Don't miss Film Fest 919, the Triangle's premiere film festival

"Let there be a film festival in Chapel Hill," cried co-founders Randi Emerman and Carol Marshall, and in 2018, Film Fest 919 was born. Emerman and Marshall, who met and worked together at the Palm Beach International Film Festival, wanted to bring a premium film festival to the Triangle area, offering the best films making waves in the film festival circuit. Their slogan – "Catch the films before they catch on" – has become a prophecy and promise that audience members can rely on. In short, if you want to be prepared for award season, there's no better opportunity to do so than at Film Fest 919 for those within a day drive's distance to Chapel Hill. These ladies seem to have a knack for knowing what will make waves.

Let the record speak for itself. Films like ROMA, The Favourite, Jojo Rabbit, Marriage Story, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Parasite, Nomadland, King Richard, and Spencer all made appearances on the this festival's screen over the years. As well as big award contenders, the program always includes a hearty dose of international cinema and documentaries, which are traditionally harder to find playing at a local theater. Keep in mind people who join in the fun have access to these movies months before they come out in the public sphere.

Now in its fifth manifestation, Film Fest 919 comes to Chapel Hill from October 19-23, 2022, offering screenings at two theaters – The Silverspot Cinema and The Lumina Theater. While the Silverspot has always been a part of the festival DNA, the Lumina is a new venue that viewers can choose to visit, opening up the south side of Chapel Hill. The festival program and schedule is available now at the website. Individual tickets go on sale at midnight on October 11th.

[L-R] JD Dillard directs Devotion, the opening night film at Film Fest 919

Headlining the festival on opening night is Devotion, directed by JD Dillard (Sleight; Sweetheart). Devotion, based on a book of the same title, is the true story of two elite US Navy air pilots. The movie earned acclaim at TIFF and stars Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell. Dillard will be in attendance for both screenings and will host a Q & A at both. He will also accept the Horizon Award during his spotlight.

A still from GLASS ONION

The closing night film will be the hotly anticipated Glass Onion, a Knives Out Mystery, directed by Rian Johnson and starring an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, and Leslie Odom, Jr.

The full list of 2022 films can be found on the website. Low murmurs can already be heard about some of the picks such as White Noise, She Said, Empire of Light, and All the Beauty and Bloodshed. My most anticipated films this year are Corsage, starring Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread) and Women Talking, starring Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, and Frances McDormand.

Me at Film Fest 919 2021

On a personal note, Film Fest 919 holds a special place in my heart. I consider it the birthplace of 1 of my Stories, as this festival allowed me to meet so many film critics and gain the knowledge and confidence to apply for my dream job. Even if you aren't a film critic, this festival is known for its hospitality and small, intimate feel. This audience loves movies and you have the opportunity to discuss your favorites with the people you meet.

Get your tickets for this outstanding festival today, and catch the films before they catch on! To purchase shows at Silverspot, go here. To purchase shows playing at the Lumina go here and navigate to the Film Fest 919 page.