If you’ve been to the Neshoba County Fair, you understand the pageantry of the week-long, action-packed affair. From horse races to concerts to political speeches and more all while wiping sweat beads off your brow, Mississippi’s Giant House Party offers a wide range of entertainment uniquely tailored to its faithful visitors.
But an outsider who has never experienced a night out in Neshoba may not understand its appeal. That’s where Bryan Carpenter, a Carthage native who heads Mississippi-based 13 South Productions, is looking to step in with a new film, called “Last American House Party,” centered around the annual summer extravaganza held in the middle of nowhere.
“‘Last American House Party’ is part of our continued vision to create films about our great state of Mississippi, made in Mississippi by Mississippians. This project builds on that endeavor, following our first film, ‘Little Brother of War’ — a beautiful piece showcasing the Choctaw people and their ancient game of stickball,” Carpenter said.
“Now, ‘Last American House Party’ explores a topic unique to our state and its beautiful culture: something you can find nowhere else. It reveals the Neshoba County Fair as so much more than its name implies — a true celebration of Southern living at its finest, embodying love of God, love of country, and love of our neighbors.”
The film’s first screening will, fittingly, take place in the fair’s hometown of Philadelphia. The premiere will air at the Ellis Theater on Sunday, July 27, at 4 p.m. Ticket information is not yet available.
“A friend of mine recently quoted William Faulkner, who said, ‘To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.’ In his words, and through her reminder, that’s exactly what this film represents…Mississippi,” Carpenter concluded.
