Press Releases

Get Ready!  2nd Annual Jokara-Micheaux Film Festival Scheduled for Labor Day Weekend


Blakely, GA " The Second Annual Jokara-Micheaux Film Festival will be held on Labor Day Weekend, Thursday, August 30 " Sunday, September 2 with an exciting line-up of independent films, symposiums and a special day long Block Party on the Blakely Court Square. This year's films and speakers will focus on film that can make a positive impact on society and provide valuable cultural insights to all viewers, young and old alike.

The new festival website, www.swgafestival.com provides information for film submissions, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities as well as updates on the event's program.

The schedule includes special events where festival-goers will meet and mingle with film industry professionals, and enjoy video film screenings, guest speakers, musical entertainment and attend a Black-Tie Gala to be held in the Jokara-Micheaux Production Studio in Colquitt, Ga on Saturday evening, September 1.

Hosted by the non-profit organizations Early County 2055 and Henny Penny Video/TV Productions, Inc., as well as the Southwest Georgia Film Commission, the film festival will take place at venues in Blakely and Colquitt.  

"This year we are building on the momentum that Jokara-Micheaux Film Festival began  last summer," said Ralph Wilcox, the founder of the festival and director of the Southwest Georgia Film Commission.  "We are deeply grateful for the support we have received from the communities in the region. Our mission -- to promote southwest Georgia as an emerging market for the movie, television and film industries " is becoming a reality.  Our vision is for southwest Georgia to become home to a thriving film industry business, like other successful areas in North Carolina and Louisiana."

Admission is free to many of the activities including the Block Party on the Blakely Court Square on Saturday, September 1.  Other special events have a nominal fee.

Barton Rice, executive director of Early County 2055, the nonprofit corporation created by the Charles and Catherine B. Rice Foundation, says the film festival is a strong venue to showcase southwest Georgia to potential investors.

"Early County 2055 is proud to be a sponsor and host of this year's Jokara-Micheaux Film Festival," he said.  "We have a great fan base and our local leadership is behind and involved in this economic revitalization effort in Early County. We see enormous progress and thank the local residents for their input and loyalty."  

Whether you are a novice filmmaker, producer, director, writer, editor, actor, graphic artist, below-the-line or above-the-line production support, this festival is a great way to meet peers and showcase your work. And if you are an educator, student, movie watcher, television viewer, or just a festival lover, this is the place to be on Labor Day weekend, 2007!

"I encourage people who are attending the Film Festival and Blakely Court Square Block Party on Labor Day weekend to take in the full experience of the festival and the community," Rice said.

Go to www.swgafestival.com for additional information or contact:
Southwest Georgia Film Commission
263 Phillips Road
Colquitt, GA 39837
229-758-8188

or

Early County 2055
182 Court Square
Blakely, Ga 39823
229-724-7558

Sponsors of the festival include: The Charles and Catherin B. Rice Foundation, Atlanta, GA.; Georgia Trend Magazine, LS Power Development, LLC, Net PEO, Quail Country Lodge.