Take 5 with "Passenger Pigeons"

As we gear up for the Oxford Film Festival 2011 to be held at the Malco Studio Theater on Feb. 10-13, 2011, we thought we might introduce you to some of the people behind the movies we can't wait to show you.

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Martha Stephens, director of "Passenger Pigeons."
For the full schedule and description of the films, visit
www.oxfordfilmfest.com.

Q. 1: In 140 characters or less, describe your movie and why someone should see it.

A: It's a meditative love letter to Eastern Kentucky with a melancholic temperament. See it to catch Earl Lynn Nelson's performance as Buck!
Q. 2: Biggest lesson learned in getting the film made? Best part in getting the film made?

A: Although I had a sneaking suspicion, making Passenger Pigeons was confirmation of just how insanely hard it is to make a feature film. It takes every ounce of yourself to put it out there. It also gave me a sense of accomplishment like nothing else has. For lack of a better word, the whole experience was RAD
Q. 3: Tell us about you. What is your movie making background?

A: I grew up in Kentucky and left when i was 18. I went to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking. I studied directing and made a few short films. Afterward, I led a pretty nomadic life from living in Austin, TX, Asheville, NC, and currently the Eastern Panhandle of WV. I made Passenger Pigeons back home in Kentucky. It's my first feature film.
Q. 4: What's your dream distribution plan for the film?

A: I don't know if I have one. I'd like to eventually self-distribute it on DVD.
Q. 5: What does the future hold in store for your film and for you?

A: We've been screening Passenger Pigeons for almost a year now. I would imagine after the spring, our festival circuit will end. Hopefully sometime soon after that we'll put it out on DVD.
In July, I plan on shooting another feature called PILGRIM SONG. It's another Kentucky based film focusing on an unemployed music teacher who seeks self-guidance as he hikes the Sheltowee Trace Trail.
The guys from the Memphis based production company, PAPER MOON FILMS are on board to produce. It's an exciting marriage! Karrie Crouse, Tim Morton, and Bryan Marshall (from Passenger Pigeons) are returning to act. To learn more about the project you can go here:
http://pilgrimsong.chipin.com/pilgrim-song

We've been screening Passenger Pigeons for almost a year now. I would imagine after the spring, our festival circuit will end. Hopefully sometime soon after that we'll put it out on DVD. In July, I plan on shooting another feature called PILGRIM SONG. It's another Kentucky based film focusing on an unemployed music teacher who seeks self-guidance as he hikes the Sheltowee Trace Trail. The guys from the Memphis based production company, PAPER MOON FILMS are on board to produce. It's an exciting marriage! Karrie Crouse, Tim Morton, and Bryan Marshall (from Passenger Pigeons) are returning to act. To learn more about the project you can go here: http://pilgrimsong.chipin.com/p/

Martha Stephens -