SCAD Savannah Film Festival
Lights, Camera, Action! And, Community
For one week each fall, Savannah trades its quiet Southern charm for the glitter of Hollywood. The world’s largest university-run celebration of cinema, The SCAD Savannah Film Festival, returns October 24–31, celebrating its 29th year and filling the city with red carpets, world premieres, and the kind of star power that turns heads on every corner.
For eight magical days, the Savannah College of Art and Design’s historic theaters come alive with gala premieres, international features, indie shorts, engaging panels, and masterclasses featuring some of the biggest names in film.
Each year, more than 75,000 film lovers flock to Savannah to celebrate cinema in all its forms whether it’s an Oscar-buzz feature, a powerful documentary, or bold animated storytelling. The festival has also earned a reputation as an early showcase for awards-season favorites. In 2025 alone, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival screened 26 Oscar®-nominated films that went on to receive a remarkable 89 Academy Award® nominations. The lineup included eight of the 10 official Best Picture nominees, including Best Picture winner One Battle After Another and Sinners, the most Oscar nominated film of the year. The 2025 honorees included actress Sydney Sweeney, actress Amanda Seyfried, actor Brendan Fraser, actor Mark Hamill, director Spike Lee, director Jon M. Chu (Wicked and Wicked for Good), actor Miles Teller, and many other celebrated filmmakers and performers.
The programming offers something for every taste. Red-carpet gala premieres bring big screen spectacles, while curated tracks like Docs to Watch spotlight award-season contenders in nonfiction, and Pixels and Pencils showcases cutting-edge animation. Workshops and panels, such as Behind the Lens and Artisans to Watch, offer rare insights into the filmmaking process from acclaimed directors, actors, producers, writers, and craftspeople.
What truly sets the festival apart is the blend of world-class films, star power, and Savannah’s unmatched setting. Here, you can spot Hollywood icons and rising stars, then step outside into the warm charm of oak-shaded squares and cobblestone streets. Screenings take place in elegant venues like the Lucas Theatre for the Arts and Trustees Theater, while the SCAD Museum of Art Theater offers a more intimate, state-of-the-art experience. The festival’s welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to connect with fellow film lovers, share recommendations, and discuss stories that linger long after the credits roll.
Fall is a perfect time to visit. Savannah’s coastal breezes and vibrant cultural calendar create an unforgettable backdrop. Between screenings, stroll past historic architecture, savor world-class dining, or simply soak up the festival buzz spilling into the city’s streets.
Festival passes are on sale now, with this year’s honorees to be announced beginning in September. The complete festival lineup will be revealed on Friday, October 2, and individual tickets will go on sale that same day through the SCAD Box Office and online.
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival isn’t just about watching movies, it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring magic of cinema.
Mark your calendar: October 24–31, 2026.
Visit filmfest.scad.edu for festival passes, volunteer information, and schedule updates. Enjoy Savannah and tell them we sent you!