SCAD Savannah Film Festival 2025 is coming right up, October 25 to November 1 in Savannah, GA. The beloved, annual event, one of the country’s largest university-run film festivals, attracts seasoned professionals, emerging student filmmakers, and passionate filmgoers.
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival presents over 100 of the best films from independent and major studios around the world, selected from the more than 2,500 entries. From feature-length films to two-minute shorts and everything in between.
More than 60,000 people attend the event, including celebrated directors, writers, and even Hollywood A-listers. Past attendees include Amy Adams, Ron Howard, Pamela Anderson, Eddie Samuel L. Jackson, Kieran Culkin, Emily Blunt, Jerry Bruckheimer, and many, many others.
Festival films are presented and judged in several categories. There are Gala Screenings, Special Presentations, a Docs to Watch series, Top Animated films, and many others. Signature Screenings, one of the most popular categories, features a bevvy of new and top Oscar hopefuls.
Screenings occur in venues across Savannah’s National Historic Landmark district – just minutes from our Savannah bed and breakfast, McMillan Inn. They include the Trustees Theater, the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, Savannah Film Studios, SCAD Museum of Art, and the SCAD campus.
2025 SCAD Savannah Film Festival Highlights
Here’s a sneak peek at the wide variety of panels, workshops, and special guest interviews at the festival. The full festival schedule will be released October 3rd.
One of the first panels to note is Variety’s “10 Artisans to Watch,” celebrating behind-the-scenes artists. This panel focuses on the folks who don’t get center stage, but whose work is absolutely essential to the filmmaking process. Think cinematography, sound, production design, costume, editing, visual effects, casting, and more. Hosted by Variety’s senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay.
“Docs to Watch,” another high-profile event, showcases the year’s top documentaries with post-screening Q&A sessions with directors. This culminates with a “Directors Roundtable,” where documentary makers share their process, challenges, and inspirations.
Animation lovers will enjoy “Pixels and Pencils: Top Animated Contenders.” This session highlights animated films that are up for big awards. It showcases different styles and techniques, and includes both screenings and director-roundtable discussions.
“Behind Their Lens,” celebrates female and non-binary voices in cinema and television. These panels feature underrepresented creators who have overcome industry barriers. They’ll share their stories, reflect on their craft, and offer advice and insights for those following in their footsteps.
This year’s SCAD Savannah Film Festival is scheduled from October 25th through November 1st, 2025. Festival Passes are available now, while tickets for individual screenings and events will go on sale Friday, Oct. 3, after the release of the festival schedule.
Visit the Film Festival website for more information. You can also find the festival on Facebook.