Film Festivals Near Asheville
From hometown showcases to road-trip-worthy regional festivals
Whether you're looking to submit your latest short, challenge yourself with a 48-hour sprint, or take a weekend trip to premiere your feature, the Southeast has festivals for every filmmaker and every stage of the journey. Here's your guide to festivals within 250 miles of Asheville, sorted by how far you'll need to drive (or not drive at all). And if you're wondering how to get your film into festivals, we've got you covered.
🚗 Closest Traditional Festivals
- Tryon International - 45 miles
- Reedy Reels (Greenville, SC) - 65 miles
- RiverRun (Winston-Salem) - 100 miles
⭐ Major Regional Festivals
- Atlanta Film Festival - 200 mi
- SCAD Savannah - 250 mi
- Chattanooga Film Festival - 160 mi
- Virginia Film Festival - 200 mi
🎯 Special Categories
- Backcountry - Human-powered adventure
- Reedy Reels - Best SC Upstate Film
- Crimson Screen - Horror specialization
- AfroSouth - African descent stories
Asheville Area (0-50 miles)
Asheville Film Festival
Non-profit festival promoting independent filmmakers. Three-day event at Asheville Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville.
48 Hour Film Project - Asheville
Fast-paced weekend competition where teams create short films in 48 hours using required elements. Films premiere at local cinema.
Backcountry Film Festival
The Backcountry Film Festival is part of a 100+ city international tour celebrating the spirit of human-powered adventure - through stories that connect us to wild places, to each other, and to the movement to keep winter wild.
Music Video AVL
Local music video competition and showcase celebrating Asheville's music scene and visual artists.
Tryon International Film Festival
International film festival showcasing independent cinema in the charming town of Tryon.
50-100 Miles
Reedy Reels Film Festival
A celebration of independent cinema with focus on student and local filmmakers. Awards for Best SC Upstate Film, Best Southeast Regional Film, and more.
RiverRun International Film Festival
One of North Carolina's largest film festivals, showcasing international and independent cinema across multiple venues.
100-150 Miles
Film Fest Knox
Tennessee's premier independent film festival celebrating storytelling from around the world.
South Carolina Underground Film Festival (SCUFF)
Showcases independent and underground cinema at The Nickelodeon Theater in downtown Columbia.
Crimson Screen Horror Film Fest
Independent horror film festival featuring the best horror films from around the world at The Nickelodeon Theater.
150-200 Miles
Georgia Film Festival
Hosted by University of North Georgia, celebrates filmmakers and films based in Georgia and the Southeast.
Chattanooga Film Festival
Named one of "25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World" by MovieMaker Magazine. Known for genre films, cult classics, and unique programming.
Carrboro Film Fest
Community-focused film festival in the progressive town of Carrboro near Chapel Hill.
Rome International Film Festival
International film festival in Northwest Georgia showcasing diverse independent cinema.
Atlanta Film Festival
Major regional festival named one of MovieMaker Magazine's "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee." One of the Southeast's premier film events.
Raleigh Film and Art Festival
North Carolina's largest film and art festival, combining cinema with visual arts exhibitions.
Virginia Film Festival
University of Virginia program celebrating cinema for almost 40 years. Major festival with diverse programming.
200-250 Miles
North Carolina Film Festival
Single-day festival at historic New Bern Civic Theatre showcasing NC filmmakers.
AfroSouth Film Festival
Celebrates films by and about people of African descent in the American South.
Beaufort International Film Festival
International film festival in the historic coastal town of Beaufort, South Carolina.
Cucalorus Film Festival
Major NC festival focused on innovative independent cinema. Well-established festival in Wilmington's film community.
SCAD Savannah Film Festival
Major festival hosted by Savannah College of Art and Design. One of the Southeast's most prestigious film festivals, attracting major filmmakers and industry professionals.