Freedom Festival International

The Arts are not just about entertainment and the appreciation of artistic works. It's a celebration of our expression through adversity and the freedom of creativity, which to many of us does not come easy. As a subsidiary of Carolina Film Network nonprofit organization, Freedom Festival International inclusively uplifts the essence of therapeutic art through the mediums of film and screenwriting. What makes Freedom Festival International a one-of-a-kind festival is, not only do we highlight underrepresented groups and have a myriad of diverse awards, but we take pride in showcasing films from around the world that are testament to how the struggles of filmmaking can cultivate entire communities and help us to grow. Centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina's "International Corridor," moviegoers can enjoy films and network at Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8, Columbia's newest first-run Arthouse Theater. We kick off the festival with an amazing music concert followed by a torch lighting ceremony the next morning before the first screenings. In addition to this, there will be panel discussions with leading industry professionals, talkbacks, seminars, and awesome after party mixers at the end of each day the festival concludes.

This international festival's "Finalist Selections" in each category will be screened live at the festival and compete for the "Torch Awards" at Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8 in the International Corridor of Columbia, South Carolina. With over two dozen categories, these awards are just the tip of the iceberg. These awards are also IMDb qualifying.

Freedom Festival International is a festival dedicated to showcasing, promoting, and networking independent filmmakers and the great films they've made from around the world. With the additional highlighting of women and veteran filmmakers, we will honor an influential woman and veteran with the coveted Woman Torchbearer of the Year and Veteran of Freedom Torch Award. This is fitting in conjunction with the month of August celebrating the holidays of Purple Heart Day and Women's Equality Day.

We are seeking films and screenplays that coincide with the categories listed such as Action, Drama, Comedy, Horror, Music Video, Documentary, Student, and Short Screenplays. With all of the Finalists Selections that will be screened at the festival, we will provide two VIP passes for each film and/or screenplay so that they can attend the entire festival and see firsthand how everyone responds to their beautiful work, which will give a great opportunity for the filmmakers to network with other filmmakers, fans, and potential investors and distributors.