Hello Thursday.
April 25 2024
This is a part of our Q+A series. Know someone we should interview? Nominate them here.
Following a virtual event last year, the 52nd Nashville Film Festival is returning in a new format with films begin screened at Belmont University, Rocketown, Marathon Music Works, and the Belcourt on Sept. 30-Oct. 6.
We recently caught up with Executive Director Jason Padgitt + Director of Programming Lauren Ponto to discuss the festival’s new hybrid format, films you can’t miss, and the programming that sets Nashville apart from other festivals.
Pro Tip: This year’s hybrid program will feature a virtual platform for at-home viewing.
Jason Padgitt and Lauren Ponto of the Nashville Film Festival | Photos provided
Q: What can festival attendees expect with the new format?
Jason: In the past, we’ve housed the festival in the multiplex environment, which sort of underserved our community, our audience, and our out-of-town filmmakers because it really didn't showcase Nashville the way that we would like. This year, we’re absolutely doing that with this mix of venues throughout downtown and Midtown. This is the first year that we've applied this approach, and it's likely a blueprint for the future.
Q: Could you tell us about some of the films with a local connection?
Lauren: I'm excited for “Leftover Feelings: A Studio B Revival,” and we have John Hiatt and Jerry Douglas coming to talk about that film. I’m also looking forward to “The Fable of a Song'' ... It's about local singer-songwriters in Nashville. “Old Henry,” one of our centerpiece selections, was entirely shot here in Tennessee and stars Tim Blake Nelson, who will be here for a Q+A.
The Belcourt Theatre will host the closing night presentation. | Photo by NASHtoday team
Q: Is there a type of programming at the festival that might be overlooked but shouldn’t be missed?
Jason: Something that gets a little overlooked is graveyard programming, which is in the horror genre and usually the last showings every night. We're going to have our VR presentation back again this year, and it's the kind of thing you just have to experience to understand.
Use the buttons below to share this story with fellow cinephiles excited about this year's festival.
Today
- An Evening with Matisyahu | Mon., Sept. 27 | 7 p.m. | City Winery | $35+ | All guests are required to provide proof of vaccination or have received a negative COVID-19 test before the event.
- Member Appreciation Day | Mon., Sept. 27 | 2-8 p.m. | Cheekwood Estate & Gardens | Free | Advanced reservation is required.
Tuesday
- Modern Calligraphy for Beginners | Tues., Sept. 28 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Honest Coffee Roasters, 3820 Charlotte Ave. | $70 | Sip on coffee or tea + learn the basics of calligraphy 🖊️
- Petey's Preds Party | Tues., Sept. 28 | 6 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $100+ | Dinner and a show in support of the Preds Foundation and the Peterson Foundation for Parkinsons
Wednesday
- Lucero | Wed., Sept. 29 | 8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $35+ | Featuring special guest Ian Noe
- Nashville SC vs. Orlando City SC | Wed., Sept. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Nissan Stadium | $12+ | Nashville takes on Orlando at home ⚽
- Leslie Hooton | Wed., Sept. 29 | 6:30 p.m. | Parnassus Books | Free | Register to hear Leslie Hooton, author of “The Secret of Rainy Days,” in conversation with Kevin Wilson during the 33rd Annual Southern Festival of Books.
Thursday
- Our Return Concert | Thurs., Sept. 30 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Vine Street Christian Church, 4101 Harding Pk. | Free | The Brass Band of Nashville returns to the stage with newly commissioned work honoring Nashvillians. 🎻
- September Sundown | Thurs., Sept. 30 | 5-9 p.m. | Centennial Park | Free | Performances by Louis York, Paul McDonald, and more
Friday
- Latin Fire with the Nashville Symphony | Fri., Oct. 1 | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | $35+ | A celebration of Latin American orchestral music featuring trumpeter José Sibaja + soprano Mónica Abrego
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 83º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain
Civic
- New designs have been released for 4 buildings on 2nd Ave. damaged in the Christmas Day bombing. The plans call for rebuilding the damaged structures and creating a new pedestrian connector between 1st and 2nd Avenues. (The Tennessean)
Coronavirus
- The Metro Nashville Health Department is now administering COVID-19 booster shots and third doses. Those who qualify can visit drive-thru vaccine and testing sites at 28th and Charlotte + 2491 Murfreesboro Pk., no appointment required.
Outdoors
- A new picnic pavilion is under construction at Hadley Park near the corner of 28th Ave. N. and Albion St. The butterfly-roofed pavilion will replace an older picnic shelter that was built in the 1960s. 🌳
Travel
- Drivers may experience longer wait times at emissions testing centers due to staffing shortages. The best time to get your vehicle tested is early in the morning or at the beginning of the month, according to the health department. 🚗 (WSMV)
Ranked
- 3 cities in Middle Tennessee ranked in the top 50 on Money's annual Best Places to Live list, including Franklin (No. 3), Hendersonville (No. 16), and La Vergne (No. 26). The publication considered cost of living, education, quality of life + other factors. (WKRN)
Edu
- Fisk University announced 3 new academic programs in health services and leadership. Beginning next fall, students will be able to pursue bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology and social work as well as a master's degree in executive leadership. 🎓 (Nashville Post)
Legacy
- Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Cornelia Clark has died at the age of 71. In a statement, Gov. Bill Lee praised Justice Clark for her 5 decades of public service, including 16 years on the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Sports
- Missed any of the games this weekend? The Titans took on the Colts at home and won with a final score of 25-16, Vanderbilt lost to the Georgia Bulldogs, TSU lost to Southeast Missouri, and MTSU lost to the Charlotte 49ers. 🏈
Watch
- Assembly Hall at Fifth + Broadway plans to host weekly Titans watch parties. Fans will be able to watch home and away games on a 20 ft. screen + enjoy drink specials at the venue’s rooftop bar overlooking Broadway. (Visit Music City)
Job
Deal
- Babbel teaches curious minds a new language in as little as 3 weeks — including the opportunity to discover that language’s people, places, culture, history + more. Get up to 55% off for a limited time. 🌏 Ⓟ
Nashville’s newest historical marker honors the Berger Building and WDAD radio station.
The marker tells the story of the 20th-century commercial building at 164 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. named after prominent businessman Samuel W. Berger. The site was first home to WDAD, Nashville’s first commercial radio station, which later relocated and rebranded as WLAC.
The Berger Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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