A short film featuring a compelling story about a local Mississippi native that teaches the youth in her community was filmed here in Simpson County and featured Simpson County natives as the stars.
The film is called “Mississippi Roots” and stars Ruby Hays of Mendenhall and several local youths. The film was primarily shot in the Broomfield Community, now the Bethlehem Church community. “Mississippi Roots” is scheduled to premiere this Saturday at the National Guard Armory in Magee . The red-carpet event will last from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Ruby Hays was available for an interview and spoke briefly about starring in her first film.
Hays said, “Renjah Brimage, our producer, came up with the idea of doing a movie in Simpson County on roots. She asked me would I play the old lady and that was it. I play the old lady and I express to the children about how we used to do things in the old days. I share my life history and growing up in Simpson County.”
Hays said, “I share with the children the lessons they can learn by listening and being obedient to their elders. Life lessons will be learned, and this film will have an impact on many different generations. Learning the past, it will help the younger generation appreciate their life more now by seeing where we come from, and all the possibilities that they have. They will appreciate their future better.”
Hays said that the lessons taught by the film can apply to people from anywhere and not just the South. Her excitement for
the project has continued to grow. She said she believed it was a skit in the beginning, but after learning her lines she saw the project was much more.
Hays said, “As I learned more about it, I appreciated it more. After being in it and learning my lines, it has evolved. I thought it was going to be a skit, but it has grown into something more than that. We’re going to have a red carpet and all the TV stations to cover it. It’s exciting, and I don’t know anything about a red-carpet experience. I’m an old lady, I’m 81-years old so this is a first and I’m excited.”
Hays said everyone can expect laughter, information on Simpson County history, and general life from a history perspective when attending the premiere.
The premiere of ‘Mississippi Roots’ is scheduled for October 12 at the Magee National Guard Amory beginning at 5 p.m.
