Nashville Film Festival Marks 55th Anniversary with a Week-Long Celebration

Beginning September 19th through 25th, 2024, the Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm), a paramount platform for celebrating film, music, and culture, will be returning to the city for its 55th annual event. Over the week-long festival, attendees can expect an array of film screenings, post-movie Q&A sessions with the makers, industry discussions, live music performances, social events, and more.

In partnership with iconic arts locations across Nashville, such as the Belcourt Theatre, Franklin Theatre, and Regal Green Hills, a handpicked selection of film screenings is set to entertain the festival-goers. As a leading cultural platform recognized globally, NashFilm will welcome filmmakers from all corners of the globe to present over 150 new movies, highlighting a broad array of subjects and genres – from feature-length to short films. There’s also an opportunity to discover the works of debutant directors, student filmmakers from Tennessee and beyond, music videos, episodic work, and more.

A Tradition of Honoring Filmmaking Excellence

Jason Padgitt, Executive Director at the Nashville Film Festival, shared his enthusiasm about the forthcoming edition. He said, “We’re honored to present the 55th edition of one of the longest-running film festivals in the U.S. to our engaged, diverse, and dedicated Nashville audience of film lovers. NashFilm continues to evolve and grow alongside the city, creating an event that celebrates the innovation and talent of filmmakers, screenwriters, and music makers locally and globally.”

NashFilm has a rich tradition of discovering, uplifting, and honoring filmmakers, screenwriters, and musicians from around the world, while strengthening Nashville’s cultural community each year. In collaboration with the Frist Art Museum, NashFilm will also host a series of Festival Education Screenings targeted towards Metro Nashville Public School students between grades 8 and 12. Over the past three years, NashFilm has created an environment of inspiration and critical thinking for students by welcoming them to the Festival to witness independent films and engage in insightful Q&A sessions with the directors and producers.

Diverse Programming and Exciting Competitions

Alongside this, the festival will showcase an impressive line-up of diverse programming, presenting a variety of narratives, powerful messages, and perspectives across different genres. Lauren Thelen, Director of Programming, expressed her anticipation, stating, “We’re continuously working to provide the community with ambitious films and are excited for audiences to experience the deeply important work filmmakers are bringing forth this year.”

In addition to the intriguing screenings, the festival will host events and programs celebrating various aspects of filmmaking, including a Screenwriting Competition and the much-anticipated Creators Conference. Both attractions will take place at the Hilton Nashville Green Hills from September 19-25 and September 20-22, respectively.

The full roster of films and programs for the 55th Nashville Film Festival will be unveiled in August. Individual tickets, as well as VIP Badges for the Nashville Film Festival, will be available for purchase from August at www.nashvillefilmfestival.org.

This landmark event in Nashville’s calendar promises to celebrate the virtuosity of film and music makers, creating an atmosphere of appreciation, exploration, and discovery. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, an industry professional, or a leisure seeker, this is one event you wouldn’t want to miss!