Ruma

Our most prestigious Crossroads Film Festival award is what we fondly call "the RUMA."

The RUMA is named after Ruma Haque. She was an attorney, an arts advocate, a community leader and a friend.

She was president of the Government Law Section of the Mississippi State Bar Association, president of the National Association of County Civil Attorneys, vice president of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, vice president of the Crossroads Film Society and secretary of the Hinds County Bar Association. She also served on the board of directors of the Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series, was a member of the Mississippi Hearts Against AIDS Commission and the Junior League of Jackson.

In June 2002, she died in a car accident. It is our honor to name this award in her memory.

As a yearly tradition, original artwork is commissioned from a Mississippi artist, which we use in advertisements, on our festival badges, festival program cover art and on our website. This year's artist, Anthony DiFatta, was a close friend of Ruma's.

The award, along with the original artwork, will be given to a lucky and talented individual who is chosen to receive "The RUMA Award" for most promising Mississippi Filmmaker.