Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

TRYON—The Polk County Film Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will present the 10th Tryon International Film Festival from Friday, November 22, to Sunday, November 24, in downtown Tryon. In 2014, PCFI launched its first annual fall film festival, which has continued every year since, offering a weekend-long festival of independent films and filmmaking.

TRIFF Co-founder Beau Menetre emphasized the significance of local businesses, partners, and the community in ensuring the success of the 10th anniversary of the event. 

“The involvement of town residents and businesses creates a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates both film and community spirit, making the festival a hallmark event for Tryon,” says Menetre. 

PCFI Board President Tom Trobaugh echoed that sentiment, adding, “Many thanks to the Town of Tryon and our local shops, bars, and restaurants, which will be open and stay later for festival patrons.”

TRIFF provides a catalyst for both creative and economic development. The festival has a big economic impact on the small town of Tryon, bringing 500 to 700 people from around the country and globe to town that weekend each year. Nearly $125,000 is raised through sponsorships, donations, grants, and ticket and merchandise revenue, which is infused back into the local and regional economies. This includes purchases of poster art and custom awards, t-shirt printing, and facility and golf cart rentals – all of which are required to create this multi-day event.

The festival is a community affair, and the numbers for TRIFF24 say it all!

• 1 title sponsor powering TRIFF24: New View Realty
• 2 tourism entities working with TRIFF24 
• 3 printers for signs, t-shirts, hats, programs, posters, and more: McKinsey Printing, Yetees, and HRM Printing 
• 4 musical acts playing during TRIFF24 
• 5 film and podcast community venues hostingTRIFF24 activities
• 6 opportunities to be part of Tryon Painters & Sculptors Progressive Plein Air & Silent Auction at TRIFF24
• 7 community partners and 7 organizations providing events, time, and talent during TRIFF24
• 10 audio/visual techs, videographers and photographers documenting TRIFF24 
• 13 private donors supporting TRIFF with their funding
• 15 TRIFF24 awards designed by Night Owl Iron Works in Rutherfordton
• 30 business sponsors supporting TRIFF24
• 40 college students attending TRIFF24 activities
• 54 students (from NC and SC schools and early colleges) attending TRIFF24 Media Arts Day
• 70 plus films and filmmakers featured
• 81 business and organization ads in the TRIFF24 program
• 100+ volunteers who work year-round to make TRIFF a success
• 150-mile reach for TRIFF24 advertising strategies from June – November 2024
• 200+ VIPs purchased all access tickets
• 400 programs and schedules 

Don’t miss a minute of TRIFF24! Celebrate this community event and join in the fun. Tickets are available online or in person at The Fitzgerald, located at 69 Pacolet Street in Tryon throughout the weekend (Thursday, 11/21: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday, 11/22: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11/23: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11/24: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.). 

Free Education Institute passes are available to Polk County and Landrum residents with a passcode thanks to support from Polk County Community Foundation’s Mary Kessler Fund. Rutherford County residents may also attend the Institute at no charge, thanks to support from the Carolina Foothills Foundation.

Learn more at www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org.

 

Submitted by Debra Torrence