Getting to Know You with Rory Ledbetter

Without volunteers, a film festival would not have a chance at being successful. As we gear up for the 7th annual Oxford Film Festival, we thought we would welcome you to some of our film fest family, the volunteers that return every year and some new faces. Welcome Rory Ledbetter, the man that helps make the Q&A part of the fest an emphasis on amusing answers.


Q: Tell us a little about who you are (retired, where you work, mom, good cook, etc)


A: I teach Acting and Voice at University of Mississippi. I'm originally from Atlanta, GA. I just started a blog at http://roryledbetter.com...I used to be vegan but now I'm presbyterian. Well, not really...about the presbyterian part...I'm no longer vegan, but I love to cook vegan food! My second home is usually a comfy coffee shop. My favorite movie of all-time is O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? In fact, I'm a huge fan of all things Coen -- Brothers that is.


Q: How many years have you volunteered with the festival?


A: This is my 2nd year volunteering with the festival. Although in another life I'm sure I volunteered for its earlier incarnation "The Oxford Shadow Puppet Festival".


Q: What prompted you to get involved with the festival?


A: There wasn't anything else to do in Oxford. Actually, it just seemed like a great idea. Going to the movies is fun. But going to the movies and being associated with the whole event is Priceless!


Q: In what areas of the festival do you volunteer?


A: I coordinate the Q & A. And if you're thinking "Quidditch and Aurors?! Cool! This must be the best movie festival ever!!!" You're right -- it is the best movie festival ever. But I run the "Questions & Answers".after the movies...if there is quidditch going on, I don't know about it...the aurors must've concealed it from me.


Q: Favorite experience or memory of previous festivals?


A: Two words: After Parties! I can't put my finger on a specific memory...but one of the things I enjoyed most was eventually seeing familiar faces in all the movie watching places. I had a great time meeting people who flew/drove in for the festival and then seeing them again and again at all the events. It reminded me how special Oxford is...and not in a riding the short bus kind of way -- but in a what your mother says you are kind of way...or at least in the blue light at Kmart kind of way. (Wait, did I just date myself?!)


Q: What have been some of your favorite movies in previous festivals?


A: I loved PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI. That was one of the most touching and eye-opening documentaries I've ever seen.