First held in March 2009, the Gatlinburg Screenfest is an independent film festival which offers residents and visitors of East Tennessee the opportunity to explore the independent film industry. The Screenfest is open to the public and welcomes anyone who appreciates creativity and individualism. Festival attendees may view a selection of independent films specially chosen by the festival committee, meet many of the artists from the industry, attend seminars and discussions with directors and many other activities. In the spirit of true humanity, the Gatlinburg Screenfest also actively sponsors many charitable organizations.
The Gatlinburg Screenfest is an excellent venue for those interested in learning more about independent film, as well as local artists who desire entry into the industry. Whether a student, aspiring artist or simply a fan of independent film, the Gatlinburg Screenfest is a multifaceted event, encompassing the entire independent film industry and offering something for everyone. Though visitors may have attended the festival in years past, every year is a different experience.
For its 2009 premier, the Gatlinburg Screenfest entertained approximately 300 attendees, and the attendance has nearly doubled every year since. To some, Gatlinburg, may seem an unlikely atmosphere for a film festival. On the contrary, Gatlinburg is home to some unique attractions which make for an ideal location. Gatlinburg is home to the Hollywood Wax Museum as well as the Hollywood Star Car Museum, and hosts more than 10 million visitors every year. And though there are no actual movie theaters in the area, the festival organizers have specially designed screen rooms in a convention setting which can more than accommodate the volume of festival goers. This setup makes Screenfest an unparalleled affair in the area.
The festival's committee members begin accepting entries for the following year immediately following the conclusion of the current festival. The films are subsequently screened and judged by an evaluating panel. Films, regardless of type or genre, are judged on the basis of ten specific elements: aesthetics and visual appeal, storyline, script flow, cinematography, lighting, acting, music, sound quality and effects, originality and creativity, and editing style. Based on this assessment, the evaluating panel will select the top 10 film submissions to be shown at the festival.
The 2011 festival showed a total of 24 short films, documentaries, and feature films, over the course of the three day extravaganza. The event kicked off with a party on opening night featuring complimentary energy drinks and entertainment from a local improv group and continued with a variety of film-related workshops, lectures and events. With so many fun and interesting activities, the festival delivered a one of a kind experience for all who attended.
Screenfest is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Gatlinburg. It's an exciting, relatively new addition to the world of independent films. However, in its short lifespan, the Screenfest has cemented its own place in the future of the independent film industry. The advent of this cultural experience has afforded individuals, who may have otherwise been unable to attend such an event, access to a wealth of information and opportunity. In a civilization of rigid and inflexible demands, families can encourage creativity and inventiveness. Moreover, with so many reductions in performing arts programs in public schools, many youths are missing out on opportunities to learn about music, art, and film. This festival introduces children and adolescents to interests they may not have known existed. Festival goers of today may become the filmmakers of tomorrow.