The invitations have been sent. The guests have been lined up. The movies have been assembled. The venues have been established.

The stage is being set, literally and figuratively, for the Jokara-Micheaux Film Festival, to be held August 28-31 in three cities in southwest Georgia. The four-day festival, billed Celebrating Film Southern Style, will afford area residents the opportunity to meet celebrities, attend symposiums, view awardwinning and independent films, and become familiar with the possibilities available to persons interested in a career in motion pictures.

The annual event, now in its third year, is the brainchild of Ralph Wilcox, director of The Southwest Georgia Film Commission and the acclaimed director of The Lena Baker Story, a movie filmed throughout southwest Georgia that is getting a lot of buzz in the film industry.

The Lena Baker Story, starring Tichina Arnold ("Martin" and "Everybody Hates Chris), character actors Beverly Todd and Peter Coyote, along with Michael Rooker, was the opening film at the Atlanta Film Festival and was also shown at the internationally renown Cannes Market in France.

Wilcox is also the director of Henny Penny Production Video/Television Production and Training Program. As a veteran of over thirty years in film and television, the actor/ director/film commissioner knows his craft and the opportunities that are available to all. He is committed to economic development of the area through training of individuals in all aspects of filmmaking as well as taking advantage of the richness and uniqueness of southwest Georgia. Several films, Wilcox says, are in the works and these will be an economic boost for the area.

He also wants to get the word out that the festival is an experience for the entire family and may serve as an inspiration for anyone that aspires for a career in film.

"All of the films that we show are family-oriented. The symposiums are free, as well, and interested persons can learn from seasoned professionals. There will also be an autograph signing in Blakely with Arnold, Todd, Rooker, and others present on Saturday morning. Lou Gossett, Jr., (Best Supporting Oscar winner for An Officer and a Gentleman), is scheduled to appear but he is working with Obama and he will get here when he can," Wilcox said.

The combined efforts of the cities of Blakely, Colquitt, and Camilla and the schedule of events have made the Jokara Micheaux Film Festival a "must see" for everyone.

Here is a run-down of planned events:

•Screenings, symposiums, and invitational receptions at each of the three venues

•The Flint River Arts Council hosts an art show on August 29th & 30th, 10AM to 5PM at Camilla's McCree Hall Conference Center

•An all-day Block Party to be held August 30 in Blakely

•Black-tie celebrity dinner scheduled for August 30 at the Jokara-Micheaux Film Studio in Colquitt

•A Red Carpet Screening of The Lena Baker Story will be held during the Celebrity Dinner scheduled for Saturday, August 30 in Colquitt.

•Special screening of the award-winning Amazing Grace in Blakely at the Blakely Cineplex and The First of May in Camilla at Camilla Java

Southwest Georgia Regional Development Center (RDC) will provide free bus transportation to and from events held in Colquitt, Camilla and Blakely.

For more information on the festival itself and to make reservations for the celebrity dinner, contact the festival at (229) 758-8188.

For information about the bus transportation, contact the Southwest Georgia Film Commission Office at 229- 758-8833.

For more information about the block party, contact EC2055 at (229) 724-7588.

For information about the Flint River Arts Council (FRAC) and the art show, contact Joe Saponaro at 229- 336-328-8009.

The following websites are available to find information on

•The Jokara-Micheaux Film Festival : http://www.swgafestival. com/

•Henny-Penny Productions: http://www.swgafilms.com/ henny_penny.htm

•"The Lena Baker Story" (review): http://www.imdb. com/title/tt1139662/