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The Savannah Film Festival, Georgia

Published by Spencer Spellman, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

Film has become an integral part of life in America and throughout the world. Video stores, IMAX, movie theaters and Netflix have given new meaning to entertainment. Film festivals are a growing trend in the entertainment industry, and give actors, producers and writers a chance to show off their work before it hits theaters. While the Sundance Film Festival has long been the premier film event in the U.S., there are many others that pack a powerful punch. One of which takes place in one of the best travel destinations on the east coast: Savannah, Georgia. 

Although unknown to many, the Savannah Film Festival is growing in popularity, and with each passing year it brings in bigger films and celebrities. Taking place in what many call the crown jewel of the south, the Savannah Film Festival typically kicks off during one of the busiest times of year: Halloween. With fall in full-swing, providing pleasant temperatures, this makes for one of the best times to visit Savannah. 

What's unique about the Savannah Film Festival is that it's put on by the Savannah College of Art and Design, which is one of the premier schools in the U.S. Starting in 1998, students, faculty and volunteers have grown the event in 13 years, which now brings 50,000+ guests to Savannah. The week-long festival consists of feature films, documentaries, lectures, guest appearances, and workshops. While some of these require a small admission fee, many are free and open to the public.

As the Savannah Film Festival has grown, so has its lineup of films and celebrities. Past guests have included Liam Neeson, Danny Glover, Ian McKellen, Michael Douglas, Jane Fonda, and many more. Actors, writers and producers can often be found mingling with students, giving presentations, and talking with the media. It's one of the best opportunities to see your favorite celebrities in person.  

The highlight of the film festival is the feature films that are shown each evening. These films are upcoming films with the industry's best talent, and which are still weeks from hitting the box office. Since Savannah's historic district has been the scene for so many hit movies—like The Legend of Bagger Vance, Forrest Gump, and The General's Daughter—it makes for the perfect backdrop for a week of entertainment that you're not likely to experience by just going to the movies.

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When to Go to Savannah Film Festival

The Savannah Film Festival takes place annually during the first week of November, typically kicking off on Halloween. While there are events taking place during the mornings and afternoons, the feature films take place during the evenings. With Halloween also going on, the best time to visit Savannah is the days leading up to the film festival, when there a lot of other events taking place.

Odds n' Ends

Savannah Film Festival tickets are $10 for feature films, with discounts for students, military, and seniors. Some of the morning and afternoon events are free and open to the public. Since it's a film festival, it's recommended that guests wear nicer clothes than they would typically wear to the movies.

Places to Eat

Lady and Sons
Lady and Sons is the epitome of southern food. Started by famous cook Paula Deen, the Savannah restaurant features many of the southern favorites like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and much more. Just a couple blocks from the Savannah Film Festival, guests can enjoy dinner at Lady and Sons before walking to the festival.

Recommended Places to Stay

Ballastone Inn
With its cobblestone streets and victorian architecture, Savannah is known for their historic inns, with the Ballastone Inn fitting right in. The historic bed and breakfast is located a few blocks from the film festival, putting it within walking distance. The luxurious inn is highlighted by a deluxe breakfast that is served each morning.

More Experiences Nearby

All you can Art at the Charleston Spoleto Festival
Every year around Memorial Day Weekend, crowds flock to Charleston, South Carolina. Yes, for the beach; but more importantly, for one of the largest art festivals in the U.S., known as Spoleto Festival U.S.A. The 17-day Charleston festival that kicks off Memorial Day Weekend features two and a half weeks of the best theater, art and music the world has to offer. Started in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize composer Gian Carlo Menotti, the Charleston festival is the U.S. version of the "Festival of Two Worlds", which incidentally takes place in Spoleto, Italy. Why Charleston? Organizers wanted a U.S. city that ...83 miles away.

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Moon Charleston and Savannah
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Elsewhere on the Web

Savannah Film Festival - SCAD.edu

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