Reno Film Festival
Nevada's most important film festival outside Las Vegas, held annually in Reno, presenting independent American and international cinema to audiences in the Biggest Little City in the World.
Overview
The Reno Film Festival is Nevada's most important film festival outside Las Vegas. Founded in 2004 and held annually in Reno -- the self-proclaimed Biggest Little City in the World, on the Nevada-California border at the eastern foot of the Sierra Nevada -- the festival presents independent American and international cinema to an audience in the high desert.
Reno's identity as a casino city in the process of reinventing itself through arts, outdoor recreation, and technology companies (a growing presence near the California border) gives the festival a community that is both traditional and forward-looking. The city's outdoor access -- Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada, and the Nevada desert are all close -- creates receptiveness to films addressing the American West and outdoor culture.
The festival operates distinctly from Las Vegas-based Nevada film events, serving northern Nevada's more everyday community rather than the tourism-focused entertainment economy of the south.
Key Sections
- Feature Film Program -- independent American and international features
- Western Stories -- films addressing the American West
- Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
- Short Film Competition -- competitive short programs
- Nevada Film Showcase -- films by Nevada filmmakers
What Filmmakers Should Know
The festival accepts open submissions. For Nevada filmmakers, this is an important state platform outside Las Vegas. The Western landscape context creates receptiveness to films addressing the American West.
Major Awards
- Best Film -- jury prize
- Audience Award
Festival History
Reno Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has operated as northern Nevada's primary film cultural event.
See Also
For American West festivals, see Film Festival Strategy. For independent filmmaking, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies.
