Editor

As the Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF) gears up to mark its extraordinary 10th season, it is introducing a lineup of thrilling additions. For the 2024 film season, TRIFF proudly unveils a groundbreaking addition, the "Environmental Awareness or Green" category, and the new and innovative "Podcast Competition" category. These categories promise to make the 10th season of TRIFF a memorable and enriching experience.

Key Dates:

• Opening Date: October 31, 2023
• Regular Deadline: May 1, 2024
• Late Deadline: June 1, 2024
• Notification Date: June 14, 2024
• Event Date: October 10 - 13, 2024

Filmmakers, podcast creators, and students, whether seasoned professionals or emerging talents, are invited to submit their works to these exciting new categories. The festival's selection committee eagerly anticipates reviewing the diverse and innovative submissions.

The Environmental Awareness or Green Category: Environmental issues are at the forefront of global concerns, and film has the power to raise awareness and inspire change. TRIFF is thrilled to introduce the "Environmental Awareness or Green" category for films that address environmental challenges, conservation efforts, and the broader implications of our ecological footprint. By creating this category, TRIFF aims to encourage filmmakers to explore and advocate for a greener, more sustainable world. Through the power of cinema, stories of environmental significance will be shared, helping to inspire positive action and change.

The Podcast Competition Category: In 2023, TRIFF experienced the massive success of including Steven Esteb's "Journalista" in its lineup. Building on this success and recognizing the growing popularity of podcasts, TRIFF is excited to introduce the new "Podcast Competition" category for 2024. Podcasts have become a dynamic and influential medium for storytelling, discussion, and exploration. With this addition, TRIFF welcomes podcast creators to submit their audio works, further diversifying the festival's offerings. Podcasts exploring a wide range of themes, from film analysis to cultural commentary and personal storytelling, are encouraged for submission. The "Podcast Competition" category promises to be a platform for voices and stories that resonate with listeners worldwide.

Student-Focused Categories: Education and mentorship have always been central to TRIFF's mission. In line with this dedication to fostering young talent and providing an educational platform, the festival is introducing two new categories specifically aimed at TRIFF student filmmakers:

• The AWE Project - High School: This category is designed to recognize and celebrate the creativity and innovation of high school student filmmakers. It offers emerging talents an opportunity to showcase their storytelling skills and cinematic vision on a broader stage.
• The AWE Project - College: For college students pursuing their passion for filmmaking, the "AWE Project - College" category provides a platform to present their works to a wider audience. It encourages these young artists to explore and express their unique cinematic perspectives.

These additions underscore TRIFF's commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and fostering a vibrant educational environment within the festival. By providing dedicated categories for high school and college students, TRIFF hopes to inspire, mentor, and propel young talents into the world of filmmaking.

The Tryon International Film Festival is a production of the Polk County Film Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the art of filmmaking and cinematic education.

The Tryon International Film Festival has been a beacon of cinematic celebration for a decade, and this 10th season promises to be more memorable than ever. With the inclusion of the "Environmental Awareness or Green" and "Podcast Competition" categories, alongside the commitment to nurturing student filmmakers, TRIFF continues to be a leading destination for artistic expression, education, and storytelling.

For more information, submission guidelines, and to submit your film or podcast, please visit tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org

For media inquiries, please contact: Debra Torrence, Executive Director, directorpcfi@gmail.com

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Photo Credit:  Carri Bass

Cutline 1:  TRIFF proudly showcases the historic Tryon Theatre as the full length feature centerpiece.

Cutline 2   The TRIFF Institute enters its 10th year of operation under the guidance of Ashley Crane.  Film education for all ages has moved to the forefront of TRIFF.