FILM FEST KNOX
November 14-17
Downtown Regal Riviera
In addition to the American Regional Cinema Competition films, the 2024 FILM FEST KNOX programming includes an exciting array of acclaimed festival highlights and revivals, the Elev8or Pitch, Made in Tennessee films, panels, networking opportunities, and more.
“Building on last year’s success, the 2024 FILM FEST KNOX continues to prioritize excellent programming, as well as welcoming incredible talent from the independent filmmaking world who will be on the ground this year,” said Curt Willis, Sr. Director of the Visit Knoxville Film Office. “Audiences will be able to connect with these invited guests via panels, Q&As after films, and through networking opportunities spread throughout the festival.”
The Elev8or Pitch Competition kicks off the festival with top teams having their films screened, followed by a one-minute pitch in front of a live audience and panel of judges. The other Elev8or Pitch films will be screened on Saturday.
The Made in Tennessee program spotlights the best new films shot throughout the state, including several that were made in and around Knoxville. The films competing in Made in Tennessee were selected from nearly 150 submissions.
FILM FEST KNOX has shaped the International Currents and Revival programs as well. This year, a retrospective of classic American regional films will be presented along with the year’s top festival highlight films.
The opening night film on Friday, is All That We Love, a heartfelt and poignant depiction of starting anew. The film stars Margaret Cho as Emma Gwon, who is navigating a midlife awakening while creating chaos for everyone in her path. Co-starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), All That We Love is a tears-and-laughter crowd-pleaser. Director Yen Tan and Producer Kelly Williams will be in attendance.
FILM FEST KNOX offers educational opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts. The panel “New Directions in Regional Filmmaking” will be moderated by Scott Macaulay, Producer and Filmmaker Magazine’s Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief. The workshop “Stretch That Buck: Film Budgeting 101” will be presented by Sav Rodgers, Marketing Director of Seed & Spark.
FILM FEST KNOX will wrap on Sunday with an awards ceremony recognizing the Best Film of the American Regional Cinema Competition. The winner receives an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run courtesy of Regal. Best Film will be awarded in each category, as well as various other prizes. FILM FEST KNOX is proud to award a total of $18,000 in cash prizes.
“We’re incredibly excited about the industry’s response to what we’re building here in Knoxville,” said Artistic Director Darren Hughes. “In year two, FILM FEST KNOX is already becoming a premier showcase of regional cinema. We were overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of films submissions this year and by the enthusiasm of our invited guests. It’s going to be a really fun weekend.”
For more information, visit FilmFestKnox.com.
The American Regional Film Competition Lineup:
Bitterroot
Bob Trevino Likes It
Griffin in Summer
The World Drops Dead
To Kill a Wolf