Local film to be screened downtown

The University of Southern Mississippi chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) is teaming up with local business Little Dog Cinema to screen the local indie film “Hickory Never Bleeds” on Wednesday.

“Hickory Never Bleeds” is a science-fiction “mockumentary” film that follows a group of small town residents in search of an “unseen threat in the woods.” The film allows the “quirky town residents to share their theories on what’s lurking in the woods, and what they think should be done about it,” according to the film’s website. 

Senior marketing major and AMA Vice President of Communications Kevin Buckley said the event is one of a kind. 

“What’s absolutely unique about this event is that both the business and the feature presentation are local,” Buckley said. 

“Hickory Never Bleeds” was produced by Frank Ladner, who is from Poplarville, Miss. It was filmed in rural areas of south Mississippi and uses local residents as the actors and crew.

The business screening the film is Little Dog Cinema, a local business that hosts screenings of films outdoors for events, backyard parties and fundraisers. Little Dog Cinema is also owned and operated by local citizen and USM graduate, Ronnie Venable. Little Dog Cinema’s last screening was “Shawshank Redemption” at the Keg and Barrel. 

The AMA has had an active chapter at Southern Miss for the past decade, but Buckley says they are reinventing it by helping local businesses like Little Dog Cinema. AMA is a national collegiate and professional organization that focuses on providing opportunities and experiences for students to connect the content learned from classrooms to careers. AMA participates in community service and fundraising events. 

The screening of “Hickory Never Bleeds” will be held in downtown Hattiesburg on Front Street at 6:30 p.m. The event will have a costume contest, an outdoor movie, a photobooth and an after party at the BoomBoom Room. There are no admission charges, but donations will be accepted. Lawn chairs are recommended.

Buckley said students, faculty, staff and residents of Hattiesburg should attend the event. “This is such a unique experience to have and to participate in,” Buckley said. How often do you get to enjoy a locally-produced film put on by a local outdoor film specialist?

To learn more about the film, visit hickoryneverbleeds.com