The Mag, Mississippi’s first and longest-running film festival, will continue its legacy of bringing independent films and filmmakers from around the world to the Golden Triangle for the 23rd year Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 27-29. Films will screen at Hollywood Premier Cinemas in Starkville.
This year’s festival will feature 38 films: 29 short films, five music videos, and four feature films. The lineup ranges from drama to comedy and from narrative to documentary, and includes work from across the U.S., the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Uruguay, China, Iran, The Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Venezuela and Czech Republic. This lineup includes 27 exclusive Mississippi and U.S. premieres and two world premieres. Advance tickets are available at magnoliafilmfest.com.
“In addition to our four traditional blocks of films, we have added a family-friendly block with films that the entire family can enjoy,” said Brandon McLaren, director of the 2020 film festival. “The proceeds for this block are going to be donated to MSU’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability, so we hope to get a lot of support for this event from our local and surrounding communities. Expanding our lineup in this way allows us to share independent film with an entirely new audience and perhaps inspire a new generation of young filmmakers.”
The festival is funded in part by grants provided by the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Starkville Area Arts Council, as well as various local and regional sponsors, The Mag will host dozens of filmmakers from all over the state, country, and world. Additionally, a free workshop will also be open to the public on Saturday titled “The ABCs of Making a Documentary Film: From Concept to Creation, de-mystifying the creation of a documentary film” presented by Mark LaFrancis of Natchez.
“Our lineup this year is going to be very unique,” McLaren said. “With 12 different countries represented, multiple Mississippi films, and various genres including documentaries, horror, drama, comedies and more, there is going to be something for every film lover.
To view the lineup of films and purchase tickets, visit magnoliafilmfest.com or check out The Magnolia Independent Film Festival on Facebook and Instagram.
How to go
Tickets are $10 per block of films ($5 for students); $5 for the family-friendly block. An all-festival pass is $30 ($15 for students). VIP Experience tickets are $75. Visit magnoliafilmfest.com.
About The Mag
The Magnolia Independent Film Festival is a filmmaker-friendly festival encouraging both amateur and professional filmmakers. It was founded by Ron Tibbett in 1997 in West Point and later moved to Starkville. It paved the way for the independent film community and other festivals within the state. The festival features a diverse range of genres and filmmakers that strive to bring unique tales to the Golden Triangle.
IF YOU GO:
■ WHAT: Magnolia Independent Film Festival
■ WHEN: Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 27-29, various times
■ WHERE: Hollywood Premier Cinemas, 101 Hollywood Boulevard, Starkville
■ TICKETS: $10/block; $5 students. $5 Family Friendly block. $30 festival pass; $15 students. $75 VIP, at magnoliafilmfest.com
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