IF YOU GOWhat: Chattanooga Film Festival. When: Today, April 3-Sunday, April 6. Where: Majestic 12, with some special events at other downtown locations. Admission: $75 and $150 for festival multiple-access badges ($210 VIP badge is sold out), $10 per feature film, $10 for short films package. Website: www.chattanoogafilmfest.com (has complete schedule and film synopses, plus information on panel discussions and other events).
Whether their tastes run to drama or comedy, horror or documentary, movie fans will find plenty to choose from this week at the inaugural Chattanooga Film Festival.
In addition to the 51 feature-length and short films being screened at the Majestic 12 theater downtown, discussion panels and parties are planned, including the opening cocktail party at the Hunter Museum of American Art tonight, April, 3 and the after-party at Flying Squirrel.
Among the films being screened will be "Hard Way Home," a documentary by Kori Feener, a 30-year-old documentarian from Boston. It chronicles her solo thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.
"It's about letting go and embracing the moment and becoming a more whole person," she says.
Making the hike and the film were life-changing experiences, she says. "Hard Way Home" will be screened at 3:15 Friday, April 4, and Feener will be on hand for a Q&A session immediately following. She will share what she learned about herself along the way.
"I got rid of a lot of emotional baggage that was there before the hike," she says. "Hiking the trail is a good metaphor for life. You find out what is really important. It changed my outlook on how I engage other people, and you learn so much about who you are."
Films will be shown throughout the day in two theaters at the Majestic. Patrons can watch as many as they care to. VIP seating will be designated, but it is not assigned nor guaranteed. For those who have a particular movie they want to see, Dortch advises getting to the theater early.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.
Read more about the festival in Barry's Wednesday Life feature story.