film fest

Area independent film fans and anyone else who enjoys movies should mark their calendars as busy for two hours on Monday.

The Best of the Oxford Film Festival will show six independently produced films at the downtown Temple Theater beginning at 7 p.m.

“Most of the films we’re showing were made in the state,” said Oxford Film Festival executive director Melanie Addington, whose family is from Meridian. “We want people throughout the state to see them.”

Admission for the film event is free, but donations are accepted to support the Temple Theater.

“Flag Flap Over Mississippi,” one of the films to show during the free movie night, will show how civil conversations can unfold from even contentious issues. Director Rex Jones found different viewpoints on the issue that has spurred disagreement throughout the state.

“He got a unique take on it and included many different perspectives,” Addington said.

Other films to show Monday include:

– “Cowgirl Up,” a story about a cowgirl from Mississippi who pursues her lifelong dream to be the first black woman in the National Finals Rodeo.

– “One Hundred Beating Hearts,” a work about a pioneering farmer in rural Georgia on his journey from industrialized beef production to sustainable, humane agricultural and environmental stewardship.

– “Truth Rises,” a short film about a brother and sister who talk about getting into trouble after mistakes are made in the family business. The film won the Pat Rasberry Emerging Filmmaker Award.

– “The Process: The Way of Pablo Sierra,” a film about a Spanish potter who lives in Yocona and ran track at Ole Miss. A world-class runner and now a potter, baker and horseman, process is everything for Pablo.

The event is hosted by the Meridian Rails to Reels Film Festival.

Thomas Burton, director of the city’s film festival, said it provides a great opportunity for the community to view a diverse slate of movies produced in areas local residents may recognize. He said he also hopes film-based events encourage a new slate of local filmmakers to share their visions through the medium.

“Our goal is to promote film diversity in our community,” Burton said. “Our mission is to inspire the youth.”