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Maui Magic for the Memphis Tigers

Penny Hardaway (photo by Wes Hale)

Penny Hardaway’s seventh season as coach of the Memphis Tigers began with a bang(!) Monday in Maui. A roster that’s all but entirely new battled the second-ranked Connecticut Huskies into overtime and, thanks to nine points (six free throws) from someone named P.J. Carter, upset the two-time defending national champions, 99-97. Wait, you say, Memphis entered the game with four wins in four games. Began?

The nature of college basketball in 2024 is, in a word, flux. Players come and go with the frequency of fickle middle-school crushes. Last year’s Tiger star, David Jones, played one season in blue and gray (and won the American Athletic Conference scoring title). The Tigers’ star in 2022-23, Kendric Davis, played one season in blue and gray (and won the American Athletic Conference scoring title). These were veteran players that Hardaway essentially borrowed for a one-winter run. Cutting to the present, the 2024-25 Tigers are measuring the star power of their new roster, knowing full well most of the players we see in uniform in Maui will not be here twelve months from now. And those first four games didn’t tell us much, other than this group plays better after halftime than before.

Then came the opening game of the Maui Invitational. A team that struggled after the tip in its first four contests hit 56 percent of its shots (and five of ten three-point attempts) in going toe to toe with the mighty Huskies, the score knotted, 40 each, at halftime. Those twenty minutes would have been a win for Memphis, coming so early in the season against such a formidable foe. But the Tigers played even better (that developing trend) after the break. They again hit five of ten long-distance shots, matched UConn in rebounding, and led by 13 points with under five minutes to play. But the Huskies played like the champions they are, tying the game on a nothing-but-net three-pointer by Solo Ball with a second left on the clock. Those 40 minutes would have been a win for Memphis.

But the Tigers played even better in overtime, and without their primary scoring threat, P.J. Haggerty, who fouled out late in regulation. Enter P.J. Carter. The Atlanta native is playing his fifth college season. He spent two years at Campbell University (4.3 minutes per game), a year at Georgia Highlands College, and last season at UTSA, where he started 10 games and averaged 9.5 points per game. With six clutch free throws and a three pointer in the overtime period on Monday, Carter is now a Memphis Tiger for life. That’s how big the Tigers’ Hawaiian punch felt at the final buzzer.

Hardaway needs this team to get to the NCAA tournament . . . and win a couple of games in the Big Dance. Year Seven is long enough to wait for the hometown legend to return some glory to a long-proud program. Honestly, Hardaway has produced more national controversies as coach of the Tigers than he has NCAA tournament victories (one). And this is why the upset of UConn felt like a beginning. (For some perspective, the last time Memphis beat the second-ranked team in the country was an upset of Louisville at the Mid-South Coliseum on March 2, 1972, four months before Hardaway’s first birthday.) A team most of us didn’t know two weeks ago now has familiar faces (Tyrese Hunter!) who seem capable of beating, yes, anybody in the country.

It would be nice if Memphis beats Michigan State on Tuesday and goes on to win the Maui Invitational. But even with a loss to the Spartans, the 2024-25 Tigers have created a permanent memory: Remember Maui! That is exceedingly hard in modern college basketball, and next to impossible without a lengthy tournament run in March. A new season, a new roster, and, it appears, a new life for coach Penny Hardaway. Many journey to the islands to make a dream come true. Perhaps these Tigers’ truth is creating new dreams. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports Uncategorized

Ja Is Back! Morant’s Return Sparks Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at FedExForum on Nov 25, 2024. (Wes Hale Photo)

After an eight-game injury absence, the Memphis Grizzlies saw an instant benefit from Ja Morant’s return. In the Grizzlies’ 123-98 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday night, Morant had an outstanding game, scoring 22 points and dishing out 11 assists.

After the win, Morant reflected on his return, saying, “I felt good, I played good.”

Several highlight-reel plays demonstrated that Morant’s return to the lineup was a smooth one. He showed great team chemistry by setting up Jaren Jackson Jr. for an alley-oop and dishing a behind-the-back pass to Brandon Clarke.

And we can’t forget his out-of-nowhere dunk. 

Before his injury, Morant was becoming the go-to offensive catalyst for the Grizzlies, with averages of 20.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. With his return, the team’s energy and dynamic seemed to be revitalized, leading to an increase in offensive speed. His exceptional playmaking skills not only elevate his own game but also create opportunities for teammates to excel.

The win over the Blazers propelled Memphis from seventh to fifth place in the wild, wild Western Conference standings.

The Grizzlies extended their winning streak to three games, matching their longest streak of the season. They’ve also won four of their last five games, showcasing their growing momentum.

Morant’s influence on the game was a testament to his return to form. “Just attacking my return process,” Morant said after the game. “The ramp up. Making sure I’m in rhythm when I’m out there.”

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins praised Morant’s return. “He works his tail off, throughout the return-to-play process,” said Jenkins. “He loves this game. He misses being out there. I think I said it to someone before the game – his engagement, even when he’s out, you all don’t get to see the work that he’s putting in.”

Jenkins added: “This past week was some of the best work I’d seen from him … His engagement with his teammates, his voice in the locker room, film sessions, and on the sidelines — he was chomping at the bit to get out there. He and I were talking on the side saying, ‘What’s this going to look like in two weeks from now?’ We were talking two weeks ago about the things he was doing well, what he can correct, what he can get better at, where the team’s head space is at, what we have to do better just as a team … He was translating that to the guys throughout the game. He was just locked in the last three-ish weeks.”

“He loves the game — he put in the work,” Jenkins said. “And this is no shock — the impact he made with the pace of play. I thought he did a phenomenal job on [Anfernee] Simons defensively. He held him to five points. His point of attack defensively definitely set a tone for us as well tonight.”

Jackson Jr. powered through a slow start to post 21 points, with 12 coming in the 4th quarter, while shooting 66.7% from the field. 

The 25-year-old big man emphasized the importance of versatility, saying that a player can’t rely on just one skill. Instead, being effective requires a mix of different abilities, such as posting up, driving, and shooting from outside. This versatility also allows for more energy and activity on defense.

“It felt more like a playoff atmosphere, I was loving it,” said Jackson Jr. on the energy inside FedExForum. 

Santi Aldama secured a career-high 17 rebounds and 13 points (6-12 FG, 1-1 3P), marking his sixth double-double of the season. Aldama has achieved three double-doubles in his last four games.

With their two-time All-Star back in the lineup, the Grizzlies are well-positioned to make a playoff push. However, to make a deep playoff run, Morant’s health is crucial. After navigating earlier season challenges with injuries and inconsistencies, the team’s success hinges on Morant’s ability to stay healthy.

Next Up

The Grizzlies will host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, November 27, at FedExForum. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST. To make the game even more appealing, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a City Edition Scarf.

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TDOT Provides Updates on Cleanup Efforts To City Council

Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash

City Council members are concerned about routine maintenance schedules, trash collection, road repairs, and landscaping in Memphis. They asked the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) about establishing a timeline for cleanup efforts as well as employment outreach during today’s transportation committee meeting. 

They mentioned that points of concern were Madison Avenue, I-40, and South Parkway, due to the “significant amounts of trash that accumulates in these areas. Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington also asked about additional resources and partnerships that the city can implement to help in cleanup efforts.

Swearengen-Washington commended the work that had been done around the airport, saying that it’s looking better, but they need “long-term planning to maintain these areas consistently.”

Katie McGinnis, TDOT District 49 Manager, said since they last met with the council they have set up initiatives to clear out vegetation so that trash and debris doesn’t get trapped.  McGinnis added that most of their efforts are geared towards asphalt and potholes. TDOT’s railroad permitting has not gone through for a resurfacing plan for I-240.

“We’re constantly having to send out  forces to patch those repeatedly over and over again in lieu of having that resurfacing project,” McGinnis said. “That’s why you’re seeing a lot of the larger debris. We don’t have that time, so we handle the safety sensitive objects first which would be the paved surfaces — anything that could cause an accident. That’s where the lack is.” 

Officials said they are tackling sections of pavement and working to restore them, but noted they are still prepping for winter weather so they can meet onligations. They said last year’s winter storm “killed” their TDOT maintenance budget resulting in a “reduction in what they were capable of doing.”

Councilwoman Rhonda Logan inquired about graffiti and how they’re monitoring it.

McGinnis mentioned they were able to capture a 15-year-old who was known for spray painting “spicy” on the I-240 corridor with the help of the Memphis Police Department. They said they had noticed a significant decrease in graffiti, but they themselves  do not look into catching graffiti artists.

Council members also offered solutions for the department’s staffing issues, asking if their  outreach could extend to juveniles to help clean the city.

“Is there a program where they can get out here and clean this mess up and give them some accountability and responsibility? They’re terrorizing the city,” councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton remarked.

TDOT said they haven’t opened their hiring process for transportation workers as they are still filling in positions from reorganizing the agency. While they recognized the highway adoption program, they said they also work with the Department of Corrections to occasionally get crews to help with litter and light landscaping. 

Cody Joyner, TDOT’s team lead for Shelby County, explained that the department of corrections had experienced staffing issues, meaning they didn’t have enough officers to send over with inmates. Joyner said when they do have enough, they are typically staging them in places with “a lot of litter” such as Elvis Presley Boulevard and Lamar Avenue.

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State Budget Flags On Business Tax Breaks

State Capitol (Photo: Tennessee State Government)

Tennessee’s State Funding Board approved conservative growth rates Thursday as revenue flags in the wake of a major business tax reduction.

The board, which is made up of the state’s three constitutional officers and finance commissioner, set a growth rate in general fund revenue of 1 percent to 2 percent and total tax growth at 1.25 percent to 2.15 percent for fiscal 2025-26.

With this year’s overall budget at $52.8 billion, the board maintained the total growth rate projection for fiscal 2024-25 at negative-1.68 percent to negative-1.34 percent. The board was forced to roll back projections at mid-year because of weak revenue.

Economic experts told the board earlier this month that the economy is in good shape but that growth is slowing after double-digit revenue two years ago. The state also is facing a $1.9 billion business tax reduction over several years after lawmakers approved a request by Gov. Bill Lee to eliminate the property portion of the state’s franchise and excise taxes. That came on the heels of a business tax break the previous year.

Tennessee lawmakers still at odds over business tax cut as session enters final days

The Department of Revenue has processed nearly $900 million in rebates this year, and more are expected.

Tennessee’s growth rate usually lies between 3.5 percent to 5 percent, but staff expected revenue to slow down and built in a cushion over the past two years, Budget Director David Thurman said.

In recent budget hearings, state departments and agencies requested more than $4.2 billion in funding increases for fiscal 2025-26 to deal with inflation and improvements in state services. But the revenue forecast isn’t expected to come close to matching that figure, even with federal funds covering some of the costs.

The weak budget outlook could affect lawmakers’ decisions on providing funds to flood-ravage counties in East Tennessee and the governor’s proposed private-school voucher program, which was not approved this year but has $144 million in unused funds in the budget.

Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com. Follow Tennessee Lookout on Facebook and X.

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“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to Be Celebrated As Tennessee’s Official Holiday Song

The holiday classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is now the official Holiday Song of Tennessee and its singer is set to be recognized next week. 

The song was officially designated as a state song earlier this year, with legislation filed in December 2023 by Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville). The bill was signed into law by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in April. The song’s performer, Brenda Lee, a longtime Nashvillian, is set to receive a proclamation on the designation next week. 

The song was recorded in the heart of Nashville’s Music Row at Quonset Hut Studio and produced by Owen Bradly. It was written by Johnny Marks, who seemingly had no connection to Tennessee. He specialized in Christmas songs, although he was Jewish and did not celebrate Christmas, according to Wikipedia. Marks wrote “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Silver and Gold,” and many others.

Lee is the first woman inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. She was 13 when she recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in 1958.

When Powell filed the legislation last year, the song had just topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the very first time, 65 years after its initial release.  That’s the longest stretch ever between a record release and it’s hitting No 1. “Rockin’” remained at No. 1 for three weeks.  

Lee also became the oldest female ever to hit No. 1 on the chart.  She also now holds the record for the longest gap between an artist’s first and most recent week at No. 1 on the Hot 100.  Her first No. 1 single was “I’m Sorry” in 1960.

“Brenda Lee is a music icon and a true Tennessee treasure,” Powell said in a statement. “‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ has spread holiday joy throughout the world for decades and we are proud her No. 1 song was made in Nashville.  I am thrilled that my legislation made the beloved ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ by Brenda Lee the first official holiday song of Tennessee.”

Brenda Lee will receive the proclamation in a ceremony at the Tennessee State Capitol on Monday, December 2nd. 

Tennessee has 10 official state songs, including “Rocky Top,” “A Tennessee Bicentennial Rap: 1796-1996,” and “Smoky Mountain Rain.” Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road” was made an official state song this year. However, until now, Tennessee has had no official state holiday song.

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Film Features Film/TV

Music Video Monday: “Lelia” by Marcella Simien

Last Saturday night, Marcella Simien debuted her new album To Bend to the Will of a Dream That’s Being Fulfilled with a unique show at Off The Wall Arts. Sculptor and Off The Wall proprietor Yvonne Bobo created a cylinder of screens, and Infinity Stairs‘ Graham Burks created immersive video to wrap around the performer. The resulting combination of music and video projection mapping were striking.

Marcella Simien sings at Off The Wall Arts while wrapped in Graham Burks’ video projection. (Photo by Chris McCoy)

Simien’s new album is a departure from her usual “swamp soul” sound, incorporating experimental electronic textures and vintage instruments. The first music video from the album takes a completely different tack. It’s a hybrid music video and documentary short by Memphis filmmakers Joshua Cannon and Brody Kuhar. The team traveled down to Louisiana to introduce us to Marcella’s family, including the song’s namesake, her great-grandmother Lelia Manuel Simien. It’s a beautiful, life-affirming work which will cause you to reflect on your family roots as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday.

If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Scotty Pippen Jr. Leads Grizzlies to Victory Over the Bulls

Jaylen Wells shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls. (Credit: NBAE/Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies took on the Chicago Bulls and came away with a resounding 142-131 victory in Chicago Saturday night. It was the second meeting between the two teams this season, and the away team won both games.

The Grizzlies closed the first quarter with an eight-point lead and never let up on the Bulls, leading by as many as 22 points.

Memphis did a much better job in this game of limiting turnovers (14) and getting points off turnovers (14), which has been an ongoing struggle this season. The Grizzlies are ranked last in the league with 18.29 turnovers per game.

Third quarters have been anathema to the Grizzlies this season, but Saturday night, they scored a season-best 45 points in the third period.  

It was a great offensive night for the Grizzlies, with eight out of 10 players scoring in double figures. The team ended the night shooting 57% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc.

Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic carried the Bulls on offense, putting up 29 and 26 points, respectively.

But Chicago had no answer for Scotty Pippen Jr., who finished the night with a career-high 30 points on 13 of 16 overall shooting and three of six from beyond the arc, to go along with 10 assists. Pippen has assumed the starting point guard role in the absence of Ja Morant, a role he handled with ease against the Bulls.

Rookie Jaylen Wells put up a career-high 26 points, and added four rebounds, and six assists. Wells shot ten of 14 from the field and six of 10 from three-point range. Wells is ranked second among rookies in points per game with 12.5.

Jaren Jackson Jr. closed out with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, while shooting seven of 15 overall and three of seven from beyond the arc.

Desmond Bane added 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, and Brandon Clarke put up 12 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

Jay Huff was the leading scorer off the bench with 14 points — shooting five-of-six from the field and a perfect three-of-three from three-point range. He added five rebounds.

Santi Aldama added 10 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, and Luke Kennard put up 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies return to Memphis to kick off a four-game homestand Monday night against the Portland Trailblazers. Tip-off is at 7 PM CST.

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On the Fly: Week of 11/22/24

Enjoy cocktails and festive spirits at Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Cocktail Affair. (Photo: Courtesy Willmott Events)

Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Cocktail Affair
The Kent
Friday, November 22, 6 p.m.
Have yourself a merry little cocktail this weekend at a holly, jolly cocktail festival. You’ll enjoy sweet treats and jingle along to holiday tunes. Each ticket includes 12 sample-sized signature cocktails. Food and full-sized drinks will be available for purchase as well. This event supports Volunteer Memphis, so every sip gets you closer to the nice list. Purchase your ticket(s) here for $54. Door tickets are $65 and are not guaranteed.

Starry Bazaar
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
To celebrate the newest temporary addition to the Brooks’ landscape — Greely Myatt’s Winter Art Garden installation — the museum is hosting a Starry Bazaar where art and culture meet seasonal charm. This enchanting event transforms the museum into a winter wonderland filled with local artisans, handcrafted goods, and unique treasures. Enjoy music, warm beverages, and holiday-themed activities for the whole family. Register here for this free event.

On The Street: Memphis. A Streetwear Vendor Market Experience
Renasant Convention Center
Saturday, November 23, noon-6 p.m.
Shop the hottest trends from top clothing vendors while enjoying live DJ sets in a vibrant atmosphere where fashion meets music and community. Admission is free. 

NutRemix
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, November 23, 5:30 p.m. | Sunday, November 24, 2:30 p.m.
New Ballet Ensemble’s NutRemix returns to the stage this weekend, bringing its take on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. With a story set on Beale Street, this performance, presented by Nike, blends ballet, hip-hop, flamenco, Memphis jookin, and West African dance. For it, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Big Band puts a fresh spin on the original score, mixing in Duke Ellington’s and Booker T. and the M.G.’s classics. Since its conception in 2002, the show has become a beloved tradition for Memphis. Get your tickets ($29-$64) for the show here.

Nikki Glaser – Alive and Unwell Tour
Orpheum Theatre
Saturday, November 23, 7 p.m.
The host of FBoy Island comes to Memphis. She’s known for other stuff, too. But you know a woman who can come up with the catchphrase “FBoy, FBye” has a good stand-up show in store. Tickets are $39.75 to $69.75. Get them here.

Marcella Simien ft. Infinity Stairs
Off the Walls Arts
Saturday, November 23, 7 p.m.
Get a sneak peek at the new live experience built around Simien’s new album To Bend to the Will of a Dream That’s Being Fulfilled. Video synth artist Graham Burks immerses you in visual delights while Marcella performs the songs live. (Oh, and read about the album in Alex Greene’s column this week.) Get your tickets ($28.52) here.

Justin Timberlake – Forget Tomorrow World Tour
FedExForum
Saturday, November 23, 7:30 p.m.
He brought sexy back when it apparently went missing. He didn’t cry a river. He just wants to rock your body. He can’t stop the feeling. It’s Justin Timberlake if you haven’t caught on yet. Tickets to his show can be purchased here. It ain’t no lie.

Sweet Tea Social: Gratitude Edition
Ugly Art Co.
Sunday, November 24, 3-8 p.m.
Enter the season of gratitude with this Sweet Tea Social. Here’s what’s on the agenda: bottomless sweet teas (no additional cost), live DJs (Chief Rifa, SOUTHMEMPHISJEFF, and NyceLyfe), a botanical bar (non-alcoholic, adaptogenic, herb-infused beverages crafted for wellness, available for purchase), art viewing (duh, it’s at a gallery), flower bar (build your own floral arrangement, courtesy of Mama’s Sundry), and flash tattoos (Lana’s Lines and Ink Therapy will offer flash tattoos for purchase). Tickets are $13.73.

Memphis Turkey Trot
First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center at Shelby Farms Park
Thursday, November 28, 9 a.m.
Trot like a turkey at Start 2 Finish and Campbell Clinic Foundation’s Turkey Trot, where 2,000 participants of all ages can complete a 4-mile course or a 2-mile relay. Runners can expect stunning views of Shelby Farms Park, complimentary coffee from Biggby Coffee, a finisher medal, post-race snacks, a T-shirt, and more. Sign up here.

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

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City Reports Reduction in Crime Downtown, Provides Updates on Command Center

Photo: FedExForum via Facebook


Crime has reduced in the city this year compared to last year as city officials reported that crime in Downtown Memphis is down by a total of 26.4 percent, while citywide crime is down by 13.8 percent.

“The work is working,” they said.

The city released key metrics to understanding public safety Downtown. The report highlighted a reduction in crime on multiple fronts including both citywide and Downtown violent crime and motor vehicle theft.

Officials made special note of incidents around the FedExForum, specifically during certain “crime periods.” For October 2024, 306 incidents occurred in the area; 121 of these incidents were within half a mile of the venue. Of the incidents, 103 were assaults and 90 were thefts. Law enforcement was able to make 31 arrests.

Compared to September, there were 296 incidents reported in total, with 132 happening within half a mile of the vicinity. Once again, assaults accounted for a majority of these crimes (105), with thefts making up the second largest category (95). Officials reported 25 arrests.

The city reported that there were a total of 4,728 incidents at the FedExForum in total for full year metrics, which resulted in 525 arrests. Eleven percent of the incidents reported led to arrests. For comparison, only two other markets saw higher arrest rates: Orlando (28 percent) and Dallas (23 percent).

Officials noted that there were eight markets reporting higher crime metrics, including Nashville, New Orleans, Detroit, and Orlando.

These numbers also showed there were 56 shootings Downtown. Markets such as Milwaukee, Atlanta, Nashville, and New Orleans also reported higher numbers in this area.

To explain these numbers, officials said that more people contribute to less crime, while less blight also plays a factor. They cited the “eyes on the street effect” as a way to explain this.

“High foot traffic can also deter crime by creating a sense of visibility and making it harder for criminals to operate without being noticed by potential witnesses,” the report said.

They added that “violent crime and property crime drop in areas where blight is remediated.”

One of the ways that the city has been able to improve in crime tracking and prevention is by Smart City Plan recommendations from 2021, which included artificial intelligence for video, increased of staffing capacity for technology, converting streetlights to LED, and more.

Officials are currently in the process of enacting “equitable digital access” which is a “public-private partnership” between Blue Suede Networks and the city of Memphis to become a model for “future readiness and inclusive connectivity.” This initiative will enhance internet connectivity, support AI camera footage transmission, and provide 10,000 fiber outlets across the city of Memphis for Smart City-related projects.

The report also provided updates on the Downtown command center with a phase timeline from October 31st to April 2025. They added that this is a tentative schedule.

“The goal is to tackle violence reduction and improve the communities most disproportionately affected by crime,” the report explained.

The 25,000-square-foot building will be located at 250 Peabody Place with four monitoring stations, a restroom, conference room, situation room, and front information desk.

One Memphis Police Department (MPD) liaison will be assigned for each shift to coordinate responses to “Downtown specific issues.” There will also be a “special event section” for MPD staff to be deployed to for events such as games, races, and festivals.

As a result of this, the city plans to increase staffing by 24 people to a total of 54. They also plan to have assigned motorcycle units while also expanding MPD’s patrol radius. 

Gun detection canines will also be assigned to the area during its “most populated times.”

“This initiative will serve as a deterrent to guns entering the ‘no-firearms areas’ of Downtown,” the report said.

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Film Features Film/TV

Indie Memphis Film Festival Announces 2024 Award Winners

Boys Go To Jupiter won Best Narrative Feature at the 27th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival.

The 2024 edition of the Indie Memphis Film Festival, which began Thursday, November 14th, and concluded with encore screenings on Tuesday, November 26th, announced its award winners for its 27th session. This year, the audience served as the jury, filling out online ballots to grade the more than 100 films on offer from A to F.

Boys Go To Jupiter by Pittsburgh-based animator Julian Glander won Best Narrative Feature. It is the first animated film to win the honor in the 27-year history of Indie Memphis.

Best Hometowner Feature went to Jasmine Blue for Big Time, the portrait of her grandfather Sylvester Ford Jr., a Memphis educator, coach, and Civil Rights activist.

Union, co-directed by Brett Story and Stephen Maing, won Best Documentary Feature. The film follows the successful efforts to unionize the 8,000 workers at the Amazon Fulfillment Center at JFK Airport in New York City.

In the Sounds category, which includes music-based films, Dory Previn: On My Way to Where, directed by Julia Greenberg and Dianna Dilworth, took home the top honor.

The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, directed by Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich, won Best Departures Feature. The category is dedicated to experimental, horror, and sci-fi films.

The Hometowner Narrative Short Film award went to “Freedom’s Village” directed by Kristen Hill. The short film is based on the story of a tent city that sprang up in Fayette County, Tennessee, when Black farmers were pushed off their land in the wake of a voter registration drive during the 1960s.

The Hometowner Documentary Short winner is John Beder’s “How to Sue the Klan,” which details a long-running legal effort to cripple the white supremacist militia.

Best Hometowner Music Video went to “A Spike Lee Joint” by Blvck Hippie, directed by Lawrence Shaw. This is Shaw and Blvck Hippie’s second consecutive music video win.

The National Narrative Short award went to Marissa Losoya’s “Beyond Failure.” The National Documentary Short award went to Hao Zhou’s “Wouldn’t Make It Any Other Way.”

The annual IndieGrant program, which awards $15,000 in cash and in-kind donations to two Memphis-area filmmakers, announced the winners, which were determined by a jury of filmmakers and producers and based on proposals submitted by Memphis filmmakers: Jacob Simmons’ “The End of the Song” and Ashley Ave’s “Voices of Faith: The Salem Harmonizer’s Story.” Both films are expected to to premiere at the Indie Memphis Film Festival in 2025.