Macon: "That's What She Said" (***)

Marcia DeBonis, Anne Heche and Alia Shawkat star in "That's What She Said"

Carrie Preston has become somewhat of an icon in Macon. The hometown girl worked hard to break into Hollywood, going from bit parts to scene-stealing roles in films like "Duplicity," "My Best Friends Wedding" and "That Evening Sun." Now, as evidenced by her work on "True Blood" and "The Good Wife," Preston is a widely sought-after actress. A triple threat, she also wears the hats of director and producer.

"That's What She Said" marks Preston's second directorial feature and third time producing. The film premiered at Sundance and was showcased as the closing night film at the Macon Film Festival less than a month later. Following the film, Preston was gracious enough to do a Q&A via Skype with the Macon audience, mostly talking about her experience making "That's What She Said." While the film failed to impress me, I did find some things to appreciate. At the top of the good column is Preston's promising future as a director.

2012 Macon Film Festival in pictures

The crowd begins to form in anticipation of "That's What She Said"
and director Carrie Preston's Skype Q&A.

I'm going to post a write-up of my experience at the wonderful Macon Film Festival later this week, but first I wanted to share with you a few of the pictures I took. My photography skills are mediocre at best, but hopefully you can get a feel for the fest. Twelve more pictures after the jump.

Beth Grant, Carrie Preston among special guests at 2012 Macon Film Festival

Carrie Preston (top) and Beth Grant to showcase
films at 2012 Macon Film Festival.

With 125 films from around the globe screening, numerous workshops and after parties; the 7th annual Macon Film Festival promises to be the event's biggest year yet. Four special screenings highlight this year's fest.

On Thursday, February 16th, Grammy Award winning music video producer Joseph Uliano will showcase a collection of his work. The Dublin native is currently an executive producer at Wondros, a production collective out of Los Angeles that also houses such names as David O. Russell, Trent Reznor and Antoine Fuqua.

George Clooney's Oscar nominated film "The Ides of March" will screen at the Cox Capitol Theatre on Friday, the 17th. Political strategist and Macon native, Jay Carson, was the inspiration for Ryan Gosling's character in the film and will be in attendance.