Ronzo is a witty, heartfelt documentary about Ron Shapiro — affectionately known as Ronzo — whose Hoka Theater became the beating heart of Oxford, Mississippi’s creative underground. More than a venue, the Hoka was a sanctuary for misfits, where college students mingled with literary giants like Willie Morris, John Grisham and Barry Hannah. It hosted music, indie films, plays, and midnight adult film screenings, and drew counterculture icons like Abbie Hoffman, Allen Ginsberg and Hunter S. Thompson. The Hoka also launched the careers of artists and musicians, including members of Wilco, North Mississippi Allstars, and Widespread Panic. Beyond the theater, Ronzo stirred up local politics, using wit and empathy to provoke dialogue and bridge divides. His influence shaped generations of creatives and challenged Oxford’s conventions.

His legacy continues through Hoka Days, an annual celebration in his honor, culminating in a lively parade in Oxford. Though Ronzo’s death left a void, his influence remains, reminding us of the power of creativity, inclusion, and the arts in shaping communities.