The Highlands Performing Arts Center will celebrate the best of cinema with the inaugural Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival, taking place September 18–21, 2025. The four-day event will feature a diverse selection of films from both emerging and established filmmakers, as well as competition screenings, workshops, and panels with acclaimed industry professionals and award winners. Hosted in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains, the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival will benefit children’s theatre and the advancement of the arts for this community.
"We are excited to bring together filmmakers and audiences in a celebration of cinema," said Walter Chaw, senior film critic for award-winning web journal Film Freak Central and festival consultant. "The Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival is not just about watching great films; it's about fostering a community of creativity and inspiration."
The inaugural festival will feature over 20 films, including independent submissions, "Roman Holiday," "Donnie Darko," "Ghostworld," and "To Kill A Mockingbird." The classic films are being presented by actors and cinematic professionals connected to the movies. Attendees can look forward to engaging panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and networking opportunities.
For more information about the festival, including the full lineup and schedule of events, as well as to purchase tickets, please visit highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com.
About Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival
Born from a shared love of film, creativity, and community, the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival is a grassroots celebration of storytelling in all its forms. In our first year, we are thrilled to welcome filmmakers and audiences to our small North Carolina town, where we connect through the power of cinema. With a team primarily composed of dedicated volunteers, we’re here to uplift emerging voices and create a space for meaningful artistic exchange. For more information, visit highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com.
About Highlands Performing Arts Center
Highlands Performing Arts Center is dedicated to enriching our communities’ cultural and artistic life through diverse, world-class performances, educational programs, and community engagement. We aim to inspire creativity, foster connections, and celebrate the transformative power of the arts. For more information, visit www.highlandsperformingarts.com.
