WCTV recently highlighted the work of Fannie Lou Hamer Professor of Rhetorical Studies Dr. Davis Houck, and the MS Delta Film Academy. 

Now in its sixth year, the two-week workshop that was hosted in June by We2gether, a non-profit in Drew, Mississippi, inspires and teaches students the various elements of documentary filmmaking. Being highlighted in the news is not only a milestone for the program, but as Houck emphasizes, this publicity will help inspire the next generation of filmmakers. 

The idea for the program was sparked back in 2017, when Houck and a group of colleagues were awarded a Kellogg Foundation Grant, to help develop a school curriculum for teachers and to introduce high school students to the basics of filmmaking and editing.  

“The most rewarding moments are when students take what they’ve been taught and begin experimenting, gaining confidence as they shoot, edit, and reshoot,” says Houck. He goes on to add how the purpose of the program is to learn the fundamentals of the art, so there is a lot of trial and error that goes into the process. With hands-on experience and the right resources, Houck and his team believe this generation will build on their foundation for years to come. Houck adds, “We hope it inspires the next generation, and also gets students interested in a history they largely don’t know.” 

Looking ahead, Houck hopes to help the students succeed as individuals, and also to transform the film industry for future generations. Reflecting on what they’ve accomplished so far with the program, Houck shared, “We had our first group of returning students work with a local non-profit to produce a video back in 2024, so one aim is making money with these new, highly valued skills.”  

This goal of future success is shared by contributors Dr. Pablo Correa and Joy Davenport —both School of Communication alumni. Together, they’ve helped bring the University’s reach to one of the country’s most disadvantaged communities. 

“Beyond this, though, the community nourishes us with its incredibly rich civil rights history and the many legacies of that history. Every year we get to meet remarkably brave men and women who led local movements. And they allow us to film those stories with the students often doing the interviewing.” says Houck. 

The MS Delta Film Academy is helping amplify the voices of young filmmakers and transforming the future of film, one frame at a time