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TRYON—The 2024 Tryon International Film Festival will open this year with the Swedish film Just Like Me, the Polk County Film Initiative recently announced.

The tenth anniversary of the weekend-long festival of independent films and filmmaking will kick off on Friday, November 22, in downtown Tryon after it was postponed due to Tropical Storm Helene.

Just Like Me is the debut film from Swedish director Andreas Thelander. The film, which has won multiple awards at festivals worldwide, is a heartwarming comedy about a young single mother with autism who wins $250,000 and spends it on having coffee with people to learn more about how humans work.

TRIFF24 Gala and Feature Film Sponsor author Clayton Smith said he was fascinated while watching this foreign film with English subtitles.

“My attention never wandered,” Smith said. “Just Like Me is funny, clever, and a front runner for attention.”

Thelander’s participation at TRIFF24 is supported by the Embassy of Sweden in Washington.

“Celebrating a decade of cinematic excellence at the Tryon International Film Festival is a true honor,” shared Swedish Honorary Consul Magnus Natt och Dag. “This festival has grown from humble beginnings into a world-class event, showcasing exceptional films and fostering a global community of creativity and storytelling.”

Thelander will host a short Q&A following the film at Tryon Theatre, sharing insights with pass holders during a coffee on Saturday morning.

Just Like Me will be preceded by Come and Save Me, starring Fred Armisen, a film by Greenville, SC filmmaker Chris White. Tickets for the opening films and the Old Hollywood-themed Gala at The Fitzgerald in Tryon are available online.

For more information, visit tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org.