Since its inception in 1998, the Savannah Film Festival has focused on enriching and educating an expanding audience, while promoting quality independent films and filmmakers. The festival features more than 50 films, selected from more than 600 entries in the categories of feature, short, animation, documentary and student competition, which are submitted from all over the world. The featured screenings represent a variety of independent filmmakers, while a cross section of workshops, lectures, receptions and special events gives the festival participants an opportunity to meet colleagues active in all areas of film production.
From feature-length films to two-minute shorts, the festival presents a full range of cinematic creativity. In addition to student work and films by independent filmmakers, past professional screenings have included such notable films as "The Cooler," "Searching for Debra Winger," "The Battle of Shaker Heights," "The Triplets of Belleville," "Amélie," "Talk to Her," "In the Bedroom," and "Waking Life." Each year, the festival also presents Lifetime Achievement Awards to outstanding individuals in film. Past recipients have included director Arthur Penn, actress Thora Birch, director/producer Sydney Pollack, actress Debbie Reynolds, actress Jane Fonda, and director/producer James Ivory.
During the festival, professional workshops and lectures for the community and area high school and college students address topics such as acting, directing, producing, animation and filmmaking, among others. "Coffee Talk," an informal workshop held daily, provides a forum for students and film professionals to discuss the industry.
Educational benefits for students are also provided through the Savannah Film Festival's student competition films as well as the festival student workshops, which are held at noon for three days of the festival. At these workshops, students from in and around Georgia screen films in competition and meet with the filmmakers following the screenings. Professional and student filmmakers in attendance are encouraged to meet with classes and speak with potential young filmmakers.
Through increased accessibility and quality programming, the Savannah Film Festival continues to grow in size and reputation.
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