Movie junkies, independent filmmakers and friends gathered together at the Rec Room on Broad Avenue Monday night for the preview party reveal of the full 185 films lined-up for the Indie Memphis Film Festival held in November.
“This year, we are showcasing several films that are likely Oscar and Sundance contenders,” Ryan Watt, executive director of Indie Memphis, said. “We also have some people coming to the festival that are very impactful in the national film community.”
Indie Memphis Film Festival will be from Nov. 1-7 with films playing in downtown, midtown and for the first time, east of Memphis. Attendees will have the chance to screen documentaries, short films and independent features at the Halloran Theater, the Hattiloo Theatre, Circuit Playhouse, Malco Studio on the Square, Collierville Malco and Malco Ridgeway.
MovieMaker Magazine named Indie Memphis “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee 2016.”
Watt said over 10,000 people are expected to attend the festival this year.
“It’s a way for Memphis filmmakers to be seen and recognized, and it introduces Memphis filmmaking to the rest of the country,” David Appleby, University of Memphis film professor, said. “The festival is a home for Memphis filmmakers.”
The location of the festival has not hindered its ability to attract impressive guests in past years either.
Memphis native and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Chris Parnell, director Craig Brewer (“Footloose” and “Empire”), writer Larry Karaszewski (The People vs. OJ Simpson) and actors Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad”) and Angela Bassett (“American Horror Story”) are just a few names that have attended the festival in the past.
Some of films showcased at the festival have gone on to earn Academy Award nominations and awards. In 2012, “Undefeated” won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
A number of films presented at this year’s festival carry serious, heavy and even dark themes with prominent actors such as Greg Kinnear, Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams and Kristen Stewart who may ignite Oscar buzz for their performances.
The line-up is also not without its bizarre stories, such as Nicole Haimes’ “Chicken People,” that follows the trials and tribulations of those who breed exotic chickens in the world of competitive poultry. The documentary selection will also feature a few racial hot topic pieces such as Raoul Peck’s “I Am Not Your Negro” and Prichard Smith’s “The Invaders.”
Film festival admission costs $10 per general ticket and $15 for special screenings, $100 for 12 films festival pass ($80 for members) and $250 for a VIP all access festival pass ($200 for members).
“It legitimizes Memphis filmmaking,” Appleby said.
Appleby attends the Indie Memphis Film Festival every year.
Launched in 1998, Indie Memphis is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting the diverse and intricately artistic Memphis community through independent film, hosting year-round programs and a world-class film festival. It is also a two-time Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences grant recipient and the only film organization to receive annual funding from ArtsMemphis.
