Private Project

A Place Like Mississippi

A young and frustrated Mississippian decides to take matters into his own hands when he doesn't see any change in his community.

  • West Givens
    Writer
  • West Givens
    Director
  • West Givens
    Producer
  • Jax Dallas
    Key Cast
    "Maxwell"
  • Brynden Foster
    Key Cast
    "Spencer"
  • Briana Patton
    Key Cast
    "Desirée"
  • John Ross Graham
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Jackson"
  • Buford Givens
    Key Cast
    "Maxwell's Father"
  • Carole Givens
    Key Cast
    "Maxwell's Mother"
  • Janet Givens
    Key Cast
    "Maxwell's Grandmother"
  • Anthony Rowan
    Key Cast
    "Courthouse Clerk"
  • West Givens
    Director of Photography
  • Anthony Rowan
    1st AD
  • Tommy Thornsburg
    1st AC
  • Brynden Foster
    2nd AC
  • Zach McMullen
    Location Sound
  • West Givens
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 7 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 1, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Indie Memphis Film Festival
    Memphis, Tennessee
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Rails to Reels Film Festival
    Meridian, MS
    United States
    October 19, 2018
    Official Selection
  • Grenada AfterGlow Film Festival
    Grenada, Mississippi
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - West Givens

West Givens grew up in Senatobia, which is a small town in the hills of north Mississippi. Dedicated to telling and preserving unique stories as he grows up in the Magnolia State, he's been making Mississippi short films since 2014. Givens carried on that dedication through his education at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science where he graduated in 2016. While at MSMS, he earned the opportunity to be a youth judge at the 20th Annual Berlin and Beyond Film Festival in San Francisco, CA. He is now pursuing a BFA in Film and Television Production at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Givens' second film "Celluloid" won Best Young Mississippi Filmmaker at the Grenada AfterGlow Film Festival. He directed the photography on "Communion" which was nominated for Best TV Show at the International Christian Film Festival.

"A Place Like Mississippi" is his third short film and he begins production on his biggest project yet, "38,600 MPH," in August 2018.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"A Place Like Mississippi" tackles a topic that's rather controversial in Mississippi--the Confederate flag. I did not make this film to stir up drama or make anyone mad. I made this film to start a conversation. Throughout my life I've had many conversations and experiences that are similar to the ones depicted in the film. This film sheds light on those experiences. I made this film out of a deep love for Mississippi.