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Here at Backbeat Tours we tell people from all over the world about our unique city everyday. From Graceland to the Grizzlies, Beale St. to the Burbs we are passionate about Memphis. This blog is where we share quirky, behind-the-scenes tales of Memphis, past and present.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Indie Memphis Peep Show

Two things happened for the first time last night. 1. I went to the new Hi-Tone on Cleveland. 2. I attended Craig Brewers Indie Memphis Peep Show, which is the opening event announcing the films being presented at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival.

First off the new Hi-Tone is a really great space, but you have to make sure to not miss it when driving by. In Crosstown on Cleveland, they don’t have a big sign up yet so you have to make sure to really look for it. When you’re heading North on Cleveland, it’s right past the Jehovah’s Witness Assembly Hall.
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The Indie Memphis Film Festival connects and inspires indie filmmakers and film lovers. In its 16th year the festival will show over 45 movies. The festival runs from October 31st to November 3rd. Last night, Craig Brewer (director of Hustle & Flow and Black Snake Moan) debuted sneak peaks of the movies showing at the festival. They ranged from movies that are generating Oscar buzz to Hometowner movies directed by locals. In between the announcements there were performances by the Memphis Belles. These burlesque dancers were the perfect mix of sultry and sensational. My favorite part of the performances was when Craig compared these dancers to the Vaudeville act of Blossom Ceily, whose performance was so hot it literally burnt Memphis's Grand Opera House to the ground in 1923.
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The movies I am most excited about include the Friday Gala Screening of August: Osage County and Sunday’s Gala Screening, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Take a look at the trailers:

Exciting right? I also can’t wait to see the Hometowner film Orange Mound, Tennessee: America's Community,directed by Emmanuel Amido. Orange Mound was developed for African-Americans in the 1890s and is one of the first communities where they could build and own property. The movie celebrates this historical community.

For ticket information check out the Indie Memphis Website. What movies are y'all excited about seeing during the festival?

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