The return of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival: A celebration of cinema

The SCAD Savannah Film Festival, the largest college-run film festival in the world, is making a grand return to Georgia on October 26. Known for its diverse programming, this festival promises a rich mix of documentaries, blockbusters, indie films, animations, and shorts.

Honoring the stars

SCAD President and founder Paula Wallace enthuses, “SCAD honors the screen’s brightest stars, from Annette Bening to Lupita Nyong’o to Richard Linklater. Come for the stars and stay for a tour of SCAD’s recently expanded Savannah Film Studios backlot—glitz, glamour, and good films.”

Diverse and Eclectic Lineup

This year’s lineup includes Steve McQueen’s “Blitz,” Pablo Larrain’s “Maria,” Robbie Williams’ unconventional biopic “Better Man,” and Jacques Audiard’s musical drama “Emilia Peréz,” which snatched the Jury Prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Adding to the cinematic feast is Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist”, showcased in a special 35mm print, which earned him the Silver Lion for directing at Venice.

For detailed trailers and a sneak peek, you can check out these movies on their respective pages: Blitz, Maria, Better Man.

Spotlight on female achievements

Daisy Ridley, who will receive the Lumiere Award, will grace SCAD for the first time. She will be honored for her performances in “Magpie” and “Young Woman and the Sea.” Ridley shared her passion for portraying Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel, stating, “It’s such a beautiful connective story. When I read the script, my opinion was ‘How do I not know this woman?’”

Artisans and creatives in the limelight

Festival executive director Christina Routhier highlights SCAD’s commitment to celebrating artisans. “When we curate the festival, we aim to bring in films and talent that will enhance our students’ education by offering deeper insights into their fields,” she notes. This dedication is reflected in the festival’s partnership with Artisans to Watch, a program led by senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay, celebrating unique voices across various creative roles, from costume design to cinematography.

Colleen Atwood, an Oscar-winning costume designer, will receive the Creative Impact in Costume Design award. Despite normally not participating in the festival circuit, Atwood is thrilled to attend SCAD this year. She recently worked on “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” where her approach prioritized creating actual materials and costumes. Reflecting on her work, Atwood recalls, “We found this great old thing that looked like a cheesy 70s dress, and [the film’s star] Winona [Ryder] and I both loved it. It was one of the first things I found at a thrift store, and it was just perfect.”

In contrast, she designed Astrid Deetz’s wardrobe (played by Jenna Ortega) to highlight her estrangement from her family, using totally different styles and colors.

Empowering women in film

The festival will also feature “Behind Her Lens” panels, showcasing top female producers. Attendees in 2024 include Joanna Calo (“The Bear”), Carla Hacken (“Hell or High Water,” “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone”), Laura Lewis (“Mr. Malcolm’s List,” “Tell Me Lies”), Alison Owen (“Back to Black,” “Ghosts”), Elizabeth Heather Rae (“Fancy Dance”), and Daisy Ridley (“Young Woman and the Sea,” “Magpie,” “Sometimes I Think About Dying”).

SCAD alumna and 25-year festival veteran Routhier emphasizes the influence of her student days on her current role managing film programming. “I come to work every day eager to give my heart and soul to our students and community,” she says.

Join the excitement and celebrate the art of filmmaking. Share the magic of SCAD Savannah Film Festival with your social circles and stay updated for more cinematic journeys ahead.