The Macon Film & Video Festival (MAGA) announces the special guests for the fourth annual film festival taking place in historic downtown Macon. Because of the increased number of film entries and special screenings, the festival will now take place at three venues: The Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre and the Grand Opera House.
The film festival will host an early “kick-off” on Wednesday, February 18, 7 p.m., at the Grand Opera House with heralded former University of Georgia Bulldog football coach Vince Dooley. Dooley will be present for the screening of Vince Dooley: Beyond Football, an in-depth look at the man who led UGA to 201 wins, six Southeastern Conference championships and one national championship. But the documentary will show another side to the coach – who grew up as a high school athlete, dance contest winner and an altar boy to the Mobile archbishop – through interviews with family, friends, peers and exclusive interviews with Dooley himself. Following the screening, there will be an audience Q&A with panelists Dooley, producer Debbie Permar and other special UGA guests (to be announced soon). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Also appearing at MAGA this year is the legendary Hollywood and Broadway screen and stage star Karen Black. Black will be on hand for the special screenings of two of her films, including 2008’s The Blue Tooth Virgin on Friday, February 20 at 8:45 p.m. (Cox Capitol Theatre) and a second screening (film to be announced) on Sunday, February 22 at 6 p.m. (Cox Capitol Theatre).
Macon native, acclaimed actress and producer Carrie Preston will return to her hometown for the special screening of her independent film Ready? OK! – a poignant comedy where single Mom (Preston) struggles to understand her young son's obsession with dresses, dolls and girls' cheerleading. With the recent death of her absent father, her wayward brother returns home, compelling them all to face what it truly means to be a "family.” Preston will be on hand for the special screening on Saturday, February 21 at 8:45 p.m. (Cox Capitol Theatre).