Macon Magazine

APRIL/MAY 2020 | maconmagazine.com 27 draft beer selections! 32 •••GREAT MEXICAN FOOD••• OPEN BEFORE, DURING & AFTER MERCER EVENTS NOW OPEN FOR WEEKEND BRUNCH MERCER VILLAGE | 478.254.7707 Annette's mother was the only woman in her class at Mercer University's School of Law, and she was the first practicing female lawyer in Macon. By the example of her mother, Annette learned that there were no obstacles – just because women were not allowed to do something before, doesn't mean that they can't do it now. As a member of the Directors Guild of America, Annette is able to stay involved, work on committees and meet with creative people who help each other within the industry. "I am feeling very optimistic about (being a director)," Annette said. "Even though I took this big hiatus, and it's been a few years since I made the movie 'Savannah,' at least it's possible. It's not flat out impossible anymore." Still in California, Annette teaches directing at California State University, Long Beach. She also directs actors in the acting program at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco. She is working on her next feature film, "Dear Jack," based on the book written by Barbara Conroy. "It's a story about a mother who is dealing with the death of her 24-year-old son to opioids," Annette said. "It's such a relevant topic because so many families are dealing with this." In addition to her film work, Annette is also working on a screenplay that she hopes to finish this year. "For women, persistence is the single most important thing," Annette said. "Films directed by women need to be seen. A problem for women is that even when they get a shot at making a film, people don't know about it." Annette encouraged Macon to support aspiring female directors by hosting film festivals that feature a diverse group of films directed by men and women. "Macon is a unique environment," Annette said. "ere is a lot of talent that comes out of Macon. Between the mash up of the music industry, the universities and the old Southern culture, Macon is a really interesting place." – KATIE MARIE O'NEAL

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