The Oxford Film Festival has been awarded a $2800 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.5 million in grants the Commission will award in 2012-2013 and will be used to fund the 10th anniversary festival in February 2013. The grants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

“The grants awarded by the Commission to arts organizations across the state provide funding for the staging of festivals, theatre performances, and many other arts-related activities. With these funds, the organizations work diligently to help tell the unique story of their community, and to reinforce the value of building a creative economy,” said Malcolm White, Executive Director of MAC. “Additionally, the arts provide a positive environment for learning, both in the classroom and in the community.”

The Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, serves the residents of the state by providing grants that support programs to enhance communities; assist artists and arts organizations; promote the arts in education and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. Established in 1968, the Mississippi Arts Commission is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, the Phil Hardin Foundation, the Riley Foundation, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson and other private sources. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and in arts education.

The 10th annual Oxford Film Festival has been scheduled for February 21-24, 2013.

The Spirit of the Hoka award was presented by our panel of jurors to the following films. Congratulations to the  winners!

Animated Short
Special jury citation: Gilded Age Gladiator / dir. Brad Lambert and Rob Benica
Hoka: 5 Minutes Each / dir. Vojin Vasovic

Documentary Feature
Special jury citation: Patriot Guard Riders /dir. Ellen Frick
Hoka: Rhino Resurrected / dir. Keith Shapiro

Documentary Short
Special jury citation for cinematography: William Tyler Behold the Spirit / dir. Zack Wilson
Hoka: Saint / dir. Rory Fraser

Experimental Short
Special jury citation: Plural / dir. Dan Inglis
Hoka: Only in Dreams / dir. Adam Badlotto

Mississippi Documentary
Special Jury Citation for Cultural Relevance: Back in Oxford / dir. Jordan Berger and Houston Settle
Hoka: Showtime / dir. Ben Guest

Mississippi Music Video
Hoka: Positions in Space / dir. Ashley Williams

Mississippi Narrative
Special jury citation: Expiration Date / dir. Felicity Flesher
Hoka: Old Oak / dir. Kevin M. Jones

Narrative Feature
Hoka: Perfection / dir. Christina Beck
Prize includes:  a $10,000 camera rental package from Panavision.

Narrative Short
Special jury citation for cinematography: Gabe Mayhan, The Orderly
Special jury citation for acting: Jessica Heap (Terrebonne) and Ed Lowry (Ballerina)
Hoka: Fresh Skweezed / dir. Ryan Parker and GB Shannon

Lisa Blount Memorial Acting Award
Christina Beck, Perfection

Ron Tibbett Audience Award
Showtime / dir. Ben Guest

Kudos Award (inaugural), presented to outstanding fraternity and sorority and the University of Mississippi for promoting the Oxford Film Festival through attending the festival, volunteering for the festival, and displaying a banner on their houses.
Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
Sorority: Kappa Delta