Local movie extravaganza returns March 23–27, 2022
The 19th Annual Oxford Film Festival (OXFF), slated for March 23–27, 2022, marks a return to the event-filled festival model that includes both virtual and in-person screenings, special events, and parties galore. Taking the reigns this year is Interim Executive Director Jim Brunzell III, who brings to the table over fifteen years of experience directing film festivals.
Before moving to Oxford, Brunzell lived in Austin, Texas, where he ran aGLIFF, or the All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Festival (formerly the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival) for seven years, first as Program Director, then as Artistic Director. In his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brunzell continues to oversee Sound Unseen, a music and film festival, which he has been a part of since 2008, and has been the Festival Director since 2012.
Brunzell deeply appreciates the support from festival staff, including Associate Director Matt Wymer, Assistant Director Kristin Rogers, and Program Director Justina Walford. “They’ve all worked very hard to put the program in place. They’re a dedicated staff that believe in the mission and goals of Oxford Film Festival and OxFilm.”
Additionally, the festival would not happen without the programming team, who spend countless hours viewing and selecting the films that will be included in the festival. This year’s programmers are: Greta Hagen-Richardon (Narrative Features), Brian Whisenant (LGBTQIA+), Victoria Negri (Mississippi Film), Newt Rayburn (Music Documentary & Video), Meaghin Burke (Short Screenplay Coordinator), and Valerie Guinn Polgar (Fest Forward).
Oxford Film Festival devotees are excited that the festival can continue in-person this year, with a firm stance on the vaccination of all attendees. For those unable to attend, there is a virtual option as well. Those interested in attending the festival in person may upload their vaccination verification via the Bindle app, which allows guests to securely store COVID-19 test results and vaccine records. Mask-wearing is highly recommended for all OXFF attendees indoors.
Oxford Film Festival also still has slots available for volunteers, all of whom receive perks for their assistance. Those who attend training and serve one shift receive a festival t-shirt; those who help five to nineteen hours receive a ten-pack of movie tickets; and those who volunteer twenty or more hours may take advantage of a VIP pass that grants priority entrance to all films, access to parties, and access to the catered VIP green room.
To get more information and updates about the 19th Annual Oxford Film Festival, to purchase tickets, and to find more information about all the films screening this year visit Ox-Film.com.
Click here for some of the festival’s highlights
Oxford Film Festival 2022: Music Documentaries and Music Videos
