The Ballad of Shovels and Rope – Macon, Georgia – July 26th, 2014

S&R_EventPoster_(7x13)In a unique move for two of Macon’s most popular festivals, Macon Film Festival and Bragg Jam, the organizations have announced that they will be partnering in 2015 to create a ten-day film and music event, July 16th-25th! To celebrate the new partnership, Macon Film Festival is proudly presenting the Georgia debut of the award-winning documentary, ‘The Ballad of Shovels and Rope‘, the same afternoon as the upcoming 15th annual Bragg Jam Festival – Saturday, July 26th.

The documentary, which follows married duo Shovels & Rope (Cary Ann Hearst & Michael Trent), was awarded “Best Feature” at the Nashville Film Festival and was made an “Official Selection” at the Port Townsend Film Festival, the Indy Film Fest, and the Cleveland International Film Festival.

TheBlueIndian.com is pleased to partner with both organizations to help promote the screening. You can read our full interview with film makers Jace Freeman and Sean Clark from earlier this year HERE.

Stay tuned! TheBlueIndian.com will be offering a chance to win FREE TICKETS to the screening!

Included below is a press release from both organizations on the partnership and the screening:

Film Still from The Ballad of Shovels and Rope

Film Still from The Ballad of Shovels and Rope

 

MACON, Georgia – Macon Film Festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary with a tan and some tunes. The film festival will move from its traditional February date to July 16 – 19, 2015, and collaborate with Bragg Jam Music, Arts and Kids Festival to create a ten-day film and music event in Macon.

“We have been discussing the benefits of a summer festival for some time,” said Julie Y. Wilkerson, president of Macon Film Festival. “Gaining the support of Bragg Jam makes it possible for us to collaborate and present a week of arts programming that reflects our separate yet similar missions.”

The first collaboration will take place this summer. Macon Film Festival will host the Georgia premiere screening of ‘The Ballad of Shovels and Rope’ at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at The Douglass Theatre, prior to the Bragg Jam concert crawl. Admission is $5 or free with a 2014 Bragg Jam Concert Crawl wristband or VIP pass. Filmmaker Jace Freeman, who co-wrote and directed the film will attend the event along with fellow co-writer, Sean Clark.

“Bragg Jam Music, Arts and Community Festival is thrilled by this collaboration,” said Jamie Weatherford, president of Bragg Jam Music, Arts and Kids Festival. “Both festivals are widely acknowledged as major tourism draws, attractors of the creative class and huge economic drivers for the City of Macon and beyond. By marrying the two festivals into a one week series of events, both Bragg Jam and Macon Film Festival will be able to provide a level of programming and entertainment that is unprecedented in the beautiful state of Georgia.”

“This summer’s screening of ‘The Ballad of Shovels and Rope’ is just a taste of what is to come when we put our collective heads together,” Wilkerson added.

“We’re excited to have our Georgian premiere in Macon,” said ‘The Ballad of Shovels and Rope’ co-writer and director Jace Freeman. “We’ve already been having a great response on the festival circuit, and can’t wait to share it with an audience that appreciates a good Southern musical story.” Sean Clark, co-writer and producer is also scheduled to appear.

About Macon Film Festival

Surrounded by a rich musical and southern culture, the Macon Film Festival celebrates independent films while promoting filmmaking for entertainment, inspiration, education and economic development. The Macon Film Festival screens independent films from around the world in multiple historic theatres in the city’s downtown district. The festival features film screenings, celebrity guests, special screenings, and workshops throughout the festival weekend.

The board of directors includes Julie Wilkerson, President; Sam Macfie, Vice President; Priscilla Esser, Secretary; April Hornsby, Treasurer; Jeff Bruce, At Large; Terrell Sandefur, At Large; Danny Davis, Heidi Lancaster, Tony Long, Sr: Tim Regan-Porter and Tabitha Lynne Walker, Festival Programmer. Learn more at MaconFilmFestival.com or call (478) 256-3809.

About Bragg Jam Music, Arts and Kids’ Festival

Inspired by late musicians and brothers Brax & Tate Bragg and operated as a 501c3 under a volunteer board of directors, Bragg Jam has now given over $150,000 back to local charities in memory of Brax and Tate. Proceeds will continue to benefit the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and other efforts that promote nature, art and music in the community. Since 1999, Bragg Jam has evolved from an impromptu jam session to citywide music festival to a full-scale arts festival and Macon’s premier music event. Learn more at BraggJam.org

The Ballad of Shovels & Rope – Official Trailer

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