Meet award winning filmmakers, producers, directors and actors at the 2016 Tryon International Film Festival, hosted by the Polk County Film Initiative, Tryon Fine Arts Center, Tryon Depot and the historic Tryon Theatre, on Oct. 8 and 9.

The festival kicks off on the evening of Friday, Oct. 7, with a specially ticketed, red carpet gala event and launch of “American Epic,” a three-part documentary about the history of the recording industry.

The highly acclaimed film by Robert Redford, T Bone Burnett and Jack White will take you on a journey through time exploring the birth of modern music. Watch the two other segments and meet the filmmakers, Bernard MacMahon and Allison McGourty during the two-day festival and learn firsthand how they created such a cinematic masterpiece.

Attend a second gala on Saturday and watch more than 35 independent films from around the world. Attend industry workshops, breakout sessions and panel discussions with some of top filmmakers in the world. Also don’t miss the awards ceremony on Sunday and the opportunity to watch “Going Home: Saluda’s Music Tradition” on the big screen!

Please note: Friday and Saturday evening gala events at the Tryon Fine Arts Center are special ticket events. Buy your ticket quickly as seating is extremely limited! Purchase your tickets at the Tryon Fine Arts Center or online at www.tryonarts.org

Also visit tryoninternationalfilmfestival.com for news and information.

– article submitted by Kirk Gollwitzer