This is your time, film buffs! If your idea of a perfect getaway includes a gathering that celebrates independent film, the Savannah Film Festival on Oct. 26-Nov. 2 is a must.
Each year, more than 50,000 people attend the week-long festival, which Variety magazine reports is a favorite Oscar season stop for stars and filmmakers. It’s no surprise, with a wide variety of competition film screenings, special screenings, workshops, panels and lectures.
Lineup and Tickets
While this year’s line-up of films and events hasn’t yet been released, you can be sure it includes something for everyone. Check back for updates prior to the festivities.
Tickets will be available starting Oct. 1 either online or in-person at the Savannah Box Office. While a pass package is the best way to ensure admittance to a particular film, individual tickets are available.
Venues and Shuttle
Venues are spread throughout downtown Savannah, and include the Trustees Theater, Lucas Theatre for the Arts, Gutstein Gallery and the SCAD Museum of Art Theater. These are state-of-the-art, comfortable forums where the screenings, panels and workshops are intimate gatherings.
A free, one-route Festival Shuttle puts patrons within easy walking distance of all venues. They loop every 15 minutes starting one hour prior to the first screening of the day.
What makes it special?
The annual festival is driven by the students and the faculty of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), who run the event. It is, in fact, the nation’s largest university-run film festival. Students scout out the best films, invite the honorees and organize the schedule. The charm of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival is that it’s a reflection of this historic, Southern city.
Where to Stay
We offer several Broughton Street rentals that put you in close proximity to the venues. That’s important, as things can get a little crowded during the Savannah Film Festival. Our Broughton Street Lofts are one- and two-bedroom premium rentals with restaurants, boutiques and more within steps of your front door.
For visitors with a passion for cinema, the Savannah Film Festival gets rave reviews. Where else can you see an array of independent films in a setting as magical as the movies?