Nashville Film Festival Reveals Exciting 2024 Lineup
Nashville is gearing up for a spectacular week of cinema as the Nashville Film Festival announces its lineup for the 2024 edition. The festival will run from September 19 to 25 and will be hosted at iconic venues such as the Belcourt Theatre, Regal Green Hills, and the beloved Franklin Theatre.
Festival Overview
This year marks the festival’s 55th installment. The excitement began with the announcement of the opening and closing films, which are music documentaries featuring influential bands and artists. As of last month, the festival included documentaries on Devo, Rebel Country, and The Black Keys. Now, more than 150 additional films have been added to the slate, providing a solid variety of entertainment.
Among the highlights this year is the highly anticipated Netflix documentary Will & Harper, which follows comedian Will Ferrell and his close friend Harper Steele, a recently out transgender woman, as they embark on a 17-day road trip across the United States. Another interesting title is The Last of the Sea Women, produced by A24, which emphasizes the lives of South Korean divers known as Haenyeo, who are known for their extraordinary underwater harvesting skills.
Focus on Music Documentaries
The festival has a strong focus on music-related documentaries, showcasing the rich relationship between film and music. One particularly noteworthy film is The Day the Music Stopped, directed by Patrick Sheehan, which tells the story of the struggles faced by independent music venues like Nashville’s own Exit/In.
Additionally, attendees can look forward to Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, focusing on the iconic songwriter, and Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken, a documentary series where Etheridge explores themes of redemption through music. Etheridge will participate in a Q&A session, offering fans a unique opportunity to engage directly with her.
Special Presentations
Among the special presentations this year, two feature films stand out. The first is MELISSA ETHERIDGE: I’M NOT BROKEN, which chronicles Etheridge’s efforts to create a new song inspired by five women she meets in a correctional facility, delving into themes of connection through music.
The second is SABBATH QUEEN, which follows a 39th-generation ex-Orthodox rabbi who embarks on a remarkable journey as a drag queen over a 21-year period. This narrative showcases self-discovery and community, making it a must-see.
Documentaries that Astound
As the festival approaches, many are eager to engage with the various feature-length films on offer. The documentary ANY OTHER WAY: THE JACKIE SHANE STORY tells the incredible journey of a pioneering Black transgender performer who mysteriously vanished at the height of her career. Audiences can expect to learn a lot from this powerful narrative.
Another remarkable entry is DRIVER, which features Desiree Wood and her incredible story of becoming a long-haul truck driver after encountering significant life changes. This documentary not only focuses on personal resilience but also emphasizes community among women in a male-dominated industry.
Diverse Genres and Narratives
This year, the festival also showcases a variety of genres beyond documentaries. Hazel, a psychological thriller about a journalist revisiting a haunted past, and A MAN CALLED HURT: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT, which offers archival footage of a legendary folk musician, will also captivate audiences.
The festival is striving to be inclusive, with films like TO A LAND UNKNOWN, following a Palestinian refugee’s harrowing journey in search of justice and belonging in a new land, presenting human stories that resonate globally.
A Community Celebration
The Nashville Film Festival not only showcases great films but also celebrates the local culture and community, encouraging filmmakers from Tennessee to participate. Categories include Tennessee Feature Official Selections and Spotlight segments that feature several local talents and narratives.
Event details including ticketing information and film trailers can be found on the festival’s official website. Organizers are anticipating a remarkable event filled with engaging stories told through the medium of film, promising to leave audiences inspired and entertained.
In Conclusion
The 2024 Nashville Film Festival is set to be an unforgettable week for film lovers, featuring a stunning lineup that brings together diverse stories from around the globe. Whether you’re interested in documentaries or narrative features, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars for September 19–25 and prepare to immerse yourself in the world of cinema.
