Community members gathered on the lawn of Andalusia Farm on Wednesday, March 18, to watch the film adaptation of Flannery O’Connor’s first novel, “Wise Blood,” in celebration of what would have been the author’s 101st birthday.
The event was free and open to the public, with students encouraged to attend and honor O’Connor’s legacy and work.
“I want to get into more of Flannery O’Connor’s stuff,” said Anabel Thompson, a junior English major. “So, doing a picnic-type film was really cool.”
The screening began at 8:00 p.m., following a brief introduction from Professor Emeritus Bruce Gentry, who spoke about the history of the novel, the film and O’Connor herself.
Popcorn, cupcakes and refreshments were provided, and after the screening, attendees were invited to discuss the film with Gentry and Matt Bryant Cheney, an assistant professor and editor of The Flannery O’Connor Review, a peer-reviewed academic journal focused on the life, work and world of Flannery O’Connor.
The event was organized by Katie Simon, interim executive director of the Flannery O’Connor Institute for the Humanities and associate professor of English, in collaboration with Andalusia Farm as part of the Southern Gothic Film Series.
The Southern Gothic Film Series is an annual spring event hosted by the Flannery O’Connor Institute for the Humanities, showcasing films that highlight the dark, complex characters and themes often associated with the American South. This year’s series previously featured “The Night of the Hunter” (1953) and “Sinners” (2025).
“We’re inviting people to come and watch a film—it’s free—and to hopefully engage with this space as well, which is also part of her legacy,” Simon said.
“Wise Blood” was selected in honor of O’Connor in part because it was set and filmed locally in Macon, Georgia, and is considered a cult classic among scholars and fans.
“There are other adaptations of her work, but they, I think, leave something to be desired,” said Charlotte Aexel, a graduate assistant for the Flannery O’Connor Institute for the Humanities and an M.A. student in literature.
“Wise Blood” follows Hazel Motes, a returning World War II veteran who founds the “Church Without Christ,” preaching that Jesus is a liar and that people do not need redemption. Both the novel and the film explore themes of faith and redemption as Hazel struggles to escape his complicated religious past.
“It was cool to watch something outside of my comfort zone,” Thompson said.
The 1979 film adaptation, directed by John Huston, stars Brad Dourif as Hazel Motes and Harry Dean Stanton as Asa Hawks. The screenplay was written by brothers Benedict and Michael Fitzgerald, who were once babysat by O’Connor during their childhood.
Andalusia Farm was O’Connor’s home from 1951 until her death from lupus in 1964. It was there that she completed “Wise Blood” in 1952, as well as her second novel, “The Violent Bear It Away,” published in 1960.
In 2017, the 544-acre property was gifted to GCSU, which now owns and manages it. Today, the farm operates as a museum that is free for students and faculty. It regularly offers tours and events and invites students to use the space for picnicking, hiking and relaxation.
“We’re really fortunate that we’re able to have these types of opportunities,” said Arya Sheth, a senior interdisciplinary and English major. “[I am very appreciative of] all of the work they’ve done here to preserve her legacy and her works and educate current and prospective students as well.”
The fourth and final film of this semester’s Southern Gothic Film Series will take place on April 22 at 8:00 p.m. and will feature “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” directed by the Coen brothers.
The Andalusia Farm museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.