Fifty volunteers launched the Memphis International Film Festival seven years ago.
Now, with nearly 1,500 volunteers, these Memphis film lovers have assembled one of the most exciting and diverse film line-ups the South has ever seen.
Almost 400 film submissions were sent to the Memphis Film Forum, ranging from feature, documentary and live action short.
These entries were narrowed down in recent months through a jury composed of Film Forum volunteers.
Now, with 50 films set to play on the big screen, Lisa Bobal, the chairman of the Memphis Film Forum, is ecstatic about sharing these unique films with the public.
"It's a celebration of local and global independent film," Bobal said. "It's a celebration of the art of filmmaking."
In its seventh year, there is plenty for Bobal, the volunteers and the audience to celebrate. Not only are award-winning films being screened in Memphis, several of these films focus on Memphis musicians.
"Amazing Grace: Jeff Buckley," directed by first-time filmmaker Nyla Adams, celebrates the life and legend of the beloved chanteuse who drowned nearly nine years ago in the Mississippi River.
This documentary has been a part of the festival circuit in recent years, and is finally being shown in the city that Buckley called home for several years before his death. A brief tidbit, the film is being shown at Studio on the Square in midtown, a mere two blocks from Buckley's Memphis home.
Numerous calls have reached the Film Forum in regards to "Amazing Grace," according to Bobal.
"One fan said she had been waiting for the film to screen within 12 hours of her house," she said.
This fondness for Buckley and his angelic voice has only grown since his death. Even though "Grace" was the only album he ever released, numerous rarities and live albums have been assembled in the years since his death.
The documentary is the most recent arrival in the long line of tributes to the man who sang everything from Bob Dylan, to the MC5 to Nina Simone.
This continuous groundswell of support for Buckley will no doubt make the screening of "Amazing Grace" one of the most coveted viewings of the festival.
Another Memphis-inspired film is "Altered by Elvis." The documentary, directed by Tiffany and Jayce Bartok features interviews with people whose lives have changed in some form or fashion thanks to the hip-swiveling King of Rock-n-Roll.
The third music-inspired documentary is "New Orleans: Music in Exile," which opens the festival Thursday.
"When this film came along, we thought that it was just perfect," Bobal said.
Directed by Robert Mugger, the documentary follows New Orleans musicians in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The group Cowboy Mouth is featured in the film, and will also be on hand for the film's premiere.
The opening night celebration continues with a party at Malco Paradiso, following the Thursday night selections. An invite to the party is included along with the four-day festival pass currently on sale for $35.
"We're so excited," Bobal said. "Unfortunately, we only have four days."
Festival passes and tickets for individual screenings are available at the Studio on the Square box office, as well as online at www.malco.com.
For more information on the selected films, as well as screening times, log on to http://memphisfilmforum.org
