Special to IFN
The Full Bloom Film Festival (FBFF) returns this week, and the ninth edition promises to be the biggest and best yet.
With over 80 filmmakers from around the world descending on downtown Statesville, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of independent cinema. Scheduled from September 5-7, the festival features a weekend packed with films, special events, and vibrant community engagement.
Schedule of Events
♦ Thursday, September 5: Kickoff Event
*VIP, Sponsors, & Filmmakers Only
Bee-Themed Cocktail Hour: Begin the festivities with a sweet start at a lively bee-themed cocktail hour, hosted at The Wallace on Broad (230 W. Broad Street) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Curated Kickoff Screening: Following cocktails, head over to Shearer Hall on Mitchell Community College’s Campus (500 W. Broad Street) for an exclusive short film screening that officially kicks off the festival.
♦ Friday, September 6: Full Day of Films and Special Events
All-Day Film Screenings: Immerse yourself in a full day of screenings across four unique venues throughout downtown Statesville.
Meet & Greet at Culture Shock: Connect with filmmakers and fellow film lovers at a meet and greet hosted at Culture Shock (214 W. Broad Street), Downtown Statesville’s newest art gallery, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. *VIP, Sponsors, & Filmmakers Only
Buzz Recipient Award & Exclusive Screening: The highlight of the evening will be at Shearer Hall (500 W. Broad Street), where acclaimed filmmaker and Statesville native Ross McElwee will receive the prestigious Buzz Award. Enjoy an exclusive screening of his film “Bright Leaves,” a poignant exploration of Southern family legacy and its ties to tobacco, followed by a Q&A session with McElwee.
Live Music and Food Trucks: End the night on a high note at the Iredell Arts Council (203 S. Meeting Street), where the Velvet Brothers will perform live, and a variety of food trucks will keep the energy going with delicious offerings.
♦ Saturday, September 7: Awards Ceremony and Red Carpet Events
All-Day Film Screenings: Another full day of screenings awaits across downtown Statesville’s four film venues.
Children’s Red Carpet: Bring the kids for a special red carpet screening of “The Inventor,” the festival’s first-ever animated feature film. From the writer of “Ratatouille,” this enchanting stop-motion animation delves into the life of Leonardo da Vinci. The screening will be held from 2:30 to 4:20 p.m. at Shearer Hall (500 W. Broad Street). Children 14 and under can attend for free when accompanied by an adult.
Red Carpet Feature Film: The festival’s grand finale will be a red carpet screening of “The Keeper” at Shearer Hall (500 W. Broad Street) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Directed by Angus Benfield and Kendall Bryant Jr., this powerful film follows an Army veteran battling PTSD on a profound journey along the Appalachian Trail. This screening will shine a light on the struggles faced by veterans and the critical issue of raising awareness about veteran suicide. Local Non-Profit Purple Heart Homes will speak to provide local insight into this crucial issue our veterans face.
♦ Awards Ceremony at The Inn on Front Street: The festival will wrap up with an exclusive awards ceremony at The Inn on Front Street (317 W. Front Street), where the year’s standout filmmakers will be honored for their exceptional work. *VIP, Sponsors, & Filmmakers Only
Ticket Information
♦ VIP and VIP Couple Pass: All-access personalized badge(s) to every screening, event, and party during the Full Bloom Film Festival from Thursday, September 5, through Saturday, September 7. This includes the VIP Kickoff Screening & Party on Thursday, September 5, and the Awards Party on Saturday, September 7.
♦ Festival Pass: Personalized badge with access to all screenings and public events on Friday, September 6, and Saturday, September 7. This pass does not include VIP parties. Available for pre-purchase or purchase at our box office.
♦ Day Pass: A badge with access to all screenings and panel events on ONE DAY of the Full Bloom Film Festival (only available for Friday, September 6, or Saturday, September 7). This pass does not include VIP events. Can be pre-purchased or purchased at the box office.
♦ Individual Screening Ticket: Includes admission to one screening session for one individual (not personalized). These tickets can be purchased at the door or be pre-purchased.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.FullBloomFilmFestival.org or at the box office, which opens on Wednesday at Lake Mountain Coffee (110 W. Broad Street).
For more details and the full festival lineup, visit www.FullBloomFilmFestival.org.