Thursday’s opening night highlights include screenings of “Chasing Rabbits” and “A House for My Mother,” followed by Q&A sessions with the directors and producers.

“A House for My Mother” is directed by Dr. Benjamin Nero, who grew up in Greenwood, Mississippi, and Pilar Timpane, a filmmaker and producer based in Durham, North Carolina. Nero was the first Black graduate of the dentistry school at the University of Kentucky. He remains close with childhood friend and award-winning actor Morgan Freeman.

Nero and Timpane along with Producer Ana Hoppert Flores will participate in a panel discussion following the film’s screening.

“Chasing Rabbits” – the directorial debut of novelist Michael Farris Smith – is the story of a truck stop waitress who finds her life changed after having her home vandalized in the middle of the night. Smith along with Producer Anthony Thaxton, cast member McGhee Monteith, and composer Cory Chisel will participate in a panel discussion following the film’s screening. 

Chisel was also the composer for films “House,” “Desperation Road,” and “I Saw the Light.” Born and raised in Mississippi, Monteith appeared in the Oscar-winning film “Walk the Line” where she played Johnny Cash’s sister Reba Cash. Thaxton is the co-founder of the Institute for Southern Storytelling at Mississippi College.