Video: Tupelo Film Fest Underway

April 17, 2015

Allie Martin,

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Hundreds of movie fans and filmmakers are in Northeast Mississippi for the annual “Tupelo Film Festival.”

There is a diverse mix of movies at the 12th annual Tupelo Film Festival. 64 films will be shown, on two screens at the Malco Theater. It’s a unique opportunity for fans of independent movies.

“It gives the audience an opportunity to learn about independent film. It’s things they’ve never seen,” said Pat Rasberry, Tupelo Film Commissioner.

That is the reason two Scottish filmmakers came to this event.

“For an independent filmmaker, the hardest part of that is to get on the big screen, to get people to come see it, I think it’s a great opportunity, especially for local filmmakers to do just that,” said Gabriel Robertson, who, along with Ken Petrie, will screen their short film “The Gift” Saturday evening. It is the well known story of Elvis Presley’s first guitar, purchased at Tupelo Hardware.

Each year more people get involved with independent films. Equipment is relatively inexpensive , which means virtually anyone can make a movie.

“It doesn’t matter, if you have a 4 or 5 hundred dollar camera or something you can get on top of the line, you have the ability to tell a story and everyone has a story to tell,” said Scott McEntire, from Little Rock, Arkansas.

And also the chance to find others to help you tell that story.

“It’s a great chance to network with filmmakers and actors in the community and I’m Tupelo based and we make a lot of films here so it’s always good to get to see the community come together,” said Glenn Payne, of Tupelo.

While films are the main attraction, there are other activities for film fest ticket holders.

Each evening, post screening parties are held at local restaurants and some of the workshops take place at downtown locations. It all wraps with an awards ceremony Saturday evening. You can purchase tickets at the Malco or online. For more information on the film fest, go to www.tupelofilmfestival.net