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Street parties, free workshops, southern hospitality on tap

 

Tryon International Film Festival’s 8th annual season will be Friday through Sunday, Oct. 7, 8, and 9, 2022, in the picturesque and soulful Town of Tryon. This year, the live and online festival will feature 52 films from around the world to be judged by some of the film industry’s greatest professionals.

 

Two new categories have been added: Full-Length and Short Animation. The established competition categories are: Full-Length Feature, Full-Length Documentary, Short Documentary, Short Dramatic, Student Film, and Sabian Award for Human Rights and Dignity. Awards will be made in all categories, plus Best Overall Film and Audience Choice.

 

“We are really looking forward to this year’s Film Festival,” co-founder Beau Menetre said. “We will have a few changes from last year and the past in general in that we will have 52 films rather than the normal 65-plus. We want to give more emphasis to quality, rather than quantity. We’ll have a solid roster of very diverse films that will run the gamut of the eight categories. And, we’re taking the Opening Gala to the streets of Tryon. It will be a mostly outdoor party this year, right downtown. We’re going to put up big tents, bring out the live music, have great food and drinks, and, like we do every year, have a wonderful time seeing old friends, making new friends, and celebrating the art of cinema in Tryon.”

 

In addition to the live Festival in Tryon, ticket holders will be able to view online all of the Festival’s 2022 films for 10 days after the in-person event ends.

 

The 2021 Film Festival provided several educational opportunities that were well received and paved the way for more. “They were so well received and in high demand that this year we’ve doubled the offerings,” Director of Education Ashley Crane said. “Through sponsorships, all of the educational opportunities are free — not just to ticket holders but to the general public. If interested, please sign up on the Festival’s website.” The scheduled workshops, panels, and discussion groups include ‘The Nuts and Bolts of Filmmaking’ Workshop with Frank Calo, a Cinematography Workshop with Erik Olsen, a Screen Acting Worksop with James, K Fulater, and much, much more.

 

After seven years of hosting the Tryon International Film Festival in the North Carolina foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, organizers and patrons agree that visiting the Town of Tryon and the surrounding countryside is as much of a draw as the films. “Over and over again, we are told that one of the reasons they return each year is because they enjoy Tryon so much,” Menetre said. “We are considered to be ‘The Friendliest Town In The South.’ Tryon is so walkable with many great stores, restaurants, and art galleries. Not too big, not too small but lots of charm and personality. There’s nothing like finding that perfect bed-and-breakfast inn with a mountain view and breakfast of real New York City bagels by Katie D’s. After a few morning films and some shopping, have lunch at Cafe La Gaule. See some more films in the afternoon, stop by the art galleries, maybe a couple of Festivals parties, and then eat southern barbeque or enjoy white-linen dining — we’ve got it all.”

 

“We are blessed to have some of the film industry’s most noted professionals to be our judges this year,” Menetre said. “Some of them have been with us from the very beginning; others are coming onboard for the first time. These are the people whose opinions count.” This year’s judges are…

Tryon International Film Festival is a non-profit volunteer organization that is funded by ticket sales, sponsorships, and grants and donations, which are needed and welcome. This year’s title sponsor is New View Realty, which has sponsored the Film Festival for several years. Tickets are priced from a $45 day pass to see the films to a $145 All-Access VIP Pass, which includes the $95 Opening Gala.

To buy tickets or for more information, please visit online: TryonInternationalFilmFestival.com. The Festival’s administration can be reached at 864 414 7765 or at Patricia@TryonArts.org.

 

Submitted by Steve Wong