Macon Film Festival turns 20 this year, and let’s celebrate two full decades of everything from the eclectic to the elegant on screen. Managing editor Julia Morrison assists MFF as one of the co-founders of the Firestarters Indigenous Film Festival, and here are her top five to watch this festival season:

1. Tiger: This is the second year we’ve had director Loren Waters as part of the Fire Starters Festival. We’re psyched that this particular film features a Muscogee story. Macon is built on the ancestral homelands of The Muscogee Nation, and over the past few years our city has made a concerted effort to strengthen Muscogee relationships and acknowledge our history. This short film portrait of award-winning, internationally acclaimed Muscogee artist and elder Dana Tiger, her family, and the resurgence of the iconic Tiger T-shirt company. Dana will be joining us as a special guest for a Q&A. We can’t wait to have her in Macon. Actually, when another co-founder Tracie Revis and I first started to discuss the festival back in 2022, Dana was the first artist we had in mind, so we’re thrilled to feature her – and in the best way, since this film won the Short Film Special Jury Award at Sundance this year (wow!). Thursday 8/21 at 7:15 PM at The Douglass Theatre

    

2. Newt: A Short Documentary: I’d be lying if I said this list was unbiased. I can’t wait to see this because Newton Collier is a dear friend of mine and absolutely woven into the fabric of both music history and what makes Macon so special. If you don’t know him, you’ll learn about his extraordinary journey as a trumpet player for iconic bands, along with overcoming tragedy through the eyes of filmmaker Win Scott. If you don’t walk away from this film smiling, I fear for your soul. Plus! Fellow MM staffer Moira Glennon was involved in the making of the film. Friday 8/22 at 6 PM at Theatre Macon

    

3. The Pastor’s Daughter: Speaking of Moira Glennon, this Georgia-made film by Timothy Hall stars her! I love that this is a full-length narrative film that takes place in Macon, so I think it’s an important story to support. Coming at you from the Atlanta Film Festival, this movie tells the story of Agnes, the prodigal daughter who returns home after the death of her preacher father. It’s meant to be a juicy drama that scratches your itch for subversive Southern content. Saturday, 8/23 at 10:30 AM at The Douglass Theatre

    

4. This is Jan: Robert Larriviere directs this adorable short that takes place in the straitlaced 1950s as part of the LGBTQ+ block. Behind the walls of a hotel room, Jan can finally be who they really are. This film is a great reminder that stories of LGBTQ+ lives have not always been told, but they have always existed in different ways, and how empowering being accepted can be for an individual. Watch this alongside a number of great stories from filmmakers around the world. Plus, connect with representatives from Macon Pride to learn about the depth of our community here in Central Georgia. Saturday 8/23 at 3:45 PM at Theatre Macon

    

5. The Faith of the Dreamer: One Woman’s Story of Racial Trauma and Healing: Five years ago, I got to meet Gwendolyn Payton, interview her, and promote her art show at Mercer University. This was an art show that was nearly 50 years in the making, and the story behind it is inspiring. It was one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever written, and I’ve enjoyed Gwendolyn’s work in art and life immensely. Now, her son Khary Payton – who you might recognize from his work as King Ezekiel in The Walking Dead, Cyborg for DC Comics, and more – takes a raw and intimate look into his mother’s story of resilience. The pair will take part in a Q&A after the film. Sunday, 8/24 at 2:30 PM at Theatre Macon

    

There’s also an entire fulldome immersive film component out at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Check out the full schedule and get tickets at maconfilmfestival.com