Author, TV producer Sam Haskell to speak at Magnolia Film Festival 2011

January 31, 2011

Former worldwide head of television for the William Morris Agency will be on hand to answer questions and discuss his Hollywood experiences as part of this year’s Magnolia Film Festival.
Mississippi native Sam Haskell will also host a book-signing as part of this year’s event.
Sarah Ryan, one of the organizers of this year’s Magnolia Film Festival, said everyone is “super excited” about Sam Haskell sharing his expertise at this year’s event.
“Sam Haskell is a wow factor,” said Candy Crecink, executive director for the Starkville Area Arts Council.
Haskell will speak at 10 a.m. Feb. 19 at Hollywood Premier Cinemas in Starkville.
Two Mississippi State University students will hold the World Premier of their films at this year’s event.
Ryan said will Simmons will present “Dancer in Black in White” on Friday night of the film festival and Johnson Thomasson’s “Blood Feud” will be presented on Saturday afternoon.
Two additional world premieres will be held at this year’s Magnolia Film Festival. “Beatboxing: the Fifth Element of Hip-Hop” as well as “Senioritis” will both be screening for an audience for the first time ever at “The Mag.”
“We really consider it an honor that our audience will get to see these films before anyone else does,” Ryan said.
Ryan said organizers are also really excited that a two-time former MAG winner, Canadian filmmaker Patricia Chica, will be returning to THE MAG this year as a judge.
Chica won Best Short Narrative in 2001 and in 2010 for her films “The Promise” and “Day Before Yesterday,” respectively.
“Now in its 14th season, and its third to be sponsored by the Starkville Area Arts Council, ‘The Mag’ has developed an outstanding reputation as a filmmaker-friendly festival,” Crecink said.
Crecink said a Thursday night “Meet the Filmmakers” reception, a workshop with Canadian filmmaker, Patricia Chica, on “Making the Most of your Film Festival Experience,” and a discussion and book-signing with former World-Wide Head of Television, Sam Haskell, are all exciting parts of this year’s festival.
“This is all on top of showcasing top-notch indie films for the Starkville community to enjoy,” Crecink said.
The Magnolia Independent Film Festival premiered in 1997 under the direction of Ron Tibbett. He was a filmmaker born in Chicago, Ill. who had moved to Mississippi. After completing his second film, Tibbett began looking for a local film festival to submit it to. Upon finding no Mississippi Film Festivals, he set out to start his own. The Magnolia Independent Film Festival became the first film festival in Mississippi.
Tibbett died in a car accident in 2004. Today, the festival continues as his legacy. Tibbett’s hope was to support filmmakers and nurture the art of film.
As part of the 2011 event, organizers have a variety of activities scheduled throughout the day, in addition to the night time film schedule, playing at Hollywood Premier Cinemas.
On Thursday,
• 5 p.m.- Business After Hours, Filmmaker Reception;
• 7 p.m. - Film Session at Hollywood Premier Cinema.
On Friday,
• 10 a.m.- “How to Make the Most of your Film Festival Experience” with Patricia Chica;
• 7 p.m.- Film Session at Hollywood Premier Cinema.
On Saturday,
• 10 a.m. - Discussion and Book Signing with Sam Haskill at Hollywood Premier Cinema;
• 11:30 a.m. - Sponsor Luncheon;
• 2 p.m. - Film Session at Hollywood Premier Cinema;
• 7 p.m. - Film Session at Hollywood Premier Cinema followed by Awards.
For more information about the festival, go to the website at http://www.magfilmfest.com.
For the film schedule, see today's SDN.