Lights, camera, action! This week the stage is set for Natchez to again be in the spotlight of the nation’s literary and film world.

The Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration gets under way this week, celebrating 20 years of educating, edifying and entertaining.

Hundreds of visitors will flock to Natchez this week, gathering to celebrate Southern women writers, in particular the centennial of Mississippi’s literary legend Eudora Welty.

The NLCC is an event that is huge to literary and film scholars and fans but also to dozens and dozens of local teachers and students, too.

Teachers can earn continuing education credits from attending some of the events, and students can hear from some of the nation’s best scholars without having to leave the area.

Unfortunately, many local residents may consider that the NLCC is too scholarly for them to enjoy it. They’d be wrong.

Most of the lectures are free, and many are on topics that nearly anyone can find enjoyable.

Further, the Natchez Little Theatre will present a stage version of Harper Lee’s powerful novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

This year’s celebration looks to be a fitting anniversary for two decades of education and fun.

Founder Carolyn Vance Smith deserves a big thank you for all of the work she puts into the event. Smith and dozens of volunteers help make the NLCC get better and better each year.