The Rough South of Larry Brown (2002)

Written and Directed by Gary Hawkins

The life and works of Oxford, fireman-turned-writer Larry Brown are examined in a unique documentary format that incorporates narrative film adaptations of three of his short stories: “Samaritans,” “Wild Thing,” and “Boy & Dog”

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“A beautifully conceived documentary inquiry into the life and work of Southern writer Larry Brown, “The Rough South of Larry Brown” is chock-full of valuable insight for readers and aspiring writers alike. Through intimate conversations with Brown and his wife, it offers a candid, unrefined portrait of Brown’s decadelong struggle to become a published writer, as well as the intense dedication his writing demands now that he is established.” – Scott Foundas / Variety Magazine

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Music by :

Vic Chesnutt, Dirty Three, The Gourds, Trailer Bride, brute., Alejandro Escovado, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Scott Goolsby, Richard Upchurch, Steve Reich

The Rough South Revisited - 2023

This video documents a conversation that proceeded a screening of the film at Proud Larry’s, Oxford, MS on July 12, 2023

The conversation includes Gary Hawkins: Film Director & Screenwriter; Tom Rankin: Professor of Practice, Director of MFA-EDA, Duke University; Greg Johnson: Dept. Head of UM Archives and Special Collections. With an introduction by John Rash: UM Assistant Professor of Southern Studies and Cinema Production.