Strong showing for docs at 2013 Macon Film Festival

Clockwise from top left: "AKA Blondie," "Six Million and One,"
"Code of the West," "Death of a Cemetery"

For the first time at any fest since launching Reel Georgia, I screened more documentaries than narrative features at this year's Macon Film Festival. You've already seen my reviews for Louisiana docs "Tchoupitoulas" and "The Man Who Ate New Orleans," but four more docs in the lineup also impressed. The 2012 Atlanta Film Festival's biggest hit was "AKA Blondie," which was just as big of a success in Macon last month. Israeli Holocaust documentary "Six Million and One" and Montana marijuana documentary "Code of the West" each made their case and the Best Documentary Feature winner, "Death of a Cemetery," presented a compelling look at the living residents of the Manila North Cemetery.

From the French Quarter to the SoChi District: "Tchoupitoulas" (****½) and "The Man Who Ate New Orleans" (***½)

Contrasting portraits of the Big Easy; "Tchoupitoulas" (top)
and "The Man Who Ate New Orleans" (bottom)

Aside from both being gritty, distinctly Southern cities full of life and history, Macon and New Orleans don't have too much in common. That didn't keep the Big Easy from having a formidable presence at this year's Macon Film Festival. "Beasts of the Southern Wild" was chosen to close out the 8th annual fest, providing Maconites with one last chance to see it on the big screen before it competes for four Academy Awards this weekend. But before Hushpuppy and her ancient aurochs ruled the screen last Sunday, two NOLA-set documentaries won audiences over.

"Tchoupitoulas" and "The Man Who Ate New Orleans" helped inject some character into the already strong lineup; as if the Macon Film Festival wasn't already bursting at the seams with atmosphere– with the Magatinis flowing and people from all walks of life making their way down Cherry Street in between theaters.

What to see at the 2013 Macon Film Festival

The first leg of Georgia's film festival circuit is about to kick off with the always robust Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. But after the AJFF begins and before it ends, another Georgia gem will take place. The 8th annual Macon Film Festival (MaGa) will run from February 14th through the 17th, just three weeks away! I saw some good films, met some fun people, ate some delicious food and took many great walks around town last February and look forward to getting to do it all over again this year.

The Macon Film Festival is similar to the Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) in both age and size, although I can see the big dreams and ambitions of the MaGa board propelling the fest into the reach of a broader audience within the next few years. This year, several documentaries and features look promising and the festival always offers a wide variety of short films worth looking into. The special gala presentations (one each night) are still being announced, but they usually bring one or two stars into town. Last year, veteran character actress Beth Grant ("The Artist," "Donnie Darko," "No Country for Old Men") and Macon native Carrie Preston ("Duplicity," "That's What She Said," "True Blood") showcased some of their work.

After the jump, I've highlighted several films worth checking out. A few films have played at other festivals, including both RIFF and the Atlanta Film Festival, while others are fresh out of the editing room.