(ThyBlackMan.com) Less than two weeks ago, on March 22, Kelley Jackson, founder of the Cane River Film Festival, hosted the second annual event held in beautiful Natchitoches, Louisiana. The two-day event started off with a film showcase at local high school, Louisiana school for math, science, and arts, at 715 University Parkway. The high school campus is home to one of the top schools in the entire nation and is located a short distance from Northwestern State University. Film screenings were held at the school from 10:30am until noon, followed by awards being handed out for winners with top films.
Around 1 pm an industry guest panel, which included NSU professor Dr. Allison Rittmayer, Alaina L. Pinkney and Pemon Rami took to the stage individually to discuss their expertise regarding film and the entertainment business and to field questions from the audience in the auditorium, filled with fellow filmmakers, aspiring high school artists and local media and educators.
Dr. Rittmayer spoke on resources, especially for budding filmmakers and discussed her work in the community of Natchitoches. Alaina Pinkney (and her husband, an actor from Atlanta) made the long drive to Natchitoches from Georgia and thrilled with insights on building brands, partnerships, and how to level up your stock by shaking the right hands. International film producer, theater director, and historian Pemon Rami, from Chicago, talked about his roots on Cane River and most profoundly about staying true to your heart and being authentic storytellers. The industry veteran spoke on relationships he has been able build in the industry with the likes Cab Calloway, James Earl Jones, and Angela Bassett, and how putting yourself out there can be advantageous if you want it to be. Rami also worked in casting on projects like Mahogany, The Spook Who Sat By The Door, and Cooley High.
He encouraged eager audience members to ask him questions, particularly about financing, since he sat on the board of dozens of boards and organizations that handled money-giving to filmmakers and the like.
Later that evening, festival activities moved to historic Front street downtown in Natchitoches for the VIP red carpet sponsors ball. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame played host venue for the film festival ball. ball The ticketed event featured live jazz from DeLontrell Thomas, mouth-Water eats from Mayeaux’s Steak and Seafood, and complimentary beers and other refreshments including Cane Rivers Pilsner. The VIP ball was attended by filmmakers from far and wide across Louisiana, including NSU grad Hammond Lake and my wife, Director/Writer/Educator Kenetha Harrington. Also in attendance for the second year in a row was Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who is a big supporter of the new festival.
Day two of the festival was all about family, film, and fun in the park. There was an actors day camp from 2pm-6pm at Natchitoches City Parkin Amulet, filled with more live music and food vendors, and was followed by movie night in the park from 6pm-10pm. Last years movie was Steel Magnolias, which was shot in Natchitoches decades ago.
Missing in action from the weekends activities were filmmaker Langston Williams (award winner from 2018 Cane River Film Festival) and veteran TV producer and Emmy winner Bob Mora, Jr. Both were called back to set for work that Friday with the latter being sent overseas for work on a new Amazon show. Hats off to Langston and Bob.
To keep up to date with the latest from this new, unique, Louisiana-born film festival, go to http://www.caneriverfilmfestival.com or email info@caneriverfilmfestival.com. Festival founder Kelly Jackson, a transplant to Cane River can also be reached by phone at 318.505.0466
The mission of the Cane River Film Festival is to showcase, nurture, and support the emerging creative filmmakers. The overall focus is on building a powerful hub for Louisiana films. Festivals like these are on the rise and depend on support from across the nation to thrive and survive. Consider donating time, resources, or even funds to the festival.
Staff Writer; Charles Foster Jolivette
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