Video: Filmmakers Show Off Work at Tupelo Film Fest

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — Independent filmmakers from across the country gathered at the Tupelo Film Fest for one purpose. The filmmakers come to network with others in their trade and show their films.

After nearly two years of filming, William Tyler had his film, The Long Drive Home, screened in the United States for the first time at the Tupelo Film Fest.

“We’re making movies to tell a specific story and I think being an independent filmmaker you are able to have more creative freedom with your work,” said Indie filmmaker, William Tyler.

This was the first year the fest was held at the Malco Theatre at Tupelo Commons.

Two screens ran various films and documentaries including Good Rockin’ Tonight-The Legend of Sun Records.

The film featured musical renditions by original Sun artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins.

Jerry Phillips, the son of the legendary Sun Records founder, Sam Phillips, held a question and answer session after the film.

“It just reminds me of the importance of Sam Phillips and all those artists that he recorded, what affect it has had on popular music and I just don’t think people can be reminded too much of the history of how music is where is is today,” said Jerry Phillips.

Not only does the annual film fest attract filmmakers from across the country but this year a significant donation was made to a local community college in hopes of starting film studies courses.

An Atlanta based filmmaker donated nearly $100,000 worth of high tech, high definition equipment to Itawamba Community College.

ICC President Mike Eaton says now the college can start adding film studies courses.

“Presently, we do not have anything particularly in the north part of the state that would train students in the filming industry. So with this equipment and parlaying it into our film club and then developing a couple of courses right there, is the first step in possibly doing a major or a program in the filming industry for the college,” said ICC President, Mike Eaton.

With the growing interest in indie films, school officials say that donation can make a big difference for years to come.

Organizers will take a brief rest, then they will start planning next year’s film festival.