The Indie Memphis Film Festival is set to return in , marking a significant moment for independent cinema in the Mid-South. After a year-long hiatus prompted by financial challenges and industry-wide disruptions, the festival will once again showcase independently produced films and art house productions in a four-day event running from to .
The festival’s pause in followed a period of upheaval for the film industry, impacted by the pandemic and the WGA and SAG strikes. These factors contributed to difficulties in securing funding, ultimately leading to steep cuts in federal and state arts funding and the departure of former Festival director Kimel Fryer and artistic director Miriam Bale, along with the full-time staff.
Now, Indie Memphis is entering a new chapter with revamped leadership. Alicia George, a veteran film and television producer with experience in the nonprofit sector and Joseph Carr, a longtime Indie Memphis staff member and former Managing Director, have been appointed as Co-Executive Directors. George will focus on development and community engagement, while Carr will oversee strategy and operations. Their appointment signals a strategic realignment aimed at strengthening the festival’s financial foundation and expanding its community relationships.
“Joseph and I are deeply honored to step into these roles together,” George stated in a press release. “Indie Memphis has an extraordinary legacy, and we are excited to work alongside our board and community to build a sustainable future for filmmakers and audiences across the Mid-South.”
A new board of directors is also in place, led by film producer and communications specialist Savannah Bearden. Les Edwards, a key figure in the festival’s early growth, will serve as Treasurer. The board also includes former Indie Memphis Executive Director Ryan Watt, filmmaker and former programmer Brandon Harris, cinematographer Gabriel DeCarlo, and filmmaker Morgan Jon Fox. Bearden emphasized the team’s commitment to the festival’s future, stating, “This moment represents both a renewal and a recommitment to the filmmakers, audiences, and community that have sustained this festival for nearly three decades.”
The festival’s origins trace back to , when a group of University of Memphis film students began projecting their work on a coffee shop wall. Over the following decades, Indie Memphis grew into a major cultural event, regularly attracting over 10,000 ticket buyers to a week-long celebration of independent film.
For , Indie Memphis will relocate from its traditional home in Midtown to the South Main Arts District in Downtown Memphis. Films will be screened at Malco’s Powerhouse Cinema and the Orpheum’s Halloran Centre. This move represents a deliberate effort to revitalize the festival and connect with a broader audience.
The relaunch campaign officially kicks off on with a reception and screening of the documentary Natchez at the Malco Ridgeway Cinema Grill. Directed by Indie Memphis alum Suzannah Herbert, Natchez received the award for Best Documentary Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival. This event serves as a preview of the revitalized festival and a celebration of independent filmmaking talent.
Indie Memphis’s mission remains focused on creating community through independent film and supporting the development of filmmakers. The organization aims to bring Memphis to the world and the world to Memphis through the artistry of cinema, working to reshape the landscape for both creators and audiences. The return of the festival signifies a renewed dedication to this mission and a promising future for independent film in the Mid-South.
More information about the Indie Memphis Film Festival and the relaunch campaign can be found at indiememphis.org.
