ABOUT

The mission of the PCFI is to bolster independent and major motion picture film production & media arts education for youth and adults in Western NC & the surrounding region. PCFI began in 2014 with a one-year film-making course for youth, titled the Next Generation Film Project. In 2015, PCFI launched its first annual fall film festival, the Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF). PCFI and its signature film festival and year-round education offerings fill a gap in media arts education in the region and provide a catalyst for creative and economic development. PCFI is guided by its active, volunteer Board of Directors & TRIFF Planning Team and informed by its Advisory Council. PCFI’s Executive Director and Education Director implement goals and strategies. which are supported annually by over 100 volunteers.

From its start as the Next Generation Filmmakers Program, The Polk County Film Initiative was birthed from the desire to see filmmakers succeed.

With a commitment to providing artists a quality and exciting event to showcase their work, fostering an environment of community, and creating opportunities for education and growth, PCFI is proud to continue serving the WNC and Upstate, SC for it's 10th year.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we invite you to join us for an educational event, the Tryon International Film Festival, or to shoot your next project.

No matter what you're looking for, we're here to help.

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OUR TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2025

Beau Menetre, President

Carri Bass, Vice President

Will Barclift, Treasurer

John Oliver, Member at Large

Board Vice President

CARRI BASS

Carri has been photographing with passion and style for several years in the Pacific NW, South West, Upstate of SC and Western NC. She has traveled and photographed internationally for much of the past eight years and has brought her experience to Tryon with a full service studio and art gallery… 158 N Trade St. A highlight of her career has been her involvement with the Tryon International Film Festival, being a part of a great team and having the opportunity to photo journal this unique venture. She serves as the the TRIFF Director of Photography for the past nine years.

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Treasurer

WILL BARCLIFT

Will has been the Executive Director of Tryon Arts & Crafts School (TACS) since 2018. Prior to TACS, Will was Director of both Education and Community Outreach at The Bascom art center, Highlands, North Carolina, starting in 2012. Before moving to Western North Carolina, Will lived in Portland, Oregon and the San Francisco Bay Area, California. He was Co-Director of the Diego Rivera Gallery and Admissions Recruiter at San Francisco Art Institute. Will’s studio practice includes painting, digital photography, music, sound and video installation, and ceramics.

Will is passionate about community. He currently serves on Tryon Downtown Development Association’s design and public art committee.

Will has a Master of Arts in Teaching Comprehensive Education (Visual Arts) from Western Carolina University, where he was awarded the 2014 Outstanding Prospective Teacher award. He has a Master of Fine Arts in New Genres and Post-Baccalaureate in Painting from San Francisco Art Institute. He received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Studio Art (Painting) and Music Composition from Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon.

Member at Large

JOHN OLIVER

John Oliver is an American actor, and producer.

He has played numerous roles on Stage, in Television and Film. His voice is heard worldwide for clients such as: HBO, ESPN, NFL Films, HGTV, Food Network, Dicks Sporting Goods, Lowes, Toyota Trucks, the PGA and many more.

John Oliver hosted and produced one of America’s first syndicated music news shows for broadcast television called “Rockwave.”

Mr. Oliver has been a production partner of Patrick Durham and his Morningstar Films.
John and Patrick co-produced “Only God Can” a feature film starring Greg Evigan, and Donna D’Errico.

John is currently working on a Movie called Revolutionary!

It will tell the story of the struggle for American independence in the South. Nick Searcy is directing. It’s based on a story by NYT Bestselling novelist Patrick A Davis.

A nationwide theatrical release is planned

EX OFFICIO

2025

Gail Awan, Ex Officio

Ex Officio

GAIL AWAN

Dr. Gail Awan began her tenure as President/CEO of the Urban League of the Upstate in September 2021. The Urban League of the Upstate mission is to empower the African American community and other underserved individuals throughout the region. An affiliate of the National Urban League, the organization, has served in the upstate for

over 50 years. The National Urban League, a nonpartisan, historic civil rights

organization established in 1910, has addressed essential issues such as education,

income, jobs, health and quality of life.

The ULUS provides direct programs and services in Pickens, Anderson, Greenville,

Spartanburg, and Union Counties.

With a doctorate in Management and Decision Science, Awan has worked with various organizations, including Pre-K-12 education, behavioral and mental health, domestic violence prevention, community service and advocacy. Since the beginning her tenure at ULUS, Awan has participated in leadership programs, including The Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative, Prisma Health’s Medical Scholars, and Leadership Spartanburg. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the SC New Play Festival, REEM Greenville, Founding Directors, and was included in the list of 2023 Greenville Magazine “Most Influential” people. Awan has recently been appointed by SC State Superintendent of Education to serve a three- year term as a Commissioner for the South Carolina Commission on National and Community Service.

Awan is a small business owner, published author by the SC History Press, and resides with her family in Tryon, NC.

FOUNDERS

Co-Founder | Planning + Tech

Board Treasurer

BEAU MENETRE

Beau Menetre is a co-founder of the Tryon International Film Festival and Technical Director / Partner with Blue Dog Productions. Beau is one of those lucky individuals who knew exactly what career to pursue – Live Event Production and Show Technology. This includes TV and Film Production and Corporate Event Management. For example, he has been Technical Director / Producer of more than 30 Live Show Events for the United States Marine Corps. He has also been the Project Manager / Stage Manager for many Fortune 500 companies such as American Express, Mack Trucks and Lockheed Martin. Beau, his wife Ashley, and their son, Myles, live in Tryon, NC.

Co-Founder | Entertainment Director

ASHLEY MENETRE

Ashley is The Queen of Competence, the woman in charge of Everything Festival Fun.

From conceiving, designing, organizing, decorating, and executing front and back of house with grace, there is no event Ashley doesn’t have her hands in and take a higher level. Fundraisers, the Festival itself, after-parties (before parties!) and hospitalities. This amazing event would not be possible without her!

STAFF

2025

Ashley Crane, Director of Education

Director of Education and Outreach

ASHLEY CRANE

Ashley, a Spartanburg, SC native, is proud to continue serving the Tryon International Film Festival! An actress, writer, director, and producer, Ashley is at home on set and in a theater, and loves being part of watching creatives have their vision come to life. She is passionate about creating community, and connecting emerging artists with mentors.

Contact: triffeducation@gmail.com | ashleyncrane.com

OUTREACH

2025

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Outreach

MARTY KIRCHHOF

Marty has lived in Tryon now for six years. After teaching In Sydney, Australia for 14 years, she finished up her education career in Connecticut before retiring and moving south. As an avid film goer, she has volunteered multiple times at the Tribeca Film Festival, attended the Dallas International Film Festival, and was recently asked to be on the board of Tryon International Film Festival.

TRIFF Sponsorships & Ads

Carri Bass

Marty Kirchoff

Area Art Partners

Evan Fitch, Tryon Theatre

Marianne Carruth, Tryon Fine Arts Center

Kathy Campbell, Chapman Cultural Ctr, SC

Film Industry/ Camera Ready Region

Beau Menetre, TRIFF Co-Founder

Evan Fitch, Tryon Theatre

Gail Awan, Urban League/Upstate USC

Taylor Dement, One Spartanburg

Rhodes Farrell, Filmmaker, Film Bar- Greenville, SC

Education Partners

Public, Private & Home School Groups

Carolyn Young, Isothermal Comm Coll

Gail Awan, Upstate SC Film Initiative

Kimberly Hall, Wofford University

ABOUT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EX OFFICIO

FOUNDERS

STAFF

OUTREACH

CONTACT US