Roll out the red carpet — it’s almost time for the 2024 Nashville Film Festival. | Photo via Nashville Film Festival
Lights, camera, action — The 54th Nashville Film Festival returns later this month — Thursday, Sept. 28-Wednesday, Oct. 4. The annual event unites filmmakers, actors, screenwriters, and movie buffs for 140 film screenings at five locations in the Nashville area.
The festival goes beyond the silver screen with filmmaker Q+As, industry panels, live music showcases, and social events (think: opening and closing night parties). Before you punch your ticket and head to concessions, let’s take a look at the lineup and other need-to-knows.
Hang around after select screenings for filmmakers Q+As. | Photo via Nashville Film Festival
Festival highlights
Opening night presentation | A red carpet event and screening of “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive” with Gloria Gaynor and director Betsy Schechter participating in a Q+A after the film.
Special presentations | Some of the notable films include Apple’s “Fingernails” (starring Jeremy Allen White and Annie Murphy), Neon’s “Eileen” (starring Anne Hathaway), A24’s “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt,” and “I Used to Be Funny” (starring Rachel Sennott).
Tennessee films | In addition to the Tennessee features competition, “Spotlight Nashville” is a special slate of films highlighting Music City’s rich history beyond music: country comedy and delicious bites. Watch “Minnie Pearl: Facing the Laughter” and “Food Roots,” which follows Sunda owner Billy Dec.
Creators Conference | Explore topics ranging from film budgeting and independent filmmaking to a deep dive into the television industry.
Pro tip: Curate your festival experience by selecting various filters on the interactive schedule. Navigate to the “filter events” tab and find films based on topic or screening location.
Asked
Which aspect of the Nashville Film Festival are you most looking forward to?
A. Film screenings B. Creators conference C. Filmmaker Q+As D. Meeting other movie buffs E. Something else
WNXP 91 Day | Friday, Sept. 1 | 5 p.m. | The Blue Room at Third Man Records, 623 7th Ave. S. | $19.41 | The public radio station hosts an evening of live music, food, art, and vintage vendors.
Musicians Corner | Friday, Sept. 1 | 5-9 p.m. | Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave. | Free | The free concert series features performances by Nordista Freeze, Matt Costa, Sunflower Bean, and more.
Saturday, Sept. 2
Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 6 p.m. | FirstBank Stadium, 2701 Jess Neely Dr. | $20+ | Cheer on the Commodores at the second home game of the season.
Pop-up Workout at Fabletics | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 9-10 a.m. | Fabletics, The Mall at Green Hills, 2126 Abbott Martin Rd. | Free | Bring your own mat to this 30-minute Row House workout followed by one-on-one private rowing demos.
Sunday, Sept. 3
Nashville Shores Labor Day Fireworks | Sunday, Sept. 3 | 8:15 p.m. | Nashville Shores, 4001 Bell Rd. | Cost of admission | The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at dusk.
Monday, Sept. 4
Nickel Creek | Monday, Sept. 4-Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | $67+ | The bluegrass/folk trio take the stage for three rescheduled dates.
Tuesday, Sept. 5
Nashville Sounds vs. Memphis Redbirds | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 6:35 p.m. | First Horizon Park, 19 Junior Gilliam Way | $10+ | Cheer on the Sounds during their six-game homestand.
Lele Sadoughi opens tomorrow, Sept. 2 in 12 South — 2803 12th Ave. S. The shop, which has locations in Texas, California, and New York, specializes in collectible headbands, jewelry, handbags, and other accessories.
Development
Inn Cahoots, a boutique hotel with ties to Austin, plans to open in a historic property downtown — 101 Church St. The three-story building will be renovated to include one additional floor for an event space, according to plans submitted to Metro. (Nashville Business Journal)
Film
Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour concert film is coming to theaters next month. It arrives at the Belcourt Theatre, AMC, and Regal locations in Nashville on Friday, Oct. 13. Plus, see it in IMAX at Regal Opry Mills and AMC Thoroughbred 20. Get tickets.
Announced
Nashville’s OUTLOUD Music Festival scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16 has been canceled. If you already secured tickets, refunds are expected to be issued by 10 a.m. today.
Eat
If you miss Nashville classics like Arnold’s and Gold Rush, The Pharmacy Burger will honor them and other beloved, now-closed locales with a new monthly burger series. First up is a Rotier’s-themed burger — served on French bread, of course — available through September. (The Tennessean)
Arts
Nashville-based artist Duncan McDaniel’s new exhibition, “Fountain,” opens at The Parthenon on Friday, Sept. 29. The six-month exhibit will feature 18 original pieces of art — two backlit sculptures, nine suspended vases, six paintings, and one mural. Bonus: Attend this immersive arts fundraiser.
Community
Have a grand ole time at Opry Community Day on Sunday, Oct. 8, offering Tennessee residents free tours of the Opry House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plus, the Opry’s outdoor plaza will host live music and family-friendly activities. Reserve tickets in advance.
Community
Your Labor Day weekend plans
You could spend your Sunday at W Nashville’s pool with unlimited food (think: curried chicken and hot pepper shrimp). | Photo via W Nashville
If you’re looking to maximize the three-day weekend, consider heading to a rooftop or block party. Here are a few suggestions:
Labor Day Hang with DJ Tay James | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 5 p.m. | Harriet’s Rooftop, 710 Demonbreun St. | Cost of purchase | Kick off the holiday weekend with sounds by DJ Tay James and festive cocktail specials all day and night.
Labor Day Luau | Sunday, Sept. 3 | 12 p.m. | Skydeck on Broadway, 5055 Broadway | Cost of purchase | Enjoy food and drink specials, VR games, a permanent jewelry station, and more.
Poolside Caribbean Cookout | Sunday, Sept. 3 | 2-6 p.m. | W Hotel Nashville, 300 12th Ave. S. | Cost of admission | The celebration will feature an extensive DJ lineup, cocktails, and unlimited food from the Caribbean Cookout menu.
AB Block Party | Monday, Sept. 4 | 1-11 p.m. | Parking lot of Belcourt Theatre, 2102 Belcourt Ave. | Free | The festival features multiple stages with headliners Joy Oladokun, Daniel Nunnelee, Southern Avenue, and more + vendor pop-ups and food trucks.
Shoutout
Happy birthday, NASHtoday member Melanie Lyon. We hope your special day (September 7) is filled with your favorite things in Nashville! — NASHtoday team
As a Bama fan and MTSU alum, I have conflicting feelings about this weekend’s matchup down in Tuscaloosa. As much as I’d love to be there — wearing a mix of royal blue and houndstooth — I’ll instead be glued to a TV somewhere in Music City. Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend.
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