Knight's tale one of freedom

Do you remember this story in history class about a 1863 Mississippi farmer named Newt Knight? He led a rebellion that would forever change history yet very few even know his name — until now.

In publicity interviews Matthew McConaughey discussed how proud he was of this film and in the telling of the story. Although the subject matter is somewhat tough to watch at times it is a story worthy of telling and this talented cast and crew do it proper justice in “Free State of Jones” opening this week at the Panida.

Newt (McConaughey) and an Army nurse (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) who rebelled against the Confederacy with a militia of fellow deserters and renegade slaves declare Jones County a state and free its citizens of allegiance to North or South. A new law declares that anyone who owns 20 slaves can avoid military service, bolstering Newt’s claim that this is “a poor man’s fighting a rich man’s war.” Director Gary Ross (“Seabiscuit”, “Pleasantville” and the first “Hunger Games”) takes on the tall order of delivering this drama. Audi-ences rated it high and critics were not as happy.

Form-er Sand-point resident and well-known theater director, Deb McShane said in a post “Saw this film last night. Strong story of the reality of war, race, and misuse of power. The injustice perpetrated on the common people is ironically timely — as it was then.” Newton Knight stood up and advocated for decency and fairness for all and remaining family members were quoted as saying he continued this cause on after the dust settled.

They fought for justice. They fought for family. They fought for freedom. If you have a night you are not headed to the Festival come to the Panida if you are there every night come catch it before the festivities start on Wednesday or at the Sunday matinee.

The film is showing Thursday, Aug. 4, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 6, at 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 7, at 3:30 p.m. The film is rated R for war scenes.

Also showing this week is the children’s film “Ernest & Celestine”.

This fun adventure packs a lot of charm into a small story about the friendship between a bear and a mouse. Celestine is an artist and a dreamer — when she nearly ends up as breakfast Ernest, the two form an unlikely bond. But it isn’t long before their friendship is put on trial by their respective bear-fearing and mice-eating communities. Showing this week on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 3:30 p.m. in the Panida Little Theater. A drawing will be held for an autographed poster from the director!

Coming up is the “Department Q Trilogy” on Aug. 17-20.

Patricia Walker is the executive director of the Panida Theater. She can be reached at patricia@panida.org.