Get ready for a cinematic celebration at SCAD film fest
Highlighting the stars: Better Man and Maria
The highly anticipated SCAD Savannah Film Festival is back for its 27th annual edition, set to dazzle audiences from October 26 to November 2. This year, the festival will feature standout screenings of Better Man and Maria, promising a blend of both indie spirit and blockbuster shine.
A unique platform for emerging and established talents
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival is renowned for being a key stop on the Academy Awards festival circuit. It showcases a remarkable array of films including 123 narrative features, 31 documentary features, and 69 shorts. Among these, there are 10 world premieres and six U.S. premieres, offering an exciting peek into the future of cinema.
Gala screenings: Celebrating excellence in filmmaking
This year’s Gala Screenings lineup includes 15 prestigious films, each making significant waves in the industry:
- Blitz — Apple Original Films (Director Steve McQueen)
- Better Man — Paramount (Director Michael Gracey)
- The Brutalist — A24 (Director Brady Corbet)
- Emilia Pérez — Netflix (Director Jacques Audiard)
- The Fire Inside — Amazon MGM Studios (Director Rachel Morrison)
- Juror #2 — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Clint Eastwood)
- The Last Showgirl — Roadside Attractions (Director Gia Coppola)
- Maria — Netflix (Director Pablo Larraín)
- Nickel Boys — Orion Pictures / Amazon MGM Studios (Director RaMell Ross)
- Nightbitch — Searchlight Pictures (Director Marielle Heller)
- The Piano Lesson — Netflix (Director Malcolm Washington)
- A Real Pain — Searchlight Pictures (Director Jesse Eisenberg)
- September 5 — Paramount (Director Tim Fehlbaum)
- Sweethearts — MAX (Director Jordan Weiss)
- Unstoppable — Amazon MGM Studios (Director William Goldenberg)
Special presentations: First looks and unique perspectives
Discover groundbreaking films before their official release in the Special Presentations series. Over the years, these films have gone on to garner prestigious awards and accolades:
- All We Imagine as Light — Janus Films and Sideshow Pictures (Director Payal Kapadia)
- The End — Neon (Director Joshua Oppenheimer)
- Hard Truths — Bleecker Street (Director Mike Leigh)
- I’m Hip (Director John Musker)
- I’m Still Here — Sony Picture Classics (Director Walter Salles)
- Jean Cocteau (Director Lisa Immordino Vreeland)
- Love Me — Bleecker Street (Directors Sam Zuchero and Andy Zuchero)
- On Becoming a Guinea Fowl — A24 (Director Rungano Nynoi)
- The Room Next Door — Sony Picture Classics (Director Pedro Almodóvar)
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig — Neon (Director Mohammad Rasoulof)
- Small Things Like These — Lionsgate (Director Tim Mielants)
- State of Silence (Director Santiago Maza)
- Universal Language (Director Matthew Rankin)
Signature screenings: Exclusives and in-depth Q&As
Special screenings accompanied by Q&As with directors, writers, and actors make the Signature Screenings a highlight:
- A Different Man — A24 (Director Aaron Schimberg)
- Anora — Neon (Director Sean Baker)
- Back to Black — Focus Features (Director Sam Taylor-Johnson)
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Tim Burton)
- The Grifters (Director Stephen Frears)
- His Three Daughters — Netflix (Director Azazel Jacobs)
- Hit Man — Netflix (Director Richard Linklater)
- How to Train Your Dragon — Dreamworks (Directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois)
- Joker: Folie à Deux — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Todd Phillips)
- Saturday Night — Sony Pictures (Director Jason Reitman)
- One Step Away (Director Leslie Merlin)
- Sing Sing — A24 (Director Greg Kwedar)
- Young Woman and the Sea — Disney (Director Joachim Rønning)
Honoring excellence in film
This year’s festival will honor a distinguished group of industry talents. Expect enriching conversations and insightful master classes with SCAD students. Noteworthy honorees include:
- Colleen Atwood receiving the Creative Impact in Costume Design Award for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
- Annette Bening honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Jerry Bruckheimer receiving the Legend of Entertainment Award.
- Kieran Culkin getting the Virtuoso Award for A Real Pain.
- Colman Domingo awarded the Spotlight Award for Sing Sing.
- Jharrel Jerome honored with the Lumiere Award for Unstoppable.
First look: Wicked panel
An exclusive panel will provide insights into the upcoming film Wicked. With a release date set for November 22, this session will feature cinematographer Alice Brooks, editor Myron Kerstein, and costume designer Paul Tazewell sharing the transformative journey from stage to screen.
LGBTQ+ short film competition
In collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, SCAD introduces the SAVFF LGBTQ+ Short Film Competition. This initiative aims to promote diverse storytelling, with a $10,000 jury prize for the Best Overall Film and a $5,000 Audience Award, encouraging new voices in the industry.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts!
Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.# SCAD Savannah Film Festival illuminates the film industry with unique screenings and discussions
Unveiling the stars: Better Man and Maria
As the SCAD Savannah Film Festival rolls into its 27th year, audiences eagerly anticipate a week filled with cinematic delights from October 26 to November 2. This prestigious event, hosted by The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), promises to captivate with key screenings such as Better Man and Maria.
A playground for creativity and recognition
What sets the SCAD Savannah Film Festival apart is its ability to blend the celebration of well-established filmmakers with the nurturing of up-and-coming talent. The festival features an impressive roster that includes 123 narrative and 31 documentary feature films, along with 69 shorts. Among these, cinephiles can look forward to 10 world premieres and six U.S. premieres, showcasing the cutting edge of creative storytelling.
Gala screenings: A toast to excellence
The Gala Screenings have always been the festival’s crowning glory, highlighting films on the brink of major award season success. This year’s selection doesn’t disappoint, offering a lineup that features heavyweights like:
- Blitz — Apple Original Films (Director Steve McQueen)
- Better Man — Paramount (Director Michael Gracey)
- The Brutalist — A24 (Director Brady Corbet)
- Emilia Pérez — Netflix (Director Jacques Audiard)
- The Fire Inside — Amazon MGM Studios (Director Rachel Morrison)
- Juror #2 — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Clint Eastwood)
- The Last Showgirl — Roadside Attractions (Director Gia Coppola)
- Maria — Netflix (Director Pablo Larraín)
- Nickel Boys — Orion Pictures / Amazon MGM Studios (Director RaMell Ross)
- Nightbitch — Searchlight Pictures (Director Marielle Heller)
- The Piano Lesson — Netflix (Director Malcolm Washington)
- A Real Pain — Searchlight Pictures (Director Jesse Eisenberg)
- September 5 — Paramount (Director Tim Fehlbaum)
- Sweethearts — MAX (Director Jordan Weiss)
- Unstoppable — Amazon MGM Studios (Director William Goldenberg)
Special presentations: Premiering tomorrow’s classics today
Special Presentations offer a sneak peek at films that are expected to make waves on the festival circuit. The lineup is a testament to innovative filmmaking, providing early access to movies that may soon become critically acclaimed:
- All We Imagine as Light — Janus Films and Sideshow Pictures (Director Payal Kapadia)
- The End — Neon (Director Joshua Oppenheimer)
- Hard Truths — Bleecker Street (Director Mike Leigh)
- I’m Hip (Director John Musker)
- I’m Still Here — Sony Picture Classics (Director Walter Salles)
- Jean Cocteau (Director Lisa Immordino Vreeland)
- Love Me — Bleecker Street (Directors Sam Zuchero and Andy Zuchero)
- On Becoming a Guinea Fowl — A24 (Director Rungano Nynoi)
- The Room Next Door — Sony Picture Classics (Director Pedro Almodóvar)
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig — Neon (Director Mohammad Rasoulof)
- Small Things Like These — Lionsgate (Director Tim Mielants)
- State of Silence (Director Santiago Maza)
- Universal Language (Director Matthew Rankin)
Signature screenings: Exclusive viewings and conversations
An array of premiere and special screenings followed by interactive Q&A sessions make the Signature Screenings a hot ticket. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:
- A Different Man — A24 (Director Aaron Schimberg)
- Anora — Neon (Director Sean Baker)
- Back to Black — Focus Features (Director Sam Taylor-Johnson)
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Tim Burton)
- The Grifters (Director Stephen Frears)
- His Three Daughters — Netflix (Director Azazel Jacobs)
- Hit Man — Netflix (Director Richard Linklater)
- How to Train Your Dragon — Dreamworks (Directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois)
- Joker: Folie à Deux — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Todd Phillips)
- Saturday Night — Sony Pictures (Director Jason Reitman)
- SCAD Presents: One Step Away (Director Leslie Merlin)
- Sing Sing — A24 (Director Greg Kwedar)
- Young Woman and the Sea — Disney (Director Joachim Rønning)
Honoring industry titans
The festival is also a platform for honoring some of the biggest names in cinema. This year, a host of luminaries will be celebrated for their outstanding contributions:
- Colleen Atwood receiving the Creative Impact in Costume Design Award.
- Annette Bening honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Jerry Bruckheimer awarded the Legend of Entertainment Award.
- Kieran Culkin receiving the Virtuoso Award.
- Colman Domingo awarded the Spotlight Award.
- Jharrel Jerome honored with the Lumiere Award.
First Look: Wicked panel
One of the most anticipated sessions is the exclusive panel on the upcoming film Wicked. Key members, including cinematographer Alice Brooks, editor Myron Kerstein, and costume designer Paul Tazewell, will delve into the creative process of transforming this beloved stage musical into a cinematic spectacle, set for release on November 22.
LGBTQ+ short film competition: Celebrating diverse voices
In collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, the festival introduces the SAVFF LGBTQ+ Short Film Competition. This initiative underscores the importance of inclusive storytelling, with significant cash awards aimed at encouraging new voices and ensuring that LGBTQIA+ perspectives are vividly represented on screen.
Panels: Conversations with industry experts
The festival’s panels provide intimate conversations and industry insights. Attendees can look forward to discussions under the Behind the Lens series, featuring revered directors and producers, as well as the Artisans series, which will spotlight contributions from costume designers, production designers, and casting directors.
The Sonic Heroes panel will offer a deep dive into the music and sound design of the Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine, providing an eye-opening look at how audio elements elevate the superhero genre.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts!
Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.# SCAD Savannah Film Festival celebrates global cinema and creativity
Spotlight on major films: Better Man and Maria
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable event! The SCAD Savannah Film Festival returns for its 27th edition from October 26 to November 2, bringing a curated selection of the world’s best films to the heart of Savannah. Headlining this year’s festival are the highly anticipated screenings of Better Man and Maria, promising to captivate audiences and critics alike.
A showcase of innovation and talent
Celebrated for its role as a major stop on the Academy Awards circuit, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival offers a vibrant stage for both seasoned filmmakers and emerging voices. This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, featuring 123 narrative features, 31 documentary features, and 69 short films, including 10 world premieres and six U.S. premieres.
Gala screenings: Premiering potential award winners
The Gala Screenings are designed to spotlight films that are expected to dominate the upcoming awards season. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the distinguished titles:
- Blitz — Apple Original Films (Director Steve McQueen)
- Better Man — Paramount (Director Michael Gracey)
- The Brutalist — A24 (Director Brady Corbet)
- Emilia Pérez — Netflix (Director Jacques Audiard)
- The Fire Inside — Amazon MGM Studios (Director Rachel Morrison)
- Juror #2 — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Clint Eastwood)
- The Last Showgirl — Roadside Attractions (Director Gia Coppola)
- Maria — Netflix (Director Pablo Larraín)
- Nickel Boys — Orion Pictures / Amazon MGM Studios (Director RaMell Ross)
- Nightbitch — Searchlight Pictures (Director Marielle Heller)
- The Piano Lesson — Netflix (Director Malcolm Washington)
- A Real Pain — Searchlight Pictures (Director Jesse Eisenberg)
- September 5 — Paramount (Director Tim Fehlbaum)
- Sweethearts — MAX (Director Jordan Weiss)
- Unstoppable — Amazon MGM Studios (Director William Goldenberg)
Special presentations: Future classics and first looks
Special Presentations provide a glimpse into films that are destined to be tomorrow’s classics, often before their general release. These anticipated titles offer profound narratives and innovative direction:
- All We Imagine as Light — Janus Films and Sideshow Pictures (Director Payal Kapadia)
- The End — Neon (Director Joshua Oppenheimer)
- Hard Truths — Bleecker Street (Director Mike Leigh)
- I’m Hip (Director John Musker)
- I’m Still Here — Sony Picture Classics (Director Walter Salles)
- Jean Cocteau (Director Lisa Immordino Vreeland)
- Love Me — Bleecker Street (Directors Sam Zuchero and Andy Zuchero)
- On Becoming a Guinea Fowl — A24 (Director Rungano Nynoi)
- The Room Next Door — Sony Picture Classics (Director Pedro Almodóvar)
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig — Neon (Director Mohammad Rasoulof)
- Small Things Like These — Lionsgate (Director Tim Mielants)
- State of Silence (Director Santiago Maza)
- Universal Language (Director Matthew Rankin)
Signature screenings: Engaging films and insightful discussions
This year’s festival will feature exclusive screenings complemented by enriching Q&A sessions with directors, writers, and actors:
- A Different Man — A24 (Director Aaron Schimberg)
- Anora — Neon (Director Sean Baker)
- Back to Black — Focus Features (Director Sam Taylor-Johnson)
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Tim Burton)
- The Grifters (Director Stephen Frears)
- His Three Daughters — Netflix (Director Azazel Jacobs)
- Hit Man — Netflix (Director Richard Linklater)
- How to Train Your Dragon — Dreamworks (Directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois)
- Joker: Folie à Deux — Warner Bros. Pictures (Director Todd Phillips)
- Saturday Night — Sony Pictures (Director Jason Reitman)
- SCAD Presents: One Step Away (Director Leslie Merlin)
- Sing Sing — A24 (Director Greg Kwedar)
- Young Woman and the Sea — Disney (Director Joachim Rønning)
Honoring the industry’s best
The festival also serves as a platform to celebrate the distinguished contributions of cinema’s finest. This year’s lineup of honored guests includes:
- Colleen Atwood receiving the Creative Impact in Costume Design Award.
- Annette Bening honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Jerry Bruckheimer receiving the Legend of Entertainment Award.
- Kieran Culkin awarded the Virtuoso Award.
- Colman Domingo receiving the Spotlight Award.
- Jharrel Jerome honored with the Lumiere Award.
Inside look: Wicked panel
Don’t miss the exclusive panel dedicated to Wicked, a film poised to mesmerize audiences later this year. Join cinematographer Alice Brooks, editor Myron Kerstein, and costume designer Paul Tazewell as they discuss the monumental task of bringing the beloved musical to the big screen.
Empowering diverse narratives: LGBTQ+ short film competition
In a bid to champion inclusive storytelling, the festival partners with Amazon MGM Studios for the SAVFF LGBTQ+ Short Film Competition. The competition awards substantial prizes to filmmakers who brilliantly capture and illuminate LGBTQIA+ experiences on screen.
Comprehensive panels: Elevating industry conversations
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival offers multiple panels that dive deep into the craft of filmmaking. Among the most awaited are the Behind the Lens series, covering the journeys of top directors and producers, and the Artisans series, highlighting the crucial behind-the-scenes work in costume design, production design, and casting.
The Sonic Heroes panel will demystify the art of sound in superhero movies, specifically Deadpool & Wolverine, showcasing how soundscapes and scores heighten the film experience.
“Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts!”
“Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.”