The 14th annual Lookout Wild Film Festival is happening Thursday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 18 at Roland Hayes Concert Hall in the UTC Fine Arts Center. Let us direct you on how to make the most out of this four-day event.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just really love an independent film, this festival has it all. From adaptive mountain biking to paragliding to fly fishing, skiing, climbing, and more, these movies will take you on a different adventure with each new title screen.
The festival will showcase more than 100 films over seven sessions — check out the full lineup for each day. Pro tip: Save this playlist that features trailers for most of the titles.
For a sneak peek of what to expect, here are four films with ties to Chattanooga or the region.
“Changing the Narrative: Zac Fox” | Saturday matinee | 1 p.m. | 3 minutes | A brewer relies on Tennessee’s Duck River for his Columbia brewery and shows how protecting wetlands keeps our water — and his beer — flowing.
“Your Last Best” | Saturday matinee | 1 p.m. | 18 minutes | Discover how a climbing gym is transforming lives in the heart of Memphis.
“Shut Up Legs, We Skiing Bama!” | Saturday evening | 7 p.m. | 12 minutes | Follow three friends on a bike trip from Chattanooga to witness the long-awaited reopening of Alabama’s Cloudmont Ski Resort.
“Changing the Narrative: Kristen Cecala” | Sunday evening | 7 p.m. | 4 minutes | Kristen Cecala shows why even tiny Tennessee wetlands matter, supporting salamanders, predators, and the whole ecosystem.
Let the credits roll, it’s time to get your tickets for the weekend or for individual sessions. Bonus: For an additional ticket, you can meet some of the filmmakers, ask questions, and grab lunch between the Saturday and Sunday sessions.
