Savannah Film Festival

Hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design, the Savannah Film Festival features the best in independent and innovative film from around the world. From feature-length films to two-minute shorts, the annual festival presents a full range of cinematic creativity from both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. Panel discussions and presentations by visiting artists offer movie buffs the unique opportunity to experience the art of film while interacting one-on-one with their favorite filmmakers. Past honored guests have included Sir Ian McKellen, Liam Neeson, Isabella Rossellini, Hugh Dancy, Jeremy Renner, Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Peter O'Toole, Kathleen Turner, Sydney Pollack, Alan Cumming, Roger Ebert, Jane Fonda, John Waters, Danny Glover, Alec Baldwin, Natasha Richardson and Ellen Burstyn. From the moss-draped trees and shaded parks to the shops and ships of River Street, Savannah attracts millions of visitors each year, including film crews who take advantage of the city's ambience, mild year-round climate and easy-going lifestyle. Notable films shot in Savannah include "Forrest Gump," "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," "Forces of Nature," "The General's Daughter," "The Legend of Bagger Vance," "The Gift," "The Conspirator," and "The Last Song." Since its inception in 1998, the Savannah Film Festival has focused on enriching and educating an expanding audience, while promoting quality independent films and filmmakers. The festival features more than 50 films, selected from more than 600 entries in the categories of feature, short, animation, documentary and student competition, which are submitted from all over the world. The featured screenings represent a variety of independent filmmakers, while a cross section of workshops, lectures, receptions and special events gives the festival participants an opportunity to meet colleagues active in all areas of film production. During the festival, professional workshops and lectures for the community and area high school and college students address topics such as acting, directing, producing, animation and filmmaking, among others. "Coffee Talk," an informal workshop held daily, provides a forum for students and film professionals to discuss the industry. Educational benefits for students are also provided through the Savannah Film Festival's student competition films as well as the festival student workshops, which are held at noon for three days of the festival. At these workshops, students from in and around Georgia screen films in competition and meet with the filmmakers following the screenings. Professional and student filmmakers in attendance are encouraged to meet with classes and speak with potential young filmmakers. Through increased accessibility and quality programming, the Savannah Film Festival continues to grow in size and reputation. Known as one of the most "accessible" film festivals for industry professionals and the public, the Savannah Film Festival allows guests to share ideas, network and create opportunities for future success. The eight-day festival highlights some of the year's most important films and showcases the talents of award-winning filmmakers from around the world. The festival features films from major studios and distribution companies who have established their films as contenders during the next award season. Positioned near the end of the festival season, the Savannah Film Festival provides a unique setting for the working filmmaker and guests.