A local celebration of talent and culture returned to the Rocket City! The 6th Annual Southern Fried Film Festival united folks through cinema, songwriting and self-expression at Lowe Mill on Sunday.
Kelley Reishcauer co-founded the only international film festival in Huntsville. Years ago, she had her big break in Los Angeles, but wanted to bring home her passion for the arts.
"With film, you can see life through a different lens than your own," Reishcauer said. "If you can't travel outside of your bubble, you can travel through film."
That's the experience she's created for years now.
"It provides an opportunity to witness something together, experience something together, learn and have that conversation," Reishcauer said. "And, you really realize we're not all that different."
The festival's grown beyond her wildest dreams. Each culture is represented, and they pride themselves on celebrating all voices. That's something Decatur historian, Peggy Allen Towns, appreciates.
"It's bringing us together, and that's so much needed in times like this when there's so much dissension," Allen Towns said. "So much hatred. Just coming together where we are all in for one common goal."
Allen Towns spoke on a panel. Her powerful words inspired artists like Aubrey Rose Ray.
"You have young and old, and people in the middle just coming together to work on various different projects," Rose Ray said.
She's new in town and has vocals that won't quit. Rose Ray's got talent!
On a whim, she attended Sunday's festival and couldn't believe the doors it has opened for her.
"Everybody's here to really help uplift each other," Rose Ray said. "I think that's very, very nice."
To learn more about the Southern Fried Film Festival and how to get involved with their non-profit, .
The Southern Fried Film Festival brought talented artists in the community together for its 6th year.
