ABOUT US
The Polk County Film Initiative (PCFI) supports independent and major motion picture production and expands media arts education for youth and adults across Western NC and the surrounding region. Founded in 2014 with the Next Generation Film Project, PCFI launched the Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF) the following year. Today, its annual festival and year-round programs fill a regional gap in media arts education while fueling creative and economic growth.
Led by an active volunteer board, planning team, and advisory council—and powered by more than 100 annual volunteers—PCFI remains dedicated to helping filmmakers thrive. Now celebrating a decade of service to WNC and Upstate SC, PCFI continues to offer community, opportunity, and a welcoming place to learn, create, and produce.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills, we invite you to attend an educational program, join us at TRIFF, or bring your next project here. Whatever you need, we’re ready to support you.
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!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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… 92 Pacolet 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. carribass.com
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
Member at Large
JOE TOPINKA
Joe Topinka is a longtime technology and business leader who now spends his time helping people and organizations navigate change thoughtfully and responsibly. Over the course of his career, he has served as a CIO and senior leader at companies including Snap One, Red Wing Shoe Company, and McGladrey, and later founded CIO Mentor to focus on coaching leaders rather than systems. Today, Joe works with executives in both the public and private sectors on leadership, decision-making, and how technology can support, but never replace, good judgment and human connection. He serves as a CXO Advisor to Netskope, Chief Strategy Officer at AgenticLabs, and Board Member Emeritus of the BRM Institute. Joe is the author of IT Business Partnerships: A Field Guide and Beyond the Algorithm: Lead What Machines Can’t, a book inspired by his belief that creativity, storytelling, empathy, and perspective remain essential in an AI-driven world
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.
FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Director of Programming
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
Director of Events + Volunteers
STEPHANIE FRANKLIN
Stephanie Franklin is an actress and producer known for her roles in and on Christmas in Mistletoe, On the Run (2025), and Fight or Flight (2024) . This marks her first year collaborating with the Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF), contributing her talents to the 2025 event. She has served as a 1st AD and Production Manager on dozens of projects.
Director of Outreach
LYNN PENNY
Bio coming soon!
Education Coordinator
RHODES FARRELL
Rhodes Farrell is a versatile videographer/producer and community builder in the Upstate of South Carolina. As the Founder of Film Bar Greenville, he grew the community to over 2000 members and organized film challenges that produced over 40 original short films. Rhodes also serves as the Executive Director for the Reedy Reels Film Festival, supporting independent filmmakers and fostering cinematic appreciation. He is also the owner of Scenic Rhodes Productions with nearly two decades of experience in corporate, short-form, narrative, event, and documentary filmmaking. Beyond these roles, Rhodes shares his expertise on his YouTube channel and podcast, “Indie Film Hub.”
Assistant Education Coordinator
SKYLAN KIMBRELL
Skylan Kimbrell is a South Carolina-based actress, educator, and filmmaker who has been a vital part of the Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF) since 2021. She’s known for her acclaimed roles in films like A.B. (2023), which won Best Overall Film at TRIFF, Slay Queens: A Mockumentary (2025), and the award-winning short Imagine Abby (2025). Alongside her film work, Skylan remains an active contributor to the local arts community. Her dedication to storytelling and education continues to make a meaningful impact in the region’s creative scene.
Digital Festival Operations Lead
DANIEL KLINE
Daniel has been a vital part of TRIFF since 2021. His project management expertise is a perfect match for these roles. His proven ability to oversee high-value assets and maintain strict adherence to timelines ensures efficiency on set. With a focus on organization, he excels at coordinating resources and mitigating challenges. His films include The Video (award winner), Black Widower, and the upcoming Starlight. Beyond these, he has worked on dozens of other projects, showcasing his versatility and dedication in the industry.
Media Producer
DIANA DE ROSA
Diana De Rosa is a seasoned equine journalist, photographer, and media producer with over 40 years of experience covering the global equestrian world. She has reported from more than 40 countries and has been credentialed for ten Olympic Games, numerous World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, and World Cups. Her work encompasses writing, photography, public relations, and media production. De Rosa is the Worldwide Equestrian Correspondent for EQUUS Television Network, which has partnered with the Tryon International Film Festival to encourage more equestrian films to be entered. She is also the owner of Press Link PR and Diana De Rosa Photography. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she is a part-time actress and a member of the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Her contributions to the equestrian community have earned her recognition, including awards for her photography and media coverage.
Editor
EUGENE ROCCO UTLEY
Eugene Rocco Utley is an independent filmmaker and a lifelong Carolina-native. Eugene Rocco has worked in all facets of the film industry, from writing, directing, producing, and editing. Driven by a love for filmmaking as an artistic expression, he is consistently enthusiastic to explore all ends of the cinematic world that he is able to reach.