{"id":147595,"date":"2025-03-12T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=147595"},"modified":"2025-03-11T13:04:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T18:04:47","slug":"oxford-film-festival-announces-2025-award-winners-showcasing-mississippi-stories-and-talent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/oxford-film-festival-announces-2025-award-winners-showcasing-mississippi-stories-and-talent\/","title":{"rendered":"Oxford Film Festival Announces 2025 Award Winners,\u00a0Showcasing Mississippi Stories and Talent"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 22nd annual Oxford Film Festival<\/strong> wrapped up another successful year, drawing more than 1,200 film enthusiasts to celebrate independent cinema. With more than 80 films showcased across multiple categories, the festival highlighted diverse storytelling, with a special focus on films rooted in Mississippi<\/strong>\u2019s culture and heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s festival theme, \u201cStories That Shape Us,\u201d emphasized the power of story throughout a collection of feature films, documentaries and short films. Mississippi\u2019s influence on storytelling, from its iconic locations to the authentic voices of its residents, played a prominent role in this year\u2019s festival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event included a rich variety of films, including short films, feature films, documentaries, and student-produced films. A celebration of independent filmmakers from around the world, the festival featured interactive events and panel discussions with many of the filmmakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 Oxford Film Festival winners are:\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

University of Mississippi Student Award: \u201cVoices of the Academy\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three professors explore the history, significance, and ongoing challenges of African American Vernacular English in higher education and the United States, reflecting on its cultural impact and the fight for linguistic acceptance. Directed by LaToria Hicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1st Time Filmmaker (Short Film): \u201cTeddy\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A security guard by day, Teddy Gant trained to become a doula to combat the high rate of adverse birth outcomes among Black women and their infants. Directed by Lauren Santucci.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1st Time Filmmaker (Feature): \u201cCajita\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on a true story, this film Tom\u00e1s, an immigrant laborer who fled his country by shipping himself in a crate years before the story starts. Tom\u00e1s now lives off the grid, performing odd jobs for an upper middle-class family and saving money to eventually buy a home for the family he left behind. Directed by Luis Gispert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Documentary Short: \u201cA House for My Mother\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This film is a poignant exploration of a remarkable individual’s life, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history, racial progress, and the significance of preserving and honoring one’s heritage. Directed by Ana Flores and Mississippi native Dr. Benjamin Nero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Documentary Feature: \u201cUltimate Citizen\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Filmed at Seattle\u2019s Hazel Wolf K-8 school, this documentary introduces Jamshid Khajavi, an Iranian American immigrant, school counselor, chicken rescuer, and Ultimate Frisbee coach tirelessly devoted to the city\u2019s immigrant kids. Directed by Francine Strickwerda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Narrative Short: \u201cLast to Leave\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The premiere short film by Mississippi native  and actress Mary Elizabeth Ellis. Shot in late 2023, the film addresses the pandemic of loneliness post-covid, our primal need as humans for connection, and a reckoning with the way we treat our home planet. Produced by Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Kendall Goldberg, Andrew Pack, and Jon Bangle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Narrative Feature: \u201cColor Book\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following his wife’s recent passing, single father Lucky finds himself navigating the challenges of raising his son Mason, who has Down syndrome. Seeking solace, Lucky and Mason embark on a journey across Metro Atlanta to attend their first baseball game together. Written and directed by David Fortune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mississippi Made (Short): \u201cHotaru\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set against the backdrop of the mid-1990s, this poignant short film follows Kayla, a young girl caught in the whirlwind of childhood\u2019s highs and lows. With her family facing significant changes, Kayla must confront deep-seated trauma, forcing her to navigate a path of healing and understanding. Directed by Herman J.R. Johnson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mississippi Made (Feature): \u201cStella Stevens: The Last Starlet\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The documentary explores the personal and professional life of Mississippi native Stella Stevens, arguably Hollywood’s last starlet. Written and directed by Andrew Stevens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People\u2019s Choice Award: \u201cCounting In\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Counting In is a mockumentary exploring the life and current whereabouts of rock-n-roll\u2019s mysterious legend Steve Staccato, the world\u2019s greatest at counting to four before any song begins. Directed by Griffin Davis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Overall Artistic Merit: \u201cLavender Men\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taffeta, a contemporary queer person of color, summons Abraham Lincoln to perform an elaborate historical fantasia within her own head \u2014 only to learn that she can\u2019t hide from her own present-day demons in the shadows of someone else\u2019s past. Directed by Lovell Holder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe caliber of films at this year\u2019s festival was outstanding,\u201d said Mike Mitchell, president of the Oxford Film Festival board of directors. \u201cIn particular, showcasing the immense talent of our Mississippi filmmakers and the stories of our state was a true highlight of the festival.\u201d 
For more about the Oxford Film Festival and the 2025 winners, visit www.ox-film.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ABOUT OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL<\/strong>
<\/strong>The Oxford Film Festival exhibits films from across the globe that seek to provide a transformative experience for the audience through the art of storytelling. Praised for its hospitality, the festival was founded in 2003 by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. In 2008, the Oxford Film Festival became an independent nonprofit organization committed to celebrating the art of independent cinema. For more information, visit www.ox-film.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oxford Film Festival on social media: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/oxfilm_ms<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/oxfordfilmfest<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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@oxford.film.fest<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote>