Oxford Film Festival’s mission is to celebrate independent film and our core values include amplifying independent filmmakers as well as equity, inclusion and representation both on and off camera. During the past few years, our festival has focused on making sure this happens at all levels. As we continue to improve that work, listen and learn, and strive to reinforce our core values, we wanted to highlight some filmmakers who are sharing their stories at this time of unrest and whom we encourage you to support.
OFF recommends the following films and artists that you can support by watching their films, knowing that 50% of the ticket price goes to the filmmaker.
Playing now: Music Rocks Block
A variety of music documentaries, dance films and music videos highlighting several Black musicians and filmmakers.
Playing Now: Far East Deep South
Winner of Best Mississippi Feature
When Charles Chiu, a Chinese-American man from California, travels to Mississippi to visit the grave of his father who abandoned him 75 years ago, he and his family stumble upon surprising revelations that change their lives. Along the way, they meet a diverse group of local residents and historians who shed light on the racially complex history of the early Chinese in the segregated South. Their emotional journey also leads them to discover how deep their roots run in America.
June 21 – The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
Winner of Best Narrative Feature
The film will be available for virtual screening starting on June 21 and we are pledging to donate our 50% of the proceeds to The Westchester Coalition for Police Reform (https://policereformny.wordpress.com/), started by Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. The other 50% goes to support the filmmakers. If you reside in Mississippi, you can rent the film here.
Join the free Q&A on June 21 at 7 pm CST on our Youtube channel with the filmmakers and Kenneth Chamberlain, Jr. as we discuss the film and what may happen after the recent reopening of his father’s case.
June 12 – Nothin’ No Better
Jury Honorable Mention
Come meet the people of Rosedale, Mississippi, in this documentary that affords a gently composed peek at life in a fading but beloved Delta town. All sorts of people make their homes in this quintessential and iconic American community. Despite a painful past and an uncertain future, Rosedale’s still hanging on.
August 7 – This is America
Enjoy the 2020 virtual OFF Music Video winner, “Pain” from Bandrunna Gwaup, and the entire This is America block focusing on many facets of Black life.
Our Video On Demand (VOD) offerings also include the following recommended films:
1 Angry Black Man
The Surrogate
Pahokee
The Last Tree
Two alumni films we also feel are crucial viewing are:
Always in Season by Jackie Olive
And Circles by Cassidy Friedman
Melanie Addington, Executive Director
2 thoughts on “Movies for this Moment that OFF Recommends”