FAQ | Polk County Film Ini

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS TRIFF?

The Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF) is an annual film festival and education event held in Tryon, NC. The three-day event offers film makers and film enthusiasts, students and faculty with opportunities to attend over 50 film screenings, education workshops, panels and discussions, networking and social events and more.

TRIFF began in 2015 with the mission to bring world class cinema to Tryon and promote western NC as an industry friendly filmmaking destination.

WHAT IS A FILM FESTIVAL?

A film festival is a presentation of films. Some film festivals focus on a specific genre of film (e.g., comedy films), or subject matter. Most of the films presented at festivals are independent films. TRIFF, like many festivals, provides an opportunity for unknown filmmakers around the world to get their movies in front of a real live audience and have their films reviewed by professional critics. Filmmakers whose movies get accepted into a festival also get valuable press attention and exposure to prospective agents and buyers.

CAN I ENTER MY FILM?

All filmmakers from middle school age on up are invited to enter a film for consideration, it just might take home an award!

Submit your film here.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?

The fun! A Friday Night Gala & Afterparty, Saturday Party, Awards! Music, food and drink!

The films! Exceptional curated films at multiple screening venues, a Friday night Gala screening, and a Saturday Night bonus amphitheater screening.

The filmmakers & enthusiasts! Unique networking opportunities to mix and mingle with renowned filmmakers, film groups, producers, videographers, drone operators and more are available throughout the festival.

Fabulous workshops! TRIFF hosts many educational sessions in and around the town of Tryon, connecting filmmakers with students to perfect original voices, inspire new concepts, and create collaboration around independent film production.

WHAT KIND OF FILMS WILL I SEE?

TRIFF offers films made by filmmakers in the local region and from around the world, across all genres in ten categories. The films selected are highly crafted films of sophisticated workmanship in the full-length features, short films and documentary categories. We are also known for our Human Rights & Dignity category which has been a cornerstone performance grouping since our inception.

WHAT ARE THE FILM CATEGORIES?

Full Length Feature Film (40 minutes or longer)
Short Dramatic Film (less than 40 minutes)
Student Film (open to all students of film, in high school and beyond)
Human Rights & Human Dignity (to underline human rights violations through film. Designed to increase public awareness and inspire people to reinforce their commitment to universal values.)
Full Length Documentary (45 minutes or longer)
Short Documentary (less than 40 minutes)
Animated Full Length Feature (40 minutes or longer)
Animated Short Film (less than 40 minutes)
Equestrian Full Length Feature (honoring Tryon’s long history of equestrian sports and lifestyle – more than 45 minutes)
Student AWE Project Film – High School & College less than 2 minutes)

Our distinquished group of industry professionals judge the films in each category, select the best and the winners are announced at Sunday evening’s Awards Ceremony.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS + EDUCATORS?

TRIFF supports the next generation of filmmakers in many ways.

TRIFF offers invited school-age students a free Media Arts Education & Career Day on October 6 in Tryon.
Students may submit a film &/or attend the festival at a discounted price or for free if grant funding is available to support them.
Students from WNC & Upstate SC may also participate and compete at no charge in the “Awe” Project Film Competition. Students are invited to submit films of up to 2 minutes in length to be shown during the TRIFF23 Student Awe Project Student Film Festival on the afternoon of October 6, 2023 at Tryon Fine Arts Center. Films must be submitted online no later than October 1, 2023. There is no fee to enter the Awe Project festival. Winners will be announced by October 3, 2023.
Students may volunteer – a min. 3 – 4 hours provides a festival pass.

The Education Institute will offer three days of workshops at the Tryon Fine Arts Center and adjacent Lanier Library on Melrose Avenue in Tryon. Learn more here.

Supported by a grant from Carolina Foothills Foundation

WHAT OTHER EVENTS DO YOU HOST?

TRIFF includes events throughout the weekend – Career Day, Vendor Expo, Friday evening Gala, Sponsor parties, Saturday Featured Film & Sunday Breakfast and special VIP Events. The festival is closed at Sunday’s Awards Ceremony at the Tryon Theater.

FOOD?

The Town of Tryon has a host of food options available through local area restaurants.

LODGING?

The Town of Tryon and surrounding areas have a variety of lodging options available to festival attendees. Book lodging early as the area is a popular tourist and equestrian destination year-round, plus, October is popular fall leaf viewing season!

VIRTUAL OPTIONS?

TRIFF offers a streaming ticket option to view individual, blocks and full festival film options to ensure you are able to view as many films as possible.