News Summary
The 2025 Chattanooga Film Festival promises an exciting lineup, featuring nearly 50 feature films and over 130 short films. Running from June 20 to June 28, the festival includes special events like cocktail competitions and tattoo giveaways, aiming to create a vibrant community atmosphere. With activities like the Red Eye series featuring secret screenings and a salute to short films, this year’s festival focuses on inclusivity and engaging local audiences. Recognized for its excellence, the festival is looking to enhance the movie experience for all attendees.
Chattanooga Prepares for Its Biggest Film Festival Yet in 2025
The 2025 Chattanooga Film Festival is set to take place from June 20 to June 28, 2025, and is being promoted as a “summer camp for movie lovers.” This year, the festival will feature a diverse lineup of nearly 50 feature films and over 130 short films, making it one of the most extensive programs in its history. The event will take place at the Chattanooga Theatre Center from June 20 to June 22, with additional screenings available online until June 28 for those attending virtually.
Highlighting Unique Offerings
A notable feature of the festival is the signature Red Eye series, known for its late-night secret screenings curated by acclaimed actor and horror icon David Dastmalchian. For the first time, these cult favorite screenings will be accessible to virtual passholders, allowing an even wider audience to partake in the excitement surrounding the festival.
In addition to film screenings, the festival is planning a range of events to enrich the overall experience. This includes a cocktail competition, tattoo giveaways, and live podcast tapings. Local audiences, as well as horror enthusiasts from across the nation, will find something to enjoy throughout the week.
A Focus on Short Films
The festival will commence with a special salute to short films, celebrating the creativity and talent of filmmakers. Various genres will be represented, including horror, drama, and comedy, with some screenings featuring the filmmakers themselves, allowing attendees to engage with the artists behind the work.
Inclusivity and Community Engagement
The Chattanooga Film Festival prides itself on its eclectic programming and aims to create a warm and accessible atmosphere for audiences and filmmakers alike. One of the festival’s goals is to provide a space where everyone can enjoy cinema together, fostering a sense of community among locals and visitors.
As a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit, the festival is currently conducting a “digital bake sale” to raise funds necessary to support its operations. Donors contributing to this effort can receive unique perks, such as access to a monthly virtual screening and membership to the film club known as the Double Secret Cinema Society.
The Festival’s Acclaimed Status
Recognized as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World by MovieMaker Magazine, the Chattanooga Film Festival has also earned a place on FilmFreeway’s list of the Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals out of nearly 12,000 events. These accolades highlight the festival’s commitment to excellence and its significant role in the film community.
Additional Perks for Attendees
Guests who attend the festival can look forward to complimentary activities, including cocktail competitions and free tattoos provided by local artists from Mainline Tattoo. Such offerings not only enhance the overall experience but also reflect the festival’s dedication to accessibility and hospitality.
Conclusion
With its exciting lineup and diverse range of activities, the 2025 Chattanooga Film Festival promises to be a landmark event for movie lovers. From secret screenings to community engagement initiatives, it aims to celebrate the world of film in an inclusive and entertaining environment. Mark your calendars for this much-anticipated cultural highlight in Chattanooga this coming June.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- Dread Central
- Google Search: Chattanooga Film Festival
- Fangoria
- Google Scholar: Film Festivals
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festival
- Times Free Press
- Google News: Chattanooga
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
