Gerald McRaney’s native Mississippi accent takes over when he offers this wisdom: &uot;If it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage.&uot; Simply put, but profound in terms of realizing the importance of writers in the making of great plays or great films.

And, aptly put when trying to better explain the link between literature and film that has led to the creation of the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration.

Set to begin in 2001, the celebration is an expansion of the highly acclaimed Natchez Literary Celebration. And while film has long been a part of the festival, a new focus on linking what McRaney describes as &uot;what has become the major art form of the 20th Century and probably will be the major art form of the 21st Century&uot; and the enduring classics of literature — from good writing to good storytelling –&160;is a natural evolution.

The Natchez Literary Celebration, under the adept leadership of Carolyn Vance Smith, has brought national praise to Natchez and delighted and enlightened the thousands of attendees each year. In addition, it has set a new standard for literary studies and celebrations by weaving a uniquely Southern bent through all it does.

The cinema celebration has the same potential for greatness — by celebrating Southern writers, Southern actors, even Southern stories.

More important, by building on an existing success, the cinema festival can easily find its niche and its market … adding yet another dimension to the popularity of Natchez.

Ultimately, this new celebration could put Southern talents on the forefront –&160;of the page, the stage, even the sound stage … and in the national spotlight once again.