Your guide to the 2023 DeSoto Film Festival
12 Oct / 2023
Lights, camera, action! The DeSoto Film Festival is set for Nov. 3-4 at Southaven’s SouthPoint Church (2010 Stateline Road), and we’re excited to bring you a preview of what to expect. Whether you’re a certified cinephile or just looking for something fun to do with the family, this festival promises to be a unique outing.
The film festival, founded by Robb Rokk of the DeSoto Arts Institute (DAI), first debuted in 2019. DAI is a nonprofit media arts training organization providing exposure, education and hands-on experience in film and video production, screenwriting, acting, music and audio production. The festival has grown significantly, having received over 400 submissions this year from participants ranging from teenagers to older adults.
Many of the submissions come from DAI’s Film School 101 students. “The festival serves as a platform for students to showcase their work,” said Jesaiah Burnett, former student and current program director at DAI. “The experience, from start to finish, provides a link between education and real-world filmmaking.”
Attendees can expect an action-packed weekend, complete with a hands-on filmmaking workshop, short film showcase, Film School 101's premiere of two collaborative projects and student graduation. All films are considered family friendly, span a variety of themes and fall within G, PG or PG-13 ratings. To learn more about the festival and to purchase tickets, please visit desotofilmfestival.com.