First film festival comes to Troy

On April 25, Troy will join the ranks of the cultural elite as the city hosts Troy's First Film Festival during its annual arts celebration, Troyfest.

The festival will feature the Southern Arts Foundation Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival, a collection of 12 short films created by independent directors from across the Southeastern U.S.

'It's really great to have the short films made by filmmakers in the Southeast,' said, John Jinright, film festival board member and associate professor of music.

'The independent filmmakers create these because they love the art of film and they have something they want to share with a great audience,' he continued.

Following the Short Circuit film festival, there will be a screening of Before the Music Dies, a documentary about stale contemporary music.

The Mirror, a modern silent film produced by Muscle Shoals-based company Cypress Moon Productions, will also be screened.

'I'd bet a lot of people don't realize that we have quality film production companies in Alabama,' Jinright said.

The festival doesn't stop there, however, as there will be a 30-minute panel dedicated to answering questions on film making and working in the film industry.

'We also have a producer and a production manager who are currently working on a movie project in Mississippi and have volunteered their time and talents to help us make the festival a success,' Jinright said.

One student said he thought it was great to have a new film festival at Troy.

'I haven't heard of the details but I'm sure it will bring tons of interested students,' Tyler Gilliland, a sophomore history major from Columbus, Ga., said.

The festival was conceived after 700 Troy faculty and staff members responded to a survey asking what kind of cultural programs they would like to see sponsored by the Troy Arts Council.

Film festival board member John Jinright did not expect the result.

'The results really surprised us; a film festival was one of the top 3 choices,' Jinright said.

Jinright then met with a member of the Southern Arts Foundation, which agreed to help get the Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival shown in Troy.

'I then approached the TroyFest board of directors and asked them to let us hold our screenings during the city's annual festival in downtown Troy,' Jinright said.

Jinright hopes the festival will be a success, opening the door for future endeavors.

'We have big plans and want to make this the best film festival in the Southeast,' he said.

'We need everyone's help with next year's festival because we want to expand it and offer cash prizes to the best films in every category,' Jinright added.

'The festival will be held during Troyfest, the city's annual arts festival, with screenings taking place on April 25 beginning at 2 p.m. at the Studio on Walnut Street.

Admission will be free, but viewers are encouraged to make a donation.