The 2nd Annual Listening Room Film Festival is pleased to announce the line-up of live action feature films and shorts, documentaries and music videos to be screened, along with live performances by local, regional and national touring acts. The Festival is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 8-10 and 15-17 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Listening Room Film Festival was founded by music entrepreneur Henry Turner Jr. to provide an outlet for filmmakers, video producers and performers to present their work in a family friendly setting.
The main location is Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 2733 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Friday, December 8, Saturday, December 9, Friday, December 15, from 3:00pm to midnight and Sunday, December 17 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.
Free screenings and performances will be held on Sunday, December 10 at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library-Main Library located at 7711 Goodwood Boulevard, Baton Rouge, 70806 from 2:00pm to 9:00pm and on Saturday, December 16 at the River Center Branch Library located at 250 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. Feature films and video presentations with Q&A’s are inside. Live musical performances are outside. Vendors will also be on hand to add to the fun.
For the complete list of screenings, panels, filmmakers, live performance, times, locations and tickets please visit www.htjmuseum.org or call 225-802-9681.
Friday, December 8 at 3pm opens with a ‘Listening Room Alumna: Part I’ music video block. The ‘Made in Louisiana Films: Part I’ includes “Music Dreams-An American Story,” and “Battlegrounds: The Lost Community of Fazendeville,” followed by Q&A’s with filmmakers Henry Turner Jr., Charles Bush and Woody Keim. After the Opening Party Barry Coffing will present ‘Moment of Truth: How to Write Music for Film and Television.’ Musical performances include Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor and The Listening Room All-Stars.
Saturday, December 9 opens with a panel on ‘Music Licensing’ with Barry Coffing and Eric Cager. ‘Made in Louisiana: Part II’ debut shorts are “Game Party Squad: Part 2,” “The Poet,” and “The Chamber Room,” with “Fear of Change,” followed by Q&A’s with filmmakers Godric Johnson, Martin Louper, Kelton ‘Nspire Harper and Natalie Spencer. ‘Teasers and Trailers for Films’ panelists are Michele Barnes, Rita Rushing-Jones, Godric Johnson and Martin Louper, followed by a block of Louisiana Musicians videos. Performances include Smaggy (Mississippi), Pastor Leon Hitchens and Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor and The Listening Room All-Stars.
Free to the public on Sunday, December 10 at the Main Library is ‘Substance and Subtitles’ screenings of award-winning international shorts and features. They include “The Librarian” from Turkey, “Exchange” from Iran and “Do-Over” from India. ‘Holiday Spirit’ films include the comedies “The Hood Caroler” and “Santa’s Letters.” Musical performances by Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor and The Listening Room All-Stars also include a special guest appearance by the Lanford Ten Christmas Band.
On Friday, December 15, Christopher J. Stelly, Executive Group Director of Louisiana Entertainment, a Division of LED will present ‘Making Films with Louisiana Tax Credits,’ followed by ‘Fantasy and Animation’ shorts and music videos with a Q&A by David Davis and Nick Savides. Panels include ‘Social Issues: Racism, Violence, Drugs and Faith’ and ‘The A.I. Movement,’ with Jessi Campo, Henry Turner Jr., Flex3R, Ken Bloxson, Linda Mckenzie, VHS Celebs Justin Daniel Fry and Walter Harvey. Devine Intervention: We Collide will debut in the Made in Louisiana Part III slot followed by a Q&A, Performers include VHS Celebs (Atlanta), Linda Mckenzie (Nashville), Sir AP and Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor and The Listening Room All-Stars.
Saturday, December 16 beginning at 2pm, at the River Center Library, are ‘Films to Make You Think.’ The free screenings, making their Baton Rouge debut, are award-winners, “The Night of Prayers” and “El Sueno.” ‘Mystery, Mayhem and Music’ award-winners are “Mirrorty” and “Séance Games-Mexatu.” The latter followed by a Q&A with Tane McClure and Nisha Catron.” “American Blues Man” a documentary short about Kenny Neal and the Neal Family will also debut followed by a Q&A with him and his family.
Closing day festivities at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room on December 17 start at 3pm with ‘Listening Room and Festival Alumna: Part II.’ This music video block includes the World Premiere of “Night Drive” by VHS Celebs. The panel topic is ‘Marriage, Romance, Heartbreak and Abuse – Women’s Issues’ with shorts and music videos. Panelists include Gisele Harralson, Rita Rushing Jones, Michele Barnes, Teresa Perkins, Thea Arnold and Jenna Bossier. ‘Music and the Club Scene’ includes Baton Rouge debuts of award winning shorts “Baby” and “Swing 46: The Last Swingin’ Supper Club” and “Erie Planet Live.” Musical performances include Nisha Catron (San Diego) with a ‘Dancing the Night Away’ music video block.
Sponsors are Louisiana Department of Economic Development and its Office of Entertainment Development Department, Visit Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Public Libaries and Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room Museum Foundation.
