My Oxford Film Festival story
Just over 6 years ago I was supposed to attend my first Oxford Film Festival. I had come back to Mississippi the year before after a disastrous year in Los Angeles.
Truth told, I was actually staying in a substance use transitional program when I discovered OFF. I had managed, somehow, to cover that year’s Oscars from that rehab, watching all the Oscar nominated films through dvd screeners on an old box TV in the hallway of my dorm-style dwelling. I can remember vividly my lovely junkie companions gathering to watch the likes of “Big Hero 6” and “Wild Tales.” That Oscar season is a great reminder of what I can do when I make the decision and take action.
After the Oscars, I decided to request a press pass for OFF. When I got clean, I had feared I might never attend a film premiere or a festival ever again, and despite getting the accreditation, I didn’t have the nerve to attend. My first film fest in recovery was actually “Indie Memphis” and the film I watched was the incredible “Tangerine.” Who knew my first film fest viewing in recovery would include meth smoking in a bathroom in Los Angeles. Fitting.
The next year, I was ready to give OFF a chance. I requested yet another badge, got it, and managed to see two films. The remarkable “An Open Secret” and whatever the closing film was. I simply can’t remember.
In 2017 I had already been introduced to Melanie Addington. For some reason I can’t quite recall how that transpired either. Maybe through Theatre Oxford - Melanie directed me in a 10 Minute Play - or perhaps it was the Oxford Community Film, which I acted in two years in a row before Assistant Directing and last year, directing. Either way, she asked me if I would be the LGBTQ programmer. It was the inaugural year for the category despite OFF always showing queer cinema. The original programmer had backed out, and I was given 2nd dibs. I feel I must say a great thank you to whoever that was because programming the LGBTQ films for the past 4 years, heading into my 5th has taught me so much about filmmaking and queer cinema. It led me to become an Advisory Board member of GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics and allows me to see some truly great films, many of which never even make it to the OFF screens.
This year, having moved back to Southern California, I was hesitant to program again. I wanted to start covering the Oscars again after a year off, and I wondered if someone living in Mississippi should have the honor I had for 4 years. Melanie gratefully worked with me to find a solution, and I’m back.
Then everything changed. The week before the festival was to happen…was it a week? Who even knows…I was tormented about whether or not to attend despite the fest continuing on. A hospital Social Worker informed me that not only should my Dad not pick me up at the airport, but I should immediately shower and wash my clothes before going near him. A couple of days after that conversation, the festival was postponed.
Melanie has been working tirelessly to keep Oxford Film Festival alive…particularly the 2020 festival. We have been recording podcasts, doing special screenings…including the online world premiere of my film directorial debut.
Now, we have announced the 2020 Virtual Film Festival. Many of the films are going to screen and ticket proceeds will not only keep our festival alive but also give a percentage to the filmmakers themselves -filmmakers who are currently sidelined from being able to make the art that keeps them alive.
Below you will find a link to the Virtual Festival. And throughout the process I will post about the films that I programmed. I encourage you…even if you plan to attend our physical festival when it is rescheduled to consider attending these virtual films with q&as.
These are unprecedented times, and cinema, particularly independent cinema needs you. And you need it.