Showcasing and advocating for personal, ambitious regional cinema.
American Regional Cinema Competition
The centerpiece of FILM FEST KNOX is a six-film American Regional Cinema Competition designed to spotlight the diversity and quality of work being made outside of LA and NYC. It is also as an opportunity to bring twelve people (two people per film, ideally a director and producer) to town for an end-of-the-year networking event for regional filmmakers. The goal is to showcase six films that represent a variety of regions, genres, and modes of production.
The three award-winning films receive cash prizes, and the Best Film winner receives an Oscar-qualifying run (“seven days, consecutive or non-consecutive, in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets”) from Regal, FILM FEST KNOX’s presenting sponsor.
2024 Competition
Bitterroot
Dir. by Vera Brunner-Sung
Reeling from a failed marriage and in need of a new perspective, a middle-aged man takes care of his aging mother within the deceptively tranquil landscape of rural Montana.Nov. 16 · Regal Riviera · 1:00 p.m.
Bob Trevino Likes It
Dir. by Tracie Laymon
When Lily Trevino accidentally befriends a stranger online who shares the same name as her father, encouragement and support from this new Bob Trevino could change her life.Nov. 16 · Regal Riviera · 5:30 p.m.
Griffin in Summer
Dir. by Nicholas Colia
Griffin Nafly is the most ambitious playwright of his generation. But once he meets handsome handyman Brad, his life (and play) will never be the same.Nov. 15 · Regal Riviera · 6:00 p.m.
The World Drops Dead
Dir. by Brandon Colvin
Desperate to reunite with the only person who seemed to understand her, she reaches out to her father across the boundary of death.Nov. 17 · Regal Riviera · 1:45 p.m.
To Kill a Wolf
Dir. by Kelsey Taylor
In a modern re-imagining of Little Red Riding Hood, a social pariah discovers a teenage runaway in the Oregon Wilderness and does his best to help her find a way home.Nov. 16 · Regal Riviera · 8:00 p.m.
2023 Competition
An Evening Song (for three voices)
Dir. by Graham Swon
A writer moves to the Midwest with her novelist husband and they soon find themselves caught in a love triangle with their pious housekeeper.November 11 · Regal Riviera · 12:30 p.m.
Kick Me
Dir. by Gary Huggins
A nightmare comedy about a school counselor whose compassion, generosity and dedication destroy the lives of everyone around him.November 10 · Regal Riviera · 9:45 p.m.
Lousy Carter
Dir. by Bob Byington
After receiving a grim diagnosis, middle-aged literature professor Lousy Carter reevaluates the relationships in his life.November 12 · Regal Riviera · 1:30 p.m.
Mountains
Dir. by Monica Sorelle
A Haitian demolition worker is tasked with dismantling his rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.November 11 · Regal Riviera · 3:15 p.m.
Peak Season
Dir. by Henry Loevner & Steven Kanter
An emotionally adrift young woman forges an unexpected friendship with a wilderness guide when she and her fiancé take a summer holiday.November 10 · Regal Riviera · 5:30 p.m.
