Screen Time: Maximus Wright on JXN Film Festival
Director, Writer, and Producer Maximus Wright stumbled upon his passion for filmmaking by mistake.
In an attempt to help his daughter pursue an acting career, he began exploring not only how to make films but how to grow the industry within his home state of Mississippi.
As the creator of the JXN Film Festival, he and his team have assisted burgeoning filmmakers, artists, and actors in finding their start on the big screen.
What are memorable or standout moments from past festivals where you felt, "Wow, this is becoming an integral part of our community and needs to stay here in Jackson?"
We're blown away by the entries from young and older people who have a passion for filmmaking. This will be our second year partnering with AARP for an award presented to individuals over 50 pursuing their dreams in film. It's not so much about whether they win, but that they dare take that leap.
Hearing people say their dreams have come true because of JXN Film Fest is incredibly rewarding. Many believe they need to move to L.A. or Atlanta for a film career, not realizing they can do it here in Mississippi. JXN Film Fest is transformative, allowing artists to showcase their work and network and fostering horizontal success as attendees support each other’s careers.
How does JXN Film Fest support and promote local filmmakers in the Jackson community?
It brings Hollywood to us, which we've been proud of for years, with respected industry professionals conducting training and mentoring so our attendees don't have to travel. This also brings attention to our city, as many have never been to Jackson or Mississippi.
The Motion Picture Association, sponsoring our festival again this year, partners with something called “HBCUs in L.A.” to connect students from historically black colleges with Hollywood jobs. They have a 90% job placement rate, with recruits at Disney, Pixar, and Lionsgate. We hosted their most successful regional tour yet. It's essential to nurture the next generation of filmmakers.
What are the challenges you faced in building this festival? And how has the Jackson community helped you overcome them?
Overcoming stigma is a challenge, not just from outsiders towards Jackson but also from within the Metro area recognizing our film potential. I'm grateful for our strong creative community and external support. I embrace our identity and see this festival as a chance to showcase our state's storytelling legacy. We boast some of the world's best writers. Because of that, we should cultivate top filmmakers. That passion drives me, and I wake up every day excited for this festival and a chance to inspire the next generation.
Can you share some highlights visitors can expect at JXN Film Fest 2024?
This year, we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the sitcom "Good Times." The festival will kick off with Bern Nadette Stanis Stanis, who played Thelma. She'll be here, and we're hosting an evening with her where she'll talk about her experiences 50 years later.
Our screenings will run from morning to evening, and we're featuring 100 filmmakers and 100 artists this year in a special networking event. One thing we've noticed is that many independent filmmakers don't have good art on their walls, which affects their production value. Conversely, many artists don't realize that film can be a great vehicle for their work. For instance, the artwork on "Good Times" was created by Ernie Barnes, specifically the painting called "The Sugar Shack." Marvin Gaye initially bought the piece, and now Eddie Murphy owns it. It was auctioned by Christie's two years ago for around $24 million.
Lastly, we'll be hosting a big celebration of the whole week with our Black Tie Awards Gala at the Two Mississippi Museums. We’d love for our Jackson community to attend!
To learn more about JXN Film Fest, view the full schedule of events, and purchase tickets, visit jxnfilmfestival.com.
