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5th Clarksdale Film Festival features workshops, tours and special guests Jan 29-31

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Clarksdale Film FestivalCLARKSDALE, MS – For its 5th year in a row, the Clarksdale Film Festival aims to make you laugh, cry and, occasionally, rock out. Organizers promise attendees a feast of Mississippi and music filmmaking – plus a little fresh popcorn.

As Garden & Gun magazine put it, “Mississippi gets its close-up… to celebrate the Magnolia State’s films and filmmakers” at the Clarksdale Film Festival. And that means something for everyone — all for $5 or less per day.

The festival runs Thursday-Saturday, January 29-31, at the historic Delta Cinema (11 Third Street) — two theaters plus the lobby. Tickets are $5 per day or $10 for a weekend pass; available at the Delta Cinema box office during festival hours. Official festival hats and shirts are also available in the Delta Cinema lobby. The schedule of events and more info is available here or call 662-624-5992.

CLARKSDALE FILM FESTIVAL FEATURES SPECIAL EVENTS AND GUESTS

“We’re showcasing an amazing collection of Mississippi, Southern and music films at Delta Cinema in our revitalized downtown,” explained Roger Stolle, co-organizer of the event and owner of Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art in Clarksdale. “Plus, we’ll feature live lobby blues each day at 5pm and a number of special introductions and film Q&As. On Saturday, we’ll have two film workshops, history bus tours and more.”

Clarksdale Film Festival highlights include nightly features: Thursday, Jan. 29 – SEC Storied’s It’s Time: The Story of Brad Gaines and Chucky Mullins with special guests Brad Gaines (from the movie) and Jody Hill (author of 38: The Chucky Mullins Effect); Friday, Jan. 30 – Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll (Mississippi premiere); and Saturday, Jan. 31 – Take Me to the River (with director Martin Shore and special guests Charlie Musselwhite, William Bell, Boo Mitchell, Frayser Boy and more).

And that’s not all.

IT’S A LONG WEEKEND OF MOVIES, MUSIC AND MORE IN CLARKSDALE

“The Clarksdale Film Festival isn’t just about great movies,” said Nan Hughes, president of the non-profit that organizes the event. “It’s also a wonderful excuse to experience the entertainment and restaurant mini-mecca that our revitalized downtown has become. What other small Delta town offers live blues and roots music 7 nights a week, every week?”

Music calendar

Other related events around town during film fest weekend include a free photo exhibit of classic Clarksdale (January) 1985 photos by David Rae Morris and Milly (Moorhead) West at the former Greyhound Bus Station (3rd & Issaquena) on Friday, Jan. 30th from 11:30am-1:30pm with gallery talk at 12 noon. The exhibit will also be open to the public Saturday and Monday from 10am-2pm.

Such an ambitious film festival and lively downtown setting wouldn’t be possible without strong community support.

“Just like with the Juke Joint Festival we put on in spring, we want to thank all of our generous sponsors and volunteers,” said co-organizer Goldie Hirsberg. Sponsors include Clarksdale/Coahoma County Tourism, C Spire, Isle of Capri and Visit Mississippi. For a complete list of sponsors, please visit www.jukejointfestival.com.

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