Hollywood. Sundance. Clarksdale? Never mind the big crowds (or big costs). Take an affordable winter weekend getaway to the proverbial “Crossroads.”
The historic small-town of Clarksdale, Mississippi, kicks off its brand-new year of festivals with the 15th annual Clarksdale Film & Music Festival, January 24–26, 2025. Tickets are just $5 per day, or $10 for a weekend pass.
“We specialize in roots-music documentaries and Mississippi-connected films,” said event co-organizer Roger Stolle. “The movies, music, and special guests we present highlight our region’s rich history, art, and culture—from blues music to Civil Rights, from the cotton fields to the Mississippi River.”
Organized by the Clarksdale Downtown Development Association 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Clarksdale Film & Music Festival once again presents three days of exciting cinematic premieres, rarely-seen classics and more. Plus, since it’s Clarksdale—an epicenter of blues heritage known for its 365 nights of music and over a dozen annual festivals—there will be plenty of epic performances.
Like last year’s successful event, this year’s Friday (2–8 pm) and Saturday (11 am–8 pm) pop-up theater is conveniently located inside Stone Pony’s Tack Room at 226 Delta Avenue, downtown. The Sunday (1–4 pm) music venue is just the next street over at Bluesberry Cafe, 235 Yazoo Avenue.
Friday’s evening movie feature is the world-premiere of Talkin’ Clarksdale featuring guests Tommy Slack (director, flying in from Scotland), Demmette Guidry (producer), and Adrian Forrest (producer). Saturday’s evening feature is the Clarksdale premiere of the new “Mississippi” John Hurt film, A Man Called Hurt, featuring Mary Frances Hurt (granddaughter/executive producer), Jamison Stalsworth (director), and Andy Cohen (performer).
Other featured films explore the links between the Delta landscape and the music, ongoing Civil Rights struggles, jazz history, Robert Johnson’s legacy, a rare French-made blues film that’s part-fiction/part-documentary, the globe-trotting adventures of a one-man band and more. Find the complete schedule—including daily 6 pm receptions, special guests and live performances—at www.clarksdalefilmfestival.com.
“As always, we want to thank our friendly little town and amazing sponsors for making such a wonderful weekend possible,” said co-organizer Nan Hughes. She gave special thanks to community partners Visit Clarksdale, Clarksdale Public Utilities, City of Clarksdale, Southern Bancorp, and Mississippi Film Office as well as lodging partners Clark House, Chateau Debris, High Cotton Condos, Handy Suites, and Travelers Hotel.
Clarksdale visitor information: www.visitclarksdale.com.
Monthly music calendar: www.cathead.biz.
