8/single film pass, $6.50/student film pass, $15/one day
pass, $12/one day student pass, $30/three day pass, $25/three
day student pass, $25/one day party pass, $50/two-night party
pass
MORE INFO, TO BUY TICKETS AND TO SEE A COMPLETE SCHEDULE: oxfordfilmfest.com