KnoxvilleFilms.com

Gatlinburg, TN April 23, 2008 – Gatlinburg Screenfest, the city of Gatlinburg’s first annual film festival has been set for March 13-15, 2009. The festival will feature independent films and filmmakers from all over the nation.

Screenfest will incorporate a true festival atmosphere with vendor booths, games, events, and attractions along with the traditional movie screenings. All of the events will be Hollywood-themed including the opening-night costume party and the closing night awards ceremony, which will consist of a red-carpet and black-tie dinner.

“Our intentions are to create a fun atmosphere for families and movie-goers while promoting the art of independent filmmakers. There are so many talented actors and directors in the area, and until now, they have not had a local venue to present their work,” says festival Creative Director Amy Garland. “The main focus at this point is to let everyone know that we have recognized a need, and we are working to fill it.”

Five theaters have been designed in convention settings with various Hollywood themes, one of which is specifically reserved for youth submissions. The set up will also include a ticket booth and theater-style lobby.

Gatlinburg Screenfest is accepting submissions now through December 1, 2008. The festival directors have a high school and college campus tour scheduled for April. Garland expects targeting students will increase diversity in the submissions. “Teenagers and young adults bring with them a completely different set of expectations to a project than adult filmmakers. We look forward to seeing what they have to offer.” She also adds that both summer vacation and fall break from classes may offer a time advantage over working artists. “To have friends available to work as cast and crew during a school break could definitely boost productivity.”

Of the submissions, ten adult and ten youth films will be screened at the festival. Prizes will be awarded to the top three highest rated films in each category, as well as a Viewer’s Choice prize. Applications, sponsors, directions, and other festival information is available on the festival’s website at www.gatlinburgscreenfest.com.