Editor

From 2019… TRIFF’s Co-Founders Kirk Gollwitzer (left) and Beau Menetre (right) with actor Matthew Modine (center) Photo by Diana De Rosa

The 7th annual Tryon International Film Festival is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Oct. 8-10, 2021, in the pastoral North Carolina mountains. At this time, organizers are optimistic about the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding enough for a safe and traditional in-person festival that historically attracts hundreds of patrons and filmmakers. However, secondary plans are also underway for a virtual or hybrid festival if the pandemic is a significant danger in the fall.

“One way or the other, Tryon International Film Festival will happen in 2021,” Co-Founder Beau Menetre said. “We hope to see everyone on the streets and in the venues of Tryon come this fall. Our plans are to be bigger and better than ever. However, we are keeping our options open for another virtual festival, if COVID-19 is still a threat. Or, we might have a festival that somehow combines limited in-person attendance and online activities and viewings. The final decision will be announced on July 31, which should give everyone enough time to make and change plans.”

For five years, the Tryon Festival attracted hundreds of cinema lovers from around the world to what is renowned to be “The Friendliest Town in the South.” As one of the town’s largest public events, the Festival welcomed guests with red-carpet southern hospitality. Always postcard perfect, Tryon is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are ablaze with fall colors in October. Filled with gourmet restaurants, art galleries, and antique and specialty shops, Tryon is beloved by those seeking new cinema in a laid-back and welcoming environment.

“We always knew that Tryon is an instant attraction to newcomers,” Menetre said. “The Film Festival gives both the big-time producers and the novice filmmakers a good reason to visit. Of course, patrons always love to visit. Once they come, they always want to come back -- many often want to stay and make a home here.”

However, 2020 was the Year of COVID-19, and Tryon International Film Festival, like so many others, went virtual. “In some ways, this pandemic has been a blessing in disguise,” Menetre said. “It required us -- and most other film festivals around the world -- to step up our technology to offer the films virtually. It was a challenge, but we did it and ended up having the most viewings in the history of the Festival. We’ve already decided that virtual viewings and other activities will always be a part of this festival. It only makes sense with today’s technology. No matter how the festival comes together, there will always be virtual options. But our goal is to have an in-person festival that is expanded by technology. Visiting Tryon is at the top of everyone’s list.”

At this time, filmmakers can submit their films for consideration to be included in the Festival’s line-up by visiting TryonInternationalFilmFestival.com. Also, as films are accepted into the Festival, patrons will be to watch trailers and participate in other online attractions on the website. Online ticket sales are expected to begin in mid-summer. Films can be submitted for consideration via the website, and the first deadline to submit is Aug. 2. The second -- late -- deadline to submit films is Aug. 22, 2021.

One new feature to the Festival will be a film industry trade show. “This is something we’ve wanted to do for several years,” Menetre said. “Having film schools, production houses, scriptwriters, actors, producers, tech professionals, and even other festivals all come together to network and explore ideas and opportunities is very much needed. We are hoping to accommodate between 25 and 50 vendors this first year. After that, the sky’s the limit.”

Preliminary planning includes having the trade show open twice, once on Saturday and again on Sunday in an outdoor space in downtown Tryon. Vendors will set up under canopies to showcase and meet-and-greet. Registration will be $300 with a $100 refundable deposit. If, by the last day of July, the Festival’s management decides to host only a virtual festival, all deposits will be returned. Any film showing at the Festival will be given a 25% discount on being a vendor in the trade show.

“This film festival generates a tremendous amount of spirit in the Town of Tryon,” Menetre said. “We love hosting the festival, and people love to come and come back year after year. For filmmakers and patrons alike, Tryon International Film Festival offers the most-promising films on the horizon in a picture-perfect Southern mountain town. You can’t help but enjoy yourself.”

For more information about Tryon International Film Festival, please visit online: TryonInternationalFilmFestival.com.