MEMPHIS, Tenn — Tuesday was the first day of the 26th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival, where filmmakers, directors, writers, actors, and other artists from all over the world showcase their films in Memphis for the entire week.
One thing about Memphis, is the culture, arts, and food are unmatched, and the film industry is no different.
The festival, which is happening in several places in the heart of Memphis, is a time for movie lovers to come together and celebrate the film industry.
We spoke with some local artists who explained why the film industry would not be what it is today without Memphis.
From filmmaking to acting, Memphis has it all, which makes the city a one-stop shop for the arts and entertainment industry.
“It is constantly growing. The community here in Memphis is so welcoming and wholesome to the people that you meet along the way. Cinematographers, writers, directors, gaffers, audio producers you name it,” filmmaker Brandon Lau said.
He has six short films under his belt and is a part of the 15-minute psychedelic thriller called 64 cups, which will be shown in this year’s Indie Memphis Film Festival.
“It’s about this girl who gets involved in a hit-and-run accident and suffers from the PTSD effects of it,” Lau explained.
Regardless of the role, artists like Caleb Suggs are working around the clock to make their dreams happen.
“The infrastructure of films here in Memphis is interesting because we're not hiding anything. We’re not L.A., we’re not New York, we’re not Atlanta. We’re still finding our footing when it comes to financial engine and that kind of like global exposure when it comes to the film community,” Suggs stated. “But you better believe we’re making movies here.”
Suggs is also the co-founder of the Studio Suggs production company, and directed and acted in the comedy thriller called, All the Red Flags.
“Kind of like a parody of those Lifetime murder mystery movies. It’s about an eager young businesswoman who finds the love of her life in a charismatic mailman. Unbeknownst to her, he’s hiding a dark secret,” Suggs said.
Danelle Henderson, who is a supporting actress in the thriller, has been in the festival now twice. She told ABC24 that it speaks volumes.
“We have great writers. That’s what it makes me feel like … t’s more about the stories that are being told,” Henderson expressed.
While the film community here is tight-knit, Geneva Savage, who does it all behind-the-scenes from assistant directing to production management, said she wants to see more diversity.
“There’s so much strength behind a powerful group of women and I would just love to see that on a film set, so I’m hoping that for Indie Memphis, I can make more connections,” Savage stated.
The festival is happening all week where you see independent features, documentaries, and short films from all over the world, including right here in Memphis. For more information, you can click here.