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Experiencing the Chattanooga Film Festival like a cinephile

The Chattanooga Film Festival is back for its 12th year, bringing local, regional, and international films to the Scenic City.

June 16, 2025 • 
Haley Bartlett
Four young women stand confidently against a graffiti-covered wall. They wear a mix of dresses and coats, exuding a rebellious and edgy vibe.

Get ready for this “summer camp for cinephiles” return, bringing horror and eclectic shorts + features to the screen.

Movie still via Chattanooga Film Festival

As seasoned goers of the Chattanooga Film Festival, we reely can’t wait for its return Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22 — this time, going back to its roots + taking over the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

To help you get prepared, we’re dropping important info and recommendations to navigate this in-person and virtual film festival.

Before you go

Plan out your days by checking the daily schedule online, from screenings and readings to Q+As and parties around town. Virtual viewing will be open Friday, June 20 through Saturday, June 28. — bonus: Find out what events you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch.

Pro tip: You can learn about each short + feature film (run time, synopsis, language, genre, etc.) by looking at the film guide.

Tickets can be purchased in a few ways:

A woman in a bathtub looks content, seemingly unaware of a giant shark's open mouth looming behind her, with water splashing dramatically around.

We also recommend seeing the US debut of Japanese film “Hot Spring Shark Attack.”

Movie still via Chattanooga Film Festival

  • “The Craft” | 101 minutes | English | In-person (psst — you’ll get to meet screenwriter Peter Filardi)
  • “OBEX” | 91 minutes | English | In-person
  • “Crossword” | 96 minutes | English | Virtual
  • “Pavements” | 128 minutes | English | In-person
  • “Did My Heart Love Till Now” | 15 minutes | English | Virtual
  • “The Spirit of Halloweentown” | 95 minutes | English | Virtual
  • “The Misadventures of Vince & Hick” | 108 minutes | English | Hybrid — you’ll be the first to see this film during its world premiere
  • “Buenas Noches (Good Night)” | 92 minutes | Spanish (with English subtitles) | Hybrid

Fun fact: The film festival has banned submissions that use AI software. “We felt a serious responsibility to work harder than ever before to shine a spotlight on independent filmmakers and projects this year,” said Festival Director + Lead Film Programmer Chris Dortch II.

Editor Haley at the Chattanooga Film Festival with author Grady Hendrix

Revel in being starstruck by meeting the filmmakers, cast members, and authors.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

What we loved in past years

Editor Haley here. Some top moments I’ve had at the festival include hearing horror author Grady Hendrix’s panel on “How to Sell a Haunted House” (and getting my copy signed) + seeing the short thriller “Splinter” and staying for the Q+A. Pro tip: Hang around the bar in the lobby or take a walk around NorthShore — you might run into a director or cast member. Check out our highlight reel.

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