Memphis, TN (April 12, 2021) – University of Memphis Department of Communication & Film and Indie Memphis join forces to launch "The Debuts" screening series at the Malco Summer Drive-In on May 5-6, focusing on first feature films by renowned American filmmakers. These stories, originating from all over the country, are a fascinating glimpse into the beginnings of successful Hollywood film careers. Screenings will include MEDICINE FOR MELANCHOLY, by Oscar-winning MOONLIGHT director Barry Jenkins, SUN DON'T SHINE, by THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE co-creator and SHE DIES TOMORROW director Amy Seimetz, and SHOTGUN STORIES, by MUD and LOVING director Jeff Nichols. Each screening will also feature a discussion of the work, including interviews with Seimetz and Nichols, and a discussion with the Memphis Black artists platform The Collective.
Tickets are $10 to the public, and free for both University of Memphis students and Indie Memphis members.
More information and screening times can be found at indiememphis.org/screening-series.
Sponsored in part by the Campus Community Fund of the University of Memphis.
Medicine for Melancholy (2008) | Dir. Barry Jenkins
May 5 @ 8:00PM CST | Presented with The Collective
This romantic drama, starring Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins, tracks the first 24 hours of a relationship between two young San Franciscans. While they attempt to discover if they might have a future together, they also both find themselves dealing with the challenges of being Black in a rapidly gentrifying city.
Shotgun Stories (2007) | Dir. Jeff Nichols
May 6 @ 7:50PM CST
This drama, starring Michael Shannon, tracks a blood feud between two sets of half-brothers, set in the back roads of Southeast Arkansas. One set of brothers were deserted by a violent, alcoholic father, who never even gave them proper names. The second set knew a different, sober man who led a comfortable middle-class life. When the first sons crash their father's funeral, it ignites escalating violence that underscores the lengths to which they all will go to protect their family.
Sun Don’t Shine (2012) | Dir. Amy Seimetz
May 6 @ 10:00PM CST
This drama, starring Kate Lyn Sheil and University of Memphis graduate Kentucker Audley, follows Crystal and Leo, two lovers on a tense and mysterious road trip through the desolate, sun-scorched landscape of central Florida. As they travel up the Gulf Coast, the disturbing details of their trip start to emerge, revealing Crystal's sinister past - and the couple's troubling future.
Media Inquiries
Miriam Bale | Indie Memphis, Artistic Director
Miriam@indiememphis.com
Marty Lang | Assistant Professor, Film and Video Production
Marty.Lang@memphis.edu