Nashville Film Festival Reveals Exciting Lineup for 2024
Nashville is buzzing with excitement as the Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) has announced its full programming lineup for its 55th edition, set to take place from September 19 to 25. The festival, a staple in the local arts scene, will be hosted at several venues including the Belcourt Theatre, Regal Green Hills, and the Franklin Theatre.
Last month, NaFF introduced its opening and closing films, showcasing music documentaries on iconic bands like Devo, The Black Keys, and the evolution of country music with Rebel Country. However, the festival is now adding more than 150 additional titles, including 44 feature-length films.
Highlighting Key Documentaries
This year’s lineup features a variety of documentaries, including the highly anticipated Netflix film Will & Harper. This documentary follows beloved actor Will Ferrell and his close friend, Harper Steele, who recently came out as a trans woman, as they embark on a 17-day road trip across the country. It promises to explore their friendship in a lighthearted yet profound manner.
Other notable documentaries include The Last of the Sea Women, a production by A24 that tells the stories of the Haenyeo, the legendary female divers of South Korea, and Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, chronicling the life of the pioneering soul singer.
A Focus on Music
Following tradition, the festival will feature numerous music-centric films. Among the special selections is The Day the Music Stopped, a documentary that dives into the struggles faced by independent music venues, including Nashville’s own historic Exit/In.
Additionally, the lineup includes Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, which follows the unique life of legendary R&B artist Swamp Dogg, along with his housemates. Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken will also be highlighted, with Etheridge herself participating in a Q&A session about the docuseries that reflects on creating music inspired by her encounters with women in prison.
The Full Lineup of Excitement
For festival-goers, the excitement doesn’t end with documentaries. This year’s opening film is DEVO, directed by Chris Smith, capturing the band’s rise to fame in the 1980s. The closing film, This Is a Film About The Black Keys, takes viewers through the journey of the band and their evolution from modest beginnings to rock stardom.
Among other special presentations, MELISSA ETHERIDGE: I’M NOT BROKEN explores themes of redemption through music. MEMOIR OF A SNAIL, an animated feature, tells the touching story of a lonely girl and her bond with a collector of snails, showcasing themes of friendship and resilience.
Spotlight on Indie and Genre Films
The festival also sets a spotlight on indie features, with intriguing selections like BANG BANG, starring Tim Blake Nelson, and HAZE, a psychological thriller that dives into a young journalist’s investigation of mysterious deaths.
Not to be overlooked, the horror/thriller section showcases titles like PSYCHO KILLER, where star-crossed lovers find themselves in gripping circumstances, and LITTLE BITES, following a young mother desperate to protect her daughter from danger.
A Community Affair
This year’s festival is not only about films but also highlights community, creating a platform for discussions on important issues through various films. Documentaries like WE CAN BE HEROES explore themes of healing and empowerment among teens facing challenges.
Experience the 2024 Nashville Film Festival
Festival fans can explore the full list of titles, read film synopses, and find ticketing information at nashvillefilmfestival.org. The Nashville Film Festival continues to be a vibrant platform celebrating the art of filmmaking, with something for everyone.
As anticipation builds, film lovers and the local community eagerly await the festival, which promises to be a week of cinematic celebration in the heart of Music City.
