Today the Macon Film Festival announced the Special Screenings & Spotlight Films that will headline the tenth annual festival, held July 16-19, 2015. 

The Opening Night special screening on Thursday, July 16, is the documentary MAVIS!  Directed by Jessica Edwards, the film is about Mavis Staple of the Staple Singers, who inspired millions and helped propel the civil rights movement with their music. After 60 years of performing, legendary singer Mavis Staples' message of love and equality is needed now more than ever.

Friday night, July 17, special guest Burt Reynolds will present the iconic Georgia-filmed DELIVERANCE (1972.) Reynolds will participate in Q&A following the screening.

Saturday night, July 18, is SLOW WEST, directed by John Maclean. 'Slow West' follows a 16-year-old boy on a journey across 19th Century frontier America in search of the woman he loves, while accompanied by mysterious traveler Silas. The film stars Michael Fassbender and Kodi Smit-McPhee. 

The closing night Special Screening on Sunday, July 19, is SHARKY’S MACHINE, directed by Burt Reynolds. Reynolds will be available for a Q&A following the screening. 

Spotlight films will be a new addition to the 2015 Macon Film Festival. SOUTHERN DOC SPOTLIGHT - WESTERN (Friday, July 17th 3:00pm @ Cox Capitol Theatre)

Director: Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross.

Synopsis: For generations, all that distinguished Eagle Pass, TX, from Piedras Negras, MX, was the Rio Grande. But when darkness descends upon these harmonious border towns, a cowboy and lawman face a new reality that threatens their way of life.

PROGRAMMER’S CHOICE SPOTLIGHT - LIVE FROM NEW YORK! (Sunday, July 19th 1:30pm @ Douglass Theatre)

Director: Bao Nguyen

Synopsis: "Saturday Night Live" has been reflecting and influencing life in the United States for 40 years. Live From New York! goes deep inside this cultural phenomenon exploring the laughter that pulses through American politics, tragedy and popular culture.

Live From New York! explores the early years of "Saturday Night Live", an experiment from a young Lorne Michaels and his cast of unknowns, and follows its evolution into a comedy institution. The film looks at SNL as a living time capsule, encompassing decades of American politics, media, tragedy, and popular culture with an irreverent edge. Archival footage is interwoven with stolen moments and exclusive commentary from SNL legends, journalists, hosts, musical guests, crew and others influenced by the comedy giant. Live From New York! captures what has enabled SNL to continually refresh itself over nearly 800 episodes and keep America laughing for 40 years.

FESTIE BESTIE SPOTLIGHT - HOW SWEET THE SOUND: BLIND BOYS FROM ALABAMA (Sunday, July 19th 10:00am @ Douglass Theatre)

Director: Leslie McCleave

Synopsis: Directed and Produced by Leslie McCleave  Filmed over the course of ten years, How Sweet the Sound tells the story of The Blind Boys of Alabama. They met as children in the 1930’s at a state-run segregated vocational school and would become one of the last great gospel quartets, traversing the famed “gospel highway” and beyond. As the surviving band members recount their unlikely success story, we see a rare, frank view of life on and off the road with these renowned performers, now in their 70’s and 80’s. 

The four-day Macon Film Festival was named one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the world by Moviemaker Magazine. The festival includes screenings independent films that you can’t see in any other theatres, including short and long format narratives and documentaries. Screenings are held at three venues located within three blocks in downtown Macon: Cox Capitol Theatre, the Douglass Theatre and The 567 Center. Filmmaking workshops, networking events and legendary after-parties combine to make this an event that draws audiences and artists from around the globe. 

Purchase tickets or preview the festival schedule at MaconFilmFestival.com. Tickets are $10 for one-block screenings, $25 for one-day passes; $75 for Screening passes, valid all four days; and $150 for All-Access passes that include admission to all screenings and after-parties. Purchase tickets online at www.MaconFilmFestival.com. To keep up with the latest festival news follow us on Facebook (Macon Film Festival) or Twitter (@MaconFilmFest). Tickets, programs and merchandise will be available at Macon Film Festival Headquarters located at 567 Cherry St., from Wednesday, July 15, through Sunday, July 19.