News Summary
Knoxville is preparing for the third annual Film Fest Knox, showcasing regional filmmakers and offering opportunities for collaboration with national professionals. The festival will include screenings, panels, workshops, and the Elev8or Pitch competition, which highlights local talent. Registration is currently open, and the festival aims to foster community engagement and support for aspiring filmmakers. The Elev8or Development Lab will provide mentorship to selected projects, emphasizing innovative storytelling.
Knoxville is gearing up for its third annual Film Fest Knox, which will take place from November 6-9, 2025. The festival, held in collaboration with Regal and the Public Cinema, aims to shine a spotlight on regional filmmakers while also receiving national accolades. Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” Film Fest Knox showcases a mix of craft, grit, and ambition in filmmaking.
This year’s festival will feature a diverse program, including both short and feature film screenings, panels, and workshops. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant opening-night VIP party and a celebratory closing night. A prominent event within the festival will be the Elev8or Pitch competition, dedicated to highlighting local filmmaking talent. In this competition, regional teams will present their ideas and projects to industry professionals, offering a vital platform for aspiring filmmakers.
The Elev8or Pitch competition consists of two main components: each team will submit a 60-second pitch along with an eight-minute proof-of-concept short for a feature film. Out of numerous submissions, twenty short films are set to screen during the festival, with the top eight teams progressing to pitch their projects live to industry insiders and festival attendees. This setup is designed to foster a connection between local filmmakers and established professionals in the industry, assisting in their career development.
Additionally, the festival will introduce the Elev8or Development Lab, providing selected projects with mentorship and constructive feedback. By integrating these elements, Film Fest Knox aspires to support the local film community actively while nurturing filmmakers who have ambitions to transition into feature films. The festival, described as an essential advancement for creators, emphasizes personal narratives and innovative storytelling in its selected films.
Registration for the Elev8or Pitch competition is currently open, featuring a team fee of $75, which includes one full festival pass. A kickoff party is planned for July 17 at Scruffy City Hall to celebrate the festival’s upcoming events and rally community enthusiasm.
Over the past years, Film Fest Knox has garnered significant attention, with 21 filmmakers competing in the Elev8or Pitch last year, highlighting the growing interest and investment in regional cinema. The event not only promotes local talent but also contributes to an enriched cultural scene in Knoxville, encouraging new filmmakers to explore their creative potential.
The festival stands as a testament to Knoxville’s commitment to fostering talent in the film industry, blending local creativity with professional opportunities. As Film Fest Knox continues to grow, it reflects a strong community support for cinematic arts and storytelling that resonates with both local and national audiences.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Film Fest Knox Receives National Recognition
- Inside of Knoxville: Knoxville Film Festival Elev8tor Pitch
- Arts Knoxville: Janelle VanderKelen Receives Creative Capital Award
- Daily Beacon: 16th Annual Knoxville Horror Film Festival
- Google Search: Film Fest Knox
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
