Scripts, screens and justice

(March 8, 2016) –Guests attending this year’s Mossy Creek Documentary Arts Festival will notice a common thread of “justice” throughout featured films. The event, open to the public, will be held, Wednesday, March 16 on Carson-Newman University’s campus.

The daylong festival will screen “Selma” and “The Clinton 12,” as well as documentaries by Carson-Newman film students.

This festival supports the University’s yearlong observance “A Simple Justice: The Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.”

“We are delighted to be sharing the moving and important story of Selma,” said Dr. Mark Borchert, chair of the Communication Department. “It can remind us of sacrifices that have made to move our nation toward greater equality and justice. “

Other features include award-winning filmmaker and Carson-Newman alumnus Keith McDaniel and television and film actor David Silverman. Also in attendance will be those who were involved in the production of “Selma,” a 2014 film that garnered nominations from both the Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards.

Events will be held in the Phoenix Theatre, located in Henderson Humanities Building on Carson-Newman’s campus. Screenings begin at 10 a.m. and will conclude at 9 p.m. Seating is limited.

“Our students are excited about seeing films highlighting justice and equality, encountering the professional work of some of our recent graduates, and sharing their own documentary films at the festival,” said Borchert. “Every year this event is one of the highlights of our film program.”

The event is co-sponsored by the University’s Faith & Justice Scholars Program.

For more information, contact Borchert at 865-471-3294. 

This Year’s Theme: Justice!
Wednesday, March 16
Phoenix Theatre

10:00 – 10:50 The Clinton 12 – Watch an abbreviated version of the award-winning film by Keith McDaniel, followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, a Carson-Newman grad. This is the sixtieth anniversary of the desegregation of a Clinton, Tennessee school, the first in the South. Discover the story of the KKK’s violent reaction and the community’s response.

11:00 – 11:50 Docs of CN Film Grads – See the documentary work of recent graduates of Carson-Newman’s film program. Their films explore the photographic arts, the rise of meth labs in Tennessee, and the toll of human trafficking.

1:00 – 1:50 Acting for Film and Television – Hear the stories of television and film actor David Silverman (Walking Dead, Anchorman 2, etc.), and learn about the unique world of acting for the screen. Some of the discussion will cover acting in historical projects and docudramas.

2:00 – 3:15 Documentary Tributes – See some of the latest documentary work from current Carson-Newman students as they tell the stories of some of the most engaging people. Then learn how one high school is using documentary-style film to teach history.

5:00 – 6:00 Selma Reception at the Appalachian Cultural Center – Enjoy delicious snacks as you visit with filmmakers, community activists, and people involved with the production of Selma. You will also have the opportunity to peruse the new exhibit entitled “We March with Selma.” This reception is open to everyone.

6:00 – Phoenix Doors Open for the free screening of Selma.

6:30 – 9:00 Selma (CLW- Space Limited, Arrive Early) – Screening of the award-winning docudrama followed by Q & A about the production.

Festival is presented in partnership with C-N’s Film Program and the Faith and Justice Scholars.