"As smaller festivals feel the squeeze from clout-chasing funders and boards, the decline of local journalism, and the numbing allure of algorithmically surfaced streaming content, the question becomes whether there’s still much will, domestically, to maintain the kind of infrastructure from which the next The Damned or Eephus, or the next Wanda or Northern Lights, might emerge—or through which it might connect with an audience eager to see their own quirks and concerns reflected on screen. Film Fest Knox is one attempt to answer in the affirmative; let’s hope there are more where that came from." -- Film Comment
Now in its fourth year, FILM FEST KNOX is an international film festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, presented by Visit Knoxville and Regal in partnership with the Visit Knoxville Film Office and The Public Cinema. The fest has received positive coverage from Film Comment, Filmmaker, The Film Stage, MUBI's Notebook, In Review Online, MovieMaker, and other local outlets.
FILM FEST KNOX showcases and advocates for personal, ambitious regional cinema. We invite discerning moviegoers, film professionals, and passionate audiences to engage in meaningful discussions, celebrate talented filmmakers, and foster connections within the industry. The festival is held at the Regal Riviera in downtown Knoxville, a vibrant, walkable area.
FILM FEST KNOX showcases a wide spectrum of films, while placing a special emphasis on American Regional Cinema. In collaboration with Regal, we present the highly anticipated five-film American Regional Film Competition. This unique showcase sheds light on exceptional works produced outside the traditional production centers of Los Angeles and New York.
The winner of the American Regional Cinema competition is awarded an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run by Regal.
In addition to our film screenings, FILM FEST KNOX offers an array of engaging events. Join us for parties, panels, and receptions honoring our participating filmmakers and other guests. We take great pleasure in acknowledging the invaluable contributions of film's creative producers, often overlooked yet vital to the success of a project.
FILM FEST KNOX screens films from around the world, including premieres, festival favorites, and restorations. However, we only accept open submissions for two categories on FilmFreeway: the American Regional Film Competition (narrative features only) and Made in Tennessee competition (shorts and features).
American Regional Film Competition
Open to narrative feature films made outside New York and Los Angeles, with a preference given to filmmakers (writers, directors, producers) based outside of those commercial centers. The winner of the American Regional Cinema competition will be awarded an Oscar-qualifying run by Regal. See details in Rules & Terms for more information.
Made In Tennessee
A competition for shorts and features produced in the Volunteer State and/or by filmmakers based here.
Friendly Tip!
If you're a gore/genre filmmaker, we encourage you to check out our friends at the Knoxville Horror Fest, which typically runs two or three weeks before Film Fest Knox. It's a fantastic festival and would likely be a better fit for your film.
