HATTIESBURG – “A Journey Through Pines,” a romantic movie by Newton County filmmaker Jimmie Andrews, is among entries in the third annual Festival South Film Expo (FSFX).

The official announcement of entries was made earlier this week at a news conference at the Grand Theaters. The film portion of the eighth FestivalSouth will run June 4-7 at the Grand Theaters.

“Of course we’re thrilled to be recognized,” said Andrews, who shot scenes for the movie in Newton, Meridian and Laurel, as well as Butler, Ala. “Film festivals are what this is about at this point, as you look for distribution for your film. So I couldn’t be happier to be able to show ‘A Journey Through Pines’ to another audience.”

Adapted from the book of the same title and written by Andrews, “A Journey Through Pines” details everyone’s search for unconditional love.

Films announced and competition categories included competition features and shorts, along with special screenings. According to Miles Doleac, director, submissions came in from throughout the United States, as far flung as Alaska. The festival line-up boasts a rich crop from Mississippi, the Coast and as far north as Charleston and West Point, Mississippi.

“I’m very pleased to see such a healthy contingent of Mississippi-shot films in this year’s festival line-up. I remain hopeful that, with a little luck and the help of our political leadership, we can continue to build the film industry here in Mississippi,” Doleac said. “If the quality of this year’s line-up is any indication, our state is a veritable treasure trove of filmmaking talent.”

The action will begin June 4 at The Grand Theaters. Opening night will be “Horror Night,” featuring Michael Williams’ “The Atoning” screening at 6:30 p.m. and “Kudzu Zombies” screening at 8:45 p.m. Both films were shot in North Mississippi.

Details of all films and a showing schedule will be added to the Festival South website – www.festivalsouth.org – as it becomes available.

The film festival entries include:

Competition features

• “The Atoning,” directed by Michael Williams, shot in West Point

• “Blessed Are the children,” directed by Chris Moore (shooting location unavailable) • “Don’t Come Around Here,” directed by Navid Sanati, shot in Bogue Chitto

• “A Journey Through Pines,” directed by Jimmy Andrews, shot in Meridian, Newton and Laurel

• “Kudzu Zombies,” directed by Mark Newton, shot in Charleston

• “The Peacemakers,” directed by Jonathan Martin, shot in Baldwyn

• “Porches and Private Eyes,” directed by Travis Mills, shot in Brookhaven.

Competition shorts

• “Aluminum,” directed by FSFX Alumnus (and Golden Magnolia Winner for “Max Peril”) Frank Ladner, shot in Poplarville

• “Enriching Destiney,” directed by Lee Quinby, shot in Jonestown

• “A Little Goes a Long Clay,” directed by 14-year-old Julia Buckholdt (shooting location unavailable)

• “Prowler,” directed by Patrick Hunter, shot in Hattiesburg

• “Roots + Wings,” directed by Hanna Miller, shot in Collins and Brookhaven

• “Creatures of God,” directed by Sandy Parker, shot in New Orleans, La.

• “Perfect,” directed by Lynn Forney, shot in Jackson.

Special screenings

• A special screening of FSFX Director Miles Doleac’s short “Two Birds” and first feature “The Historian,” will be presented June 5, starting at 7:15 p.m. Following the screening, there will be a time of dialogue with the films’ director.

• FestivalSouth 2017, honoring The Life and Legacy of Jim Henson, will present special screenings to commemorate, inspire, and celebrate 200 years of Mississippi’s statehood. “The Muppet Movie” will be presented June 8 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• “The Dark Crystal,” June 8 at 10 a.m. and 2 pm.

 

All screenings will be at The Grand Theaters, in Hattiesburg. Special screenings are ticketed. Tickets are at the door with advance purchase recommend.

The FSFX Awards Ceremony and LABYRINTH will be the Thirsty Hippo. For ticket information visit the Festival South website www.festivalsouth.org