Ronzo is a witty and charming documentary exploring the life and legacy of Ron Shapiro, affectionately known as Ronzo, who transformed Oxford, Mississippi, into a hub for art and creativity. As the soul of the Hoka Theater, Ronzo built more than a venue — he created a sanctuary for misfits, where music, films, poetry, and progressive ideas flourished. The Hoka became a launching pad for writers, artists, and musicians, including celebrated figures like John Grisham, Barry Hannah, Willie Morris, and the North Mississippi Allstars. It was a space where students from the University of Mississippi mingled with locals, blues legend Bobby Rush brought the house down, and counterculture icons like Abbie Hoffman and Allen Ginsberg passed through.

Ronzo’s impact extended beyond the theater as he bridged political divides and provoked thought through humor and empathy. His unconventional spirit influenced artists such as Jim Dees, Joey Lauren Adams, Luther Dickinson, John T. Edge, and members of Wilco and Widespread Panic to name a few. If you didn’t know Ronzo, he is someone you wish you had met. If you did, his impact endures. 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 — a reminder of the power of creativity, inclusion, and the arts in shaping communities.