Another camera is being pointed at Greenwood this week as members of an international news organization report on the filming of “The Help” and other stories in the Delta.
Voice of America correspondent Carolyn M. Presutti and photographer/producer Michael J. Kornely were preparing a story about “The Help” filming in Greenwood.
Presutti said the story was about how a community reacts to the filming of a movie that may bring forward some unpleasant memories. “The Help” is set in 1960s Jackson, where a white college graduate writing a book interviews black domestic workers about mistreatment by white employers.
Russell Baxter, who played an extra in one scene of “The Help,” told the VOA crew that he thinks looking back and realizing that differences have been reconciled should be good for the community.
While in the Delta, Washington-based Presutti and Kornely are covering stories that range from health in the Delta to generational exchange of the blues music tradition. They also visited Baptist Town and met with a producer from “The Help.”
“There’s a lot of interest in the stories that are here,” Presutti said.
Kornely said the VOA, which does not broadcast domestically, wants to represent all parts of the United States in its portrayal of the nation.
“Our job at VOA is to represent America to the rest of the world, so here we are,” Kornely said. “Instead of talking about this coast or that coast, why don’t we talk about the places in between?”
He said covering the cultural aspects as well as day-to-day news events is a part of the VOA’s task.
Presutti and Kornely said they have enjoyed their visit to Mississippi.
“I love this area. It’s been really great,” Presutti said. “I like the slower pace of life. The weather right now is like our weather in August.”
Presutti said she enjoyed the small-town feel of Greenwood.
“I just love the fact that everyone knows everyone and how friendly all the people are,” she said.
After completion, the stories can be viewed at Voice of America’s website, voanews.com.
