Tyler Perry created quite a stir when he came to town this week to film in Clarksdale and the next film affair in Clarksdale is the Clarksdale Film Festival set for this weekend.
Clarksdale presses "play" on a brand-new, curated collection of movies, music and special guests at its 14th annual Clarksdale Film & Music Festival Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday Jan. 28 at venues all across Clarksdale.
"The Clarksdale Film & Music Festival specializes in Mississippi-connected and blues-themed films as well as incredible live music performances," said artistic director Roger Stolle. "We bring in some fascinating guests and do our best to highlight movies and music that best reflect the history and culture of the 'Land Where Blues Began'."
This year's "pop-up" movie theater is inside Stone Pony's Tack Room on Delta Avenue Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The festival's main music venue is Bluesberry Cafe on Yazoo Avenue on Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
"We organize our film festival through the same non-profit as April's Juke Joint Festival," said Nan Hughes, director of the Clarksdale Downtown Development Association. "In addition to supporting musicians and artists, our aim is to provide a boost to local businesses during their slowest time of the year."
Hughes said festival tickets are $5 per day or $10 for a Weekend Pass "We are super excited about all of our premieres and special guests this year," said Stolle. "We have an impressive roster of filmmakers traveling to Clarksdale to present their work from places like Brazil and Canada plus New York, Nashville, New Orleans and beyond."
Highlights include the world premiere of new works starring or created by award-winning musicians like James "Super Chikan" Johnson and Jimbo Mathus.
Mississippi and Clarks-dale premieres include acclaimed new films such as The Blues Society, African Reasons, Born in Chicago, King Bee and a special SFJAZZ at Home Charlie Musselwhite/Elvin Bishop concert film.
Collections of music videos and student work will also be presented.
Filmmakers, musicians and special guests include Corey Hart, Jefferson Mello, Mark Rankin, Brian Wilson, Nolan Dean, Tim Hardiman, John & Steve Zaffuto, August Palmer, James "Super Chikan" Johnson, Jimbo Mathus, Charlie Musselwhite, Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Sean "Bad" Apple, Australia "Honey Bee" Jones, Watermelon Slim and more.
"We have a wonderful array of places to stay, so we hope folks will come spend the whole weekend with us," said Hughes, recommending the Visit-Clarksdale.com website and apps for lodging and dining options.
Of course, since it is Clarksdale, there is already live blues music seven days a week at various clubs and restaurants.
“This one’s for the music lovers,” said Visit Mississippi. “In the home of the Delta Blues, sit back and absorb this curated collection of documentaries centered on the region’s music and character, brought to life just down the block by live music programming at the local juke joints. Simultaneously a celebration of top-notch filmmaking and the melodic fabric of the Delta—this unique festival is something you won’t find anywhere outside of Clarksdale.
Festival tickets can be purchased at Stone Pony's Tack Room door on the Friday and Saturday of the festival. More details are online now at www.clarksdalefilmfestival.com.
Read more about the films at www.clarksdalefilmfestival.com.
Sponsors for the 14th Annual Clarksdale Film and Music Festival are: Visit Clarksdale Tourism, Clarksdale Public Utilities, City of Clarksdale and Southern Bancorp. Lodging partners include Chateau Debris, Clark House, Hampton Inn, High Cotton Condos, Hooker Hotel and Travelers Hotel.
