Mississippi storytellers to discuss their craft during inaugural Storyfest at MC

The Institute for Southern Storytelling at Mississippi College will host its inaugural Storyfest, a celebration of storytelling through books and film, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, in the Entergy Theater at the Gore Arts Complex on MC’s East Campus in Clinton. The event is free and open to the public.

In collaboration with the City of Clinton’s Red Brick Roads Music and Arts Festival, Storyfest will feature a screening of award-winning author Michael Farris Smith’s short film, “Chasing Rabbits,” and a conversation with Mississippi native and actor Gary Grubbs, moderated by Institute co-founder Anthony Thaxton.

“Part of our mission at the Institute for Southern Storytelling is to provide free events to the Clinton community and MC community that highlight Southern storytellers,” said Amy Thaxton, director of the Institute.

Smith partnered with producer Anthony Thaxton of Thaxton Studios and the Institute for Southern Storytelling to produce “Chasing Rabbits,” which is based on his award-winning short story of the same name. The film marks Smith’s directorial debut. It was filmed in Clinton with a student crew from the Institute.

“In June of 2024, Michael Farris Smith came to the Institute for an interview for an upcoming TV series we are producing called ‘Southern Voices,’” Amy Thaxton said. “Anthony shared with him that we had students who were interested in working in narrative and dramatic film and inquired if Michael had a short story that we could adapt into a screenplay.

“Michael replied that he had a story that would be perfect. We gathered our crew of MC students and filmed here in Clinton during the opening weekend of Thanksgiving break. It was a wonderful experience for all involved.”

“Chasing Rabbits” premiered on Feb. 27 at the Oxford Film Festival. Storyfest will host the film’s second screening.

Smith’s novels have appeared on numerous Best of the Year lists, including in “Southern Living,” “Garden and Gun,” “Oprah Magazine,” National Public Radio and other media outlets. He has scripted feature-film adaptations of his novels, “Desperation Road” and “The Fighter,” and has released a music album.

Storyfest will also feature a conversation with Grubbs along with film and television clips highlighting the celebrated actor’s 40-year career spanning nearly 200 television and film projects. An actor, teacher and writer, Grubbs’ relationship with his wife, Glenda, and their two children is rooted in his deep faith in Christ and his Southern roots.

“Gary is a dear friend,” Amy Thaxton said. “He has many interesting and amusing stories about his experiences with directors and fellow actors. This promises to be a highly entertaining night filled with insider Hollywood stories from both Michael and Gary.”

She said the Storyfest audience will gain an appreciation for the state’s rich storytelling heritage.

“Mississippians are natural-born storytellers and we have an abundance of talent here in our home state,” Thaxton said. “It is inspiring for people to see creative individuals producing novels, television shows and films right here in Mississippi.

“Part of our mission in hosting events like Storyfest is to highlight and celebrate the creative people and projects in our midst and raise awareness about the talent and opportunities that are available here.”

Lemuria books will be onsite offering Smith’s novels and the Institute’s coffee table books for sale. A meet and greet and book signing will follow the program. A tour of the Institute for Southern Storytelling will also be available.

For more information, email Amy Thaxton at cbthaxton@mc.edu.