Nashville Film Festival

When Mary Jane Coleman founded the Sinking Creek Film Celebration in 1969, she probably didn’t expect that it would grow to become the oldest-running film festival in the South. The name change is fairly recent: in 1998, the festival was renamed the Nashville Independent Film Festival, and this was shortened to the Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) in 2003. Apparently, the name change was the kick in the pants that the event needed, because between 2003 and 2007, the number of attendees doubled. Ms. Coleman passed away in June at the age of 86, having lived to see the 2010 edition of the festival. However, her spirit is still remembered, as the festival is continuing full force for 2011. The week-long event will take place April 14-21 at the Regal Green Hills Stadium 16.According to the festival’s website, www.nashvillefilmfestival.org, the move to Nashville hasn’t just benefited the event. NaFF has proven influential in linking Nashville’s music industry with the worldwide film industry. Economic activity in the city increases during the event, spawning a burst of new jobs. NaFF also sponsors an At-Risk Youth program for the children of the city, helping young people to become more confident in their own expression and in interacting with their community. The festival also works with over 80 other arts, cultural, and service-oriented groups to promote non-profit organizations in the area.In 2010, there were 2235 entries, with just over 215 making it to the festival screens. The Late Entry Deadline for the 2011 Festival is still openthat date will hit November 26, while filmmakers who submit through Withoutabox.com are eligible for the extended deadline of December 31, 2010. Filmmakers from both America and outside the country are welcome to submit. There are no content or time restrictions (any films over 40 minutes are considered features, and all others are considered shorts). The festival does highlight films that emphasize music, though, and has become renowned for its musical guests, including:

  • Sheryl Crow
  • Rob Thomas
  • Rocco Deluca
  • Rick Wakeman
  • T-Bone Burnett
  • Brad Paisley
  • Tim McGraw
  • Faith Hill
  • Mark Slaughter
  • Bela Fleck
  • Brooks & Dunn
  • Alison Krauss
  • Emmylou Harris
  • Earl & Randy Scrugss
  • Natalie Cole

Whether you’re a filmmaker or a film-watcher, the Nashville Film Festival is highly recommended. It was even voted one of the “20 Film Festivals Worth the Entrance Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine, so don’t hesitate to start making your plans now.