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Your guide to the 2025 Lookout Wild Film Festival

This festival is back for another year, showcasing 70+ short and feature films that depict adventure and conservation.

NOOGAtoday | An audience watching a film inside of a theater

Get ready for three days of adventurous films.

Photo by Steve Rogers via Lookout Wild Film Festival

The 13th annual Lookout Wild Film Festival is returning to set up camp at The Signal beginning Friday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 19. Let us direct you on how to make the most out of this event.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just really love a good independent film, this festival has it all. From rescuing climbers on Mount Washington + strangers trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc to 24 hours in the Old Pueblo and Scotland’s inshore, these movies will take you on a different adventure with each new title screen.

The festival will showcase over 70 films (shorts and features) — check out the full lineup for each day. Pro tip: Save this playlist that features trailers for most titles.

For a sneak peek of what to expect, here are four films with ties to our region.

A woman on stage outside with children on stage with her as she performs a song

“Mama’s Sundry” is all about the community that is being built in this neighborhood.

Movie still via Lookout Wild Film Festival

“Mama’s Sundry” | Friday matinee | 2 p.m. | 15 minutes | Follow a married couple in South Memphis as they use their creativity to foster sustainable wellness + start a neighborhood garden.

A man mountain biking with a blurred background behind him

See the world of a man who is a competitive athlete by day and a musician by night.

Movie still by Roo Smith via Lookout Wild Film Festival

“Keep Up” | Saturday matinee | 1 p.m. | 18 minutes | See a new side of the Ironman triathlon in this documentary following Nashville artist Ryan Kinder who trained while recording his next album.

Climb Malawi movie poster showing four climbers and a mountainscape

Take your viewing to new heights with this documentary.

Movie still via Lookout Wild Film Festival

“Climb Mawali” | Saturday matinee | 1 p.m. | 27 minutes | Watch as educators from Global Climbing Initiative mentor a community of athletes to complete their journey — bonus: Chattanooga-based D. Scott Clark was the film’s director of photography + first assistant director.

“North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy” | Sunday evening | 7 p.m. | 5 minutes | Get an understanding of the balance between tranquility and chaotic urban environments that take place in a local gorge.

Bonus: New to this year will be the Adventure Expo, happening each day + is open to the public, where you can shop outdoor brands and gear.

Let the credits roll, it’s time to get your tickets for weekend or day passes. You can also experience Lookout Wild Film Festival through volunteership.

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