The world outside of Alabama will view a November 17 general release of the highly-anticipated documentary, "The Stones and Brian Jones."
Alabama viewers will get a sneak viewing on Thursday, November 9, at the opening of the Fairhope Film Festival.
Brian Jones has been called "the founder of the Rolling Stones," the crafter of the name of the band, the musical genius behind the Stones' unique sound and style.
The film is expected to address all those monikers and how Jones was the leader of the Stones until shortly before his drowning death in 1969.
It is also expected to address mysteries about Brian Jones that are still unanswered 54 years after his untimely death:
How did Jones drown in his own swimming pool by himself?
What was it about Jones' music that made him the natural leader of the Stones until a month before his death?
Why did Jones impregnate girlfriend after girlfriend, maybe five in all, and then drift away from mother and child each time?
What is it about Jones and his rough and tumble life that makes him iconoclastic a half-century after his death?
The sneak viewing will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the University of South Alabama's Fairhope campus, 111 St. James Ave. Tickets are $30 and include a reception at the nearby Summit Inn from 7:30 -9 p.m. The event will be catered by Rouxster.
Details and tickets can be found at the Fairhope Film Festival website.
The Fairhope Film Festival's 11th yearly edition runs November 9 – 12. It showcases films only in theaters for a short time, never-before-seen films, foreign films, Indie (home-produced) films, award-winning private films, shorts, documentaries, and films with a local angle. The selection of films is generally described as "independent cinema."
The theme of this year's fest is, "A Visual Fest. The Best of the Best."
Except for the Stones film, advance tickets for one film or at-the-door seating are available for $15 per ticket. At-the-door sales are dependent upon available seating.
Those wanting to view six films can order a Fairhope Film Fans 6 ticket package.
Advance purchasers are emailed QR codes sent to the smartphone for admission. These codes can also be printed.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 10-12, there are 29 films and award events.
The 'Red Carpet Party' is Saturday, November 11, from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Eastern Shore Arts Center. It features music and dancing with 'Kenny and the Keys' plus catering by local favorite Andree's. It includes an awards ceremony. The venue is 401 Oak Street, Fairhope.
The Fairhope Film Festival is becoming the 'Cannes' of the United States. In addition to locals, attendees are expected from throughout the Southeast. Movie industry movers and shakers will also be there leading discussions, deciding juried awards, and looking for the next opportunity in film-making.
Jim Zeigler is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
