Mississippi Damned

Lizzie and I had the chance to see the excellent Mississippi Damned at the Slamdance Film Festival, and while waiting in line we met the director and the editor of the film. We were both impressed by the story, cinematography, and the editing - the film immediately gives a strong impression of place, and the mood of the film alternates between a poetic and recollective style and an intense immediacy. The performances throughout the film were quite strong and the characters were utterly convincing.

Here’s a brief interview with the director, Tina Mabry. For more about the film, check out Lizzie’s review, and the film’s website.

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The importance of family: Sammy, his mother, and sister

“Coming out of Sundance is probably one of the greatest films ever,” a common line you hear often enough. But rare is a film heard of picked up out of Slamdance. In this case, I am recommending that any film company that wants a great film should be checking out Mississippi Damned. Based on director Tina Mabry’s young life story, the family and friends followed have difficulties, including deaths and murders, rapes, and general fights as well as parties. The film also explores sexual differences including connecting with a young lesbian couple, and adultery, as well as boyfriends and girlfriends, and wives and their husbands. (more…)