The Oxford Film Festival begins its 15th annual celebration of independent cinema today, and the organization is making sure the events are affordable and accessible to all. OFF collaborates with the University of Mississippi and its students to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be involved and attend the festival.
UM is a sponsor for the Oxford Film Festival, and the opening night will be held at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on campus.
“We work closely with the university,” festival executive director Melanie Addington said. “Of the 250 volunteers, quite a few are students. The Center for Manufacturing Excellence students also have been involved.”
The film festival’s partnership with the university allows for events to be held on campus and gives students the opportunity to more easily attend or get involved.
The Oxford Film Festival is also a great way to showcase young directors and film enthusiasts around Oxford.
“We have several students and faculty with films,” Addington said. “It is a great outlet for the community to showcase and support local art initiatives.”
The festival will feature films from across the globe through a variety of viewings, workshops and educational programs hosted around the Oxford area.
“I most look forward to the community interacting with the filmmakers from all over the world,” Addington said.
The Oxford Film Festival prides itself on inclusivity and hopes to give every student the opportunity to attend the event. Students can use code “OXFF15” for a 15 percent discount applied at checkout.
There is also a collection of free events open to all students and community members throughout the week. One of these free events is the Community Film Night at 7 p.m. tonight at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center and at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Malco Cinema screen two.
The event includes the world premiere of the Oxford Film Festival’s community film #fifteen, along with a live reading of the winner of the short screenplay contest and other special film screenings. All are encouraged to attend the Community Film Night as its free admission and entertaining schedule of events ensure a fun night for those in attendance.
Another free event hosted by OFF includes a viewing of “Circles” presented by Mississippi Humanities Council at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at the Malco Cinema on screen one.
There will also be a variety of free panels to attend. No matter attendee’s budget or film background, everyone is sure to find a fun event to attend at this weekend’s festival. More information about Oxford Film Festival and its events can be found at oxfordfilmfest.com
