The Highest Appalachian Film Festival?
Highlands was founded in 1875. At 4118 feet the town escapes the brutal summer temps of the south. It’s rain forest-like characteristics give way to unique plants and wildlife. From Hellbenders, found only in pristine mountain water, to the elusive black panther which still prowls the mountains contrary to the opinions of some! And Theater Eleven Pictures is proud to called Highlands, NC home!
And we are so excited that the Highlands PAC has announced an annual film festival. It could be the highest film festival in the Appalachians! The Highlands-Cashiers Inaugural Film Festival will be held September 18 – 21, 2025 at the Highlands PAC.
Walter Chaw is a consultant for the festival. Chaw is a film critic and University of Colorado film professor. Bill Brezski will also be a guest contributor. Brezski is a renowned Art Director and Production Designer. Bill is recognized for his work on films like Aquaman, Jumanji: The Next Level, and The Hangover series, as well as TV shows including Growing Pains, The Nanny, and Sister, Sister, among others.
The Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center in Highlands features a cutting-edge projection system with advanced presentation technology. There is no doubt the Highlands PAC will deliver an exceptional cinematic experience this fall. When’s the festival? September 18-21.
They are inviting filmmakers to submit films across a variety of genres including Drama, Comedy, Documentary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Thriller, and Action/Adventure. The festival will showcase a carefully curated selection of new works alongside archival favorites. In addition to screenings, industry professionals will join as judges and mentors, offering guidance through a Director and Film Critic workshop scheduled for a long weekend at the end of September.
The Elizabeth Wright Prince House
The Highlands PAC is just a couple blocks from one of our primary shooting locations for Reckoning, the Elizabeth Prince House. We are so grateful to the Highlands Historical Society for allowing us to use this amazing, historical home in our 19th century film.
The Prince House was the home of Addie Crain in our film, the local postmaster and store owner for the a small NC mountain town. Addie delivers a letters from the Cavalry to Rose Lawson which tells of the coming visit of one of their men.
If you come to town for the Highlands Film Festival this September, you should pay a visit to the Elizabeth Wright Prince house and adjoining museum! It’s the oldest preserved home in Highlands, and a treasure to take in.
The Highlands PAC Film Festival
To get the latest on the Highlands/Cashiers film festival check their page on Film Freeway. Or even better, visit the upcoming festival website at highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com. And also follow them on instagram. Hope to see you in the mountains this September! Films, black bears and wonderful people. It just doesn’t get better. And if you grab a delightful coffee from Calders, tell them Theater Eleven sent you!