Top 5 Memphis Film Festivals [Must Attend]
Memphis is inarguably one of the most historically influential cities in the US. It is prominently known for its rich culture entwined with education, art and entertainment. Memphis film festivals are one of the many mediums in which the heart of the city is highlighted for the world to see the undying talent its citizens have to offer.
1. Indie Memphis Film Festival
Overton Square houses a variety of short films, documentaries and independent features created by many gifted filmmakers. For the Indie Memphis Film Festival, Midtown Memphis welcomes award-winning and in-demand shorts and film for hundreds of film enthusiasts to see. Anyone interested has a chance to participate in workshops and seminars for those who are inspired to create movies. Also, live performances of local Memphis musicians are available for the guests to enjoy before the screenings. The Indie Memphis Film Festival continues to unite and incite a passion within indie filmmakers and enthusiasts.
Location:
Contact:
Phone: (901) 214 – 5171
Email: [email protected]
2. ON LOCATION: MEMPHIS
On Location: Memphis (formerly the Memphis International Film Festival) pulls out all the stops to lead the world to Memphis’ backyard. The festival consistently reflects the multiple experiences native to the city, and organizers travel far and wide to discover the latest batch of authentic stories. The Memphis International Film and Music Festival is no stranger to scouts as many will travel far in search of the best within the industry. Some themes that tend to be highlighted by this Memphis film festival are:
- Female empowerment
- Black experiences in America
- Influence of music in culture
Location:
5050 POPLAR AVE. #2406
MEMPHIS, TN, 38157
Contact:
Phone:(901) 730-6220
Email: [email protected]
4. Unreal Film Festival
The Unreal Film Festival is a genre-specific. It pays keen attention to the genres of fantasy, horror and science fiction. Taking the time to celebrate both short and full-length feature films, this festival gives everyone that fits the criteria their moment to shine. However, regionally produced films receive preference as without those filmmakers and actors, Memphis would not have as much exposure as they currently do. There is a select prize category for regionally produced films, which gives these talents somewhat of an incentive to create exceptional work. Some of the awards that many compete for are:
- Best feature film
- Best short film
- Best director
Location:
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
4. Outflix Film Festival
The Outflix Film Festival pays homage to the LGBTQIA community by adding another layer of depth to the movement. Film fanatics congregate in Memphis each September to enjoy the various films that capture the stories of engaging characters within the LGBTQIA community. The festival does an exemplary job at showcasing the elements of life that create the full human experience which the global community can appreciate. In 2018, some of the films which received recognition were: A Moment in the Reeds, Alaska is a Drag and Kill the Monsters.
Location:
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
5. International Jewish Film Festival
The Memphis Jewish Community Center opens its doors to offer the attention that the Jewish documentaries and independent films long for. The International Jewish Film Festival invites collaboration with Indie Memphis, which helps to encourage further prosperous conversations between American Jews and others around them. A few films that have been featured at this festival are The Testament, The Twinning Reaction and Shelter. These three films, along with countless others, have involved themselves in uniquely celebrating Jewish culture and storytelling.
Location:
Contact:
The Memphis film festivals have and will continue to show the world why their city is known for its deep roots in culture and the arts. Annually, we are fortunate enough to get a mere taste of why these various film festivals are as beloved as we know them to be.