Asheville, NC, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The inaugural Asheville Film Festival will take place from August 15-17 at the Asheville Masonic Temple, showcasing over 30 films across various genres. This three-day event aims to support independent filmmakers and celebrate local storytelling, featuring themed film blocks and an awards night gala. Tickets are available for individual blocks or an all-access pass for the weekend, making it an exciting cultural event for the community.
Asheville to Host Inaugural Film Festival from August 15-17
The first-ever Asheville Film Festival is set to take place from Friday, August 15, through Sunday, August 17, at the Asheville Masonic Temple, located at 80 Broadway St., Asheville, North Carolina. This three-day event will showcase a mix of local, regional, and national films, featuring various genres including features, documentaries, and short films.
The festival will present over 30 films organized into themed “blocks,” allowing attendees flexible viewing options throughout the weekend. Among the standout selections are the “Feral Friday Film Block,” which will feature horror-themed films, and the “Mountain Healing Film Block,” highlighting uplifting stories that focus on community and resilience.
Event Overview
The Asheville Film Festival is a non-profit initiative aimed at providing an essential platform for independent filmmakers. Co-directed by Sean Soboleski, the event seeks to support and promote filmmakers from Western North Carolina. The festival will also showcase films that tackle sensitive subjects, including several created in response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
On Sunday, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the “Filmmakers’ Choice Film Block,” featuring the favorite submissions chosen by the filmmakers themselves. This particular block aims to engage the audience with uniquely curated content that highlights the diverse storytelling styles present in the participating films.
Awards Night Gala
One of the highlights of the festival will be the Awards Night Gala on Saturday, replicating an Oscars-style celebration. Traditional award categories include Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress, among other recognizable distinctions. Special awards will also be presented, including Best Directorial Debut, Best Student Film, Best Indigenous Film, and the Mountain Strong Award, which recognizes the film best embodying the spirit of Western North Carolina.
The winner of the Best Film category will walk away with a cash prize of $1,000, enhancing the competitive spirit and prestige of the awards being offered.
Tickets and Additional Information
Ticket prices are set at $10 per screening block, or for those looking to attend multiple shows throughout the weekend, an all-access pass is available for $89. Tickets can be purchased through the official festival website. For more detailed information about the festival, including a schedule of showings, visit www.ashevillefilmfestival.org.
Background Context
The Asheville Film Festival comes amid growing interest in the film industry within Western North Carolina. This region has long been known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant arts scene, making it an appealing location for filmmakers and audiences alike. By establishing this festival, organizers are fostering a community that celebrates creativity and storytelling while giving independent filmmakers an avenue to gain visibility and recognition.
Conclusion
The inaugural Asheville Film Festival promises to be a significant event on the cultural calendar, blending local talent with national storytelling. As the festival approaches, there is excitement in the air regarding the unique films that will be showcased and the community engagement that will unfold over the weekend.
FAQ
What are the dates for the Asheville Film Festival?
The festival will be held from August 15-17, 2023.
Where is the festival located?
The festival will take place at the Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St., Asheville, N.C.
How many films will be featured at the festival?
There will be over 30 films presented, ranging from features to documentaries and shorts.
What kind of tickets are available?
Tickets are priced at $10 per screening block or an all-access pass for $89.
What types of awards will be presented?
Traditional awards include Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress, along with special awards for Best Directorial Debut, Best Student Film, Best Indigenous Film, and the Mountain Strong Award.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 15-17, 2023 |
| Location | Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St., Asheville, N.C. |
| Film Count | Over 30 films across various genres |
| Notable Blocks | “Feral Friday Film Block”, “Mountain Healing Film Block” |
| Ticket Price | $10 per screening block or $89 for an all-access pass |
| Awards | Awards for Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, plus special categories |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Asheville Film Festival to Screen Local Shorts, Documentaries
- Charlotte Observer: Asheville Film Festival Overview
- Mountain X: Smart Bets Asheville Film Festival
- WLOS: Asheville Film Festival 48 Hours Challenge
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- Britannica: Film Festival
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe 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 the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
