subSIPPI blooms throughout Magnolia State

“Something that has brought us together is seeing perpetual change together as directors. Society is always changing and what we’re pushing for is a better Mississippi—one that has strong infrastructure,” said Vincent Chaney, director of subSIPPI : an exploratory documentary.

“Through this, I’ve learned that Mississippi is so special in the sense that once you become invested in your community, you can truly let your voice be heard.”

The highly anticipated subSIPPI press party debuted on Saturday night at Oddfellows Gallery in the Historic Downtown Hattiesburg area.

The press party, hosted by Adam Myrick and Jason le Viere, owners of Click Boutique and Gallery, drew in dozens of spectators hungry to learn more about the documentary making waves all around the state.

The shindig left directors James Gregory Gandy and Vincent Chaney with enough funds to polish off the rest of their cinematic endeavors; however unexpected, their journey has only begun.

The documentary was expected to debut in December, but through time, curators Gandy and Chaney learned why so many documentaries take awhile to develop and grow.

“There’s a reason why films and documentaries take years to make,” Gandy said. “We want to be able to truly reach out to people and give them an honest portrayal of Mississippi regardless of the amount of time it will take.”

Gandy and Chaney pride themselves on giving viewers the feeling of existing in the broad spectrum of environments being captured for this film.

The purpose of the documentary is to inform Mississippians about a handful of subcultures embedded deeply within communities all around the state. This film will act as a resource for Mississippians while clearing up any negative connotations associated with Mississippian’s past.

Both directors hope to portray a positive and informative worldview of Mississippi’s rapidly progressive growth.

The directors want Mississippians to have a chance to finally become connected through this movement while breaking down cultural and religious barriers.

In doing so, Chaney, Gandy and the rest of the subSIPPI film crew have traveled around the state over the past year developing relationships with a wide spectrum of individuals ranging from Vietnamese shrimpers to artists in Biloxi.

Gandy and Chaney are aware of the dependency and hope Mississippians have instilled in this project, but they see it as a way for Mississippians to invest in each other.

They want to create a ripple effect that will drive Mississippians to become more open to learning about cultures, artistry, lifestyles, and sacred religious customs. Although a release date has not been posted, Gandy and Chaney promise this dynamic documentary will not disappoint.