The Polk County Film Initiative (PCFI) is proud to announce its upcoming 10th Annual Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF). The Festival will take place October 10 – 13, 2024 with support from multiple businesses, individuals, grants and Title Sponsor, New View Realty. The festival takes place in multiple venues in Tryon, NC. Seating to all TRIFF activities is offered on a first come, first served basis.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Tryon International Film Festival - This milestone reflects a decade of showcasing diverse voices, inspiring stories, and fostering a vibrant community of filmmakers and audiences in the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thank you for being part of our journey—here's to many more years of cinema and creativity!", shared co-founder, Beau Menetre.
TRIFF24 will begin on Thursday, October 10 with a single ticket event at partner and sponsor Tryon Theatre on Trade Street with the screening of its North Carolina showcase film, A Song for Imogene by Honey Head Films out of Wilmington, NC.
On Friday, October 11, 2024, youth and adults are invited to attend a free TRIFF24 Media Arts Day at partner and sponsor, Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) on Melrose Avenue. TRIFF Director of Education Ashley Crane shared that "Media Arts Day is perfect for students and adults of any experience level looking to learn more about opportunities and connect with other creatives!" The day opens at 9 AM with a screening of films submitted to the AWE Project, a youth and college student film competition being supported with $150 cash awards from the Mary Kessler Fund at Polk County Community Foundation. The screenings are open to the public and will be screened in the TFAC theater/Veh Stage. Submissions of 1 – 2 minute films about something that inspires youth filmmakers from Western NC and Upstate SC are being accepted online until October 1, 2024 at no cost at https://filmfreeway.com/TRYON2024.
At 10 AM on Friday, the free TRIFF24 Media Arts Career & College Fair takes place in the TFAC Pavilion (bottom floor, rear of building). Youth can visit with film professionals working in a host of roles, college educators and two-and four-year education programs in the media arts, experience hands-on activities, try out film technology and grab a hot dog from sponsor Hot Dog World of Hendersonville.
At 11 AM, a half-day Production Assistant Academy (Academy) will be provided for college students and adults interested in learning more about the first step in supporting a film production as a professional. The Academy will be taught by Atlanta Film Society’s Linda Burns. Support for the Academy is being provided by Carolina Foothills Foundation and Around Tryon Properties. Email Ashley Crane at triffeducation@gmail.com to reserve a space; spaces are limited.
The Media Day’s events close at 1:45 PM and is followed by the opening of the festival at 6 PM. Old Hollywood is the theme for this year’s Gala reception which will feature live music by the Casual Zealots, heavy appetizers and cash bar at the new event center, The Fitzgerald on Pacolet Street. The Gala will be held from 6 – 11 PM and is available to ticket holders of $100 gala and opening film only passes or a $150 VIP all events pass.
We’re excited to kick-off our Friday with double feature films and one short music video. Showcase films: US based film Martini Shot, with special representation by a veteran actor Matthew Modine, who is no stranger to TRIFF he attended while premiering an award-winning film Foster Boy at TRIFF19 and Sweden based film, Just Like Me, with representation by lead actress Cecilia Falkebring and Writer/ Director/Producer Andreas Thelander. The films will be preceded by a short music-film out of Studio 15 (Greenville, SC) Come and Save Me featuring Fred Armisen (SNL, Portlandia) by acclaimed Greenville, SC filmmaker Chris White. Just Like Me will screen at 4 PM at the Tryon Theatre, and again at 8 PM at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. The 8 PM screening is free and open to the public.
Film screenings, podcasts, education workshops and VIP events continue all weekend long at multiple venues including the Tryon Theatre, Upstairs Artspace, Sunnydale (Tryon Little Theater’s log cabin) and the Tryon Depot Room. Day and weekend film passes are available for film screenings. View the film lineup on the festival website and plan to purchase a pass online or in person in the lobby at Tryon Fine Arts Center.
Throughout the weekend, stop by downtown shops, bakeries, art galleries, restaurants, and partner Tryon Arts & Crafts School. Many downtown businesses and partners support and make this festival possible. Please help us thank them with your patronage.
The TRIFF24 Education Institute at Tryon Fine Arts Center kicks off the morning of Saturday, October 12 and continues through the afternoon of October 13. Education passes are also available online. Free passes are available for Polk and Rutherford County and Landrum, SC residents with a provided passcode thanks to support from the Mary Kessler Fund at Polk County Community Foundation. To receive a passcode email Ashley at triffeducation@gmail.com with a valid local address. Buy education passes online or purchase a pass in person in the lobby at Tryon Fine Arts Center.
During the day on Saturday take part in a Progressive Plein Air sponsored by the Tryon Painters & Sculptors and/or PAWS for a Break sponsored by Foothills Humane Society in downtown Tryon. Take a moment to pause for a break with fuzzy puppy paws and/or add your paint strokes to a canvas during these collaborative activities. Take in the world premiere of Are You There filmed at GreenLife Inn at the Mimosa (located on Mimosa Inn Drive in Tryon) which will be screened at Tryon Theatre.
Saturday night, plan to attend TRIFF24’s first Green Carpet Event at The Fitzgerald. Live music by the Flea Marketeers, a silent plein air art auction to benefit the Tryon Painters & Sculptors, heavy appetizers and a cash bar are available at this free event are open to all festival pass holders and the public at large (21 years and up).
On Sunday, October 13, VIPs can attend a brunch at the GreenLife Inn at the Mimosa. Films and education take place all day long and close at Tryon Theatre with double documentaries: The Amazing Nina Simone and BELLA!, highlighting human and women’s rights respectively. This festival feature is preceded by a reception by invitation at The Fitzgerald sponsored by Urban League of the Upstate. The festival closes with the TRIFF24 Awards Ceremony at 8 PM at the Tryon Theatre.
To learn more about and/or provide support for PCFI and the Tryon International Film Festival, please visit www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org. Questions? Email directorpcfi@gmail.com.
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