Nashville Film Festival 2025: Dates, Top Films, Venues, and How to Attend

Lights, camera, action! Just when you thought festival season in Music City couldn’t get any bigger, Nashville Film Festival 2025 is poised to take center stage. Did you know NaFF isn’t just one of the longest-running film festivals in the U.S.—it also sends its short film winners straight to Oscar contention? For filmmakers, this is no casual screening; it’s a launchpad.

For fans, it’s eight days to devour world premieres, rub shoulders with cinema’s boldest new voices, and even catch a rom-com from an unexpected Hollywood superstar behind the camera. If you crave exclusives, you’re in the right place. Here’s your ultimate guide to NaFF 2025: packed with headliners, hidden gems, and insider tips to make sure your pass gets you more than just popcorn.

The Headline News: Key Announcements & Festival Details

Official Dates and Venue

It’s official: Nashville Film Festival 2025 returns April 24 through May 1, transforming Nashville into America’s indie film capital. The Belcourt Theatre, a centerpiece of Tennessee’s cultural heritage, hosts the primary screenings. Expect additional events and screenings at partner venues, making the festival a citywide celebration.

Dates: April 24 – May 1, 2025
Primary Venue: The Belcourt Theatre, 2102 Belcourt Ave, Nashville
Additional Sites: Partner cinemas and pop-up screens around Nashville

Opening and Closing Night Films

If you’re chasing world premieres, start here:

Opening Night: Hilary Duff’s Directorial Debut

Mark your calendar, because Hilary Duff, America’s favorite millennial icon from “Lizzie McGuire,” is unveiling her directorial debut, This Is Getting Good. This isn’t just a red-carpet event—it’s Duff’s dramatic leap from teen sitcom royalty to indie auteur. The film, a quirky yet heartfelt rom-com, promises a fresh, contemporary take on finding love—and yourself—in the age of DMs and emotional baggage.

Film: This Is Getting Good
Director: Hilary Duff
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Premiere Status: World Premiere

Closing Night: The Tom Petty Documentary “Petty”

How do you end a festival devoted to films and music? With the world premiere of Petty, a documentary diving deep into the legacy of rock legend Tom Petty, directed by Grammy Award-winner Mary Wharton. A love letter to musical rebels everywhere, it’s the perfect harmony between Nashville’s roots and its indie future.

Film: Petty
Director: Mary Wharton
Genre: Documentary
Premiere Status: World Premiere

Breaking Down the 2025 NaFF Lineup

The excitement doesn’t end with the marquee events. The NaFF 2025 lineup is stacked with premieres and competitive sections that will have film buffs scrambling for seats.

Spotlight Premieres

The festival’s reputation for spotlighting diverse and daring new voices is alive and well:

The Blue Star (dir. Chris Eyre) — World Premiere. A stirring drama from Chris Eyre, known for his genre-defining work in contemporary Indigenous cinema. Think familial loyalty versus personal ambition, set against the sweep of the American West.
The Uninvited (dir. Debra Eisenstadt) — World Premiere. This psychological thriller is a masterclass in tension, following a family whose new home harbors secrets neither seller nor buyer could have imagined.
The Unraveling (dir. Greg Kwedar) — World Premiere. An intensely atmospheric coming-of-age story as poignant as it is pulse-pounding, from the indie director celebrated for championing complex, unsung heroes.

Competition Categories

Every film at NaFF is a contender for something—from breakout shorts to pulse-raising episodic pilots.

New Directors — The future faces of film, introducing bold new perspectives.
Episodic — Pilots and independent series that reshape TV’s boundaries.
Tennessee First — Celebrating local talent, this section shines a floodlight on homegrown storytellers.
Short Films — Short-form visions, many of which vie for Academy Award qualification.

Special Events & Panels

NaFF isn’t just about what’s on the screen. This year, don’t miss the Power of Women in Film brunch panel—a showcase of trailblazers driving equity, craft, and innovation behind the lens. Expect lively debates, personal stories, and actionable advice for aspiring filmmakers. For those seeking dialogue over monologue, it’s a must-attend.

Why the 2025 Festival is a Big Deal

When Hilary Duff steps behind the lens, the world takes notice—and so does Hollywood. This is more than a press release; it’s a sign the indie world is ready to bridge the gap between mainstream audiences and cinematic experimentation. Duff’s pivot from beloved sitcom star to director epitomizes the rising trend of talent redefining career arcs and genres. Her debut isn’t just a headliner; it’s proof that NaFF holds a seat at the indie vanguard.

NaFF’s choice to close with Petty is equally telling. Nashville isn’t merely home to country music—it’s a hub for all things genre-bending and iconic. Showcasing a Tom Petty documentary makes a statement: this is where cinematic storytelling and musical history intertwine.

Let’s not forget NaFF’s unique edge—its Academy Award-qualifying status for short films. For indie filmmakers, it’s one of the few direct routes to Oscar consideration, elevating NaFF from regional showcase to global launching pad. For audiences, this means you can literally be among the first to see tomorrow’s game-changers—before the red carpet and enormous buzz.

Your Practical Guide to Attending NaFF 2025

How to Buy Tickets and Passes

Ready to join the action? NaFF offers several pass types tailored to how much festival you want in your life.

All-Access Pass — Unlimited screenings, panels, and after-parties.
Flex Pass — Choose your favorites and keep your schedule nimble.
Single Screening Tickets — If you need to cherry-pick premieres or can’t stay for the week.

Passes for NaFF 2025 are now available on the official ticketing page. Tickets for individual events typically drop closer to the festival—so if you’ve got your eye on a hot premiere, sign up for alerts or keep that refresh button handy.

Tips for First-Time Attendees

Plan your schedule in advance. High-demand screenings can sell out, especially opening and closing nights.
Arrive at The Belcourt early; Music City traffic and festival buzz are no joke.
Discover Hillsboro Village—Nashville’s lively neighborhood adjacent to the theater—for pre-show coffee, post-film discussions, and people-watching worthy of its own documentary.

Navigating the Festival

NaFF isn’t just one building or one crowd—it’s a constellation of events. Use the festival hub at The Belcourt for schedules, merchandise, and information. Look for pop-up screenings at partner venues, bringing indie film closer to every Nashville neighborhood.

Beyond 2025: The Nashville Film Festival’s Lasting Impact

Every festival writes a new chapter not only for the city, but for film itself. Nashville Film Festival continues to be a beacon for independent filmmakers and cinephiles seeking the next big thing. Since its founding over half a century ago, it has catapulted homegrown talent onto the international stage, inspired new creative economies, and confirmed Nashville’s evolution from country-music stereotype to full-spectrum cultural powerhouse.

Beyond ticket stubs and standing ovations, NaFF supports local business, empowers emerging artists, and acts as a catalyst for Tennessee’s growing film infrastructure. For many, this is less an event than a touchstone—a must-attend for anyone serious about storytelling, sound, or screen.

Conclusion

Don’t blink or you’ll miss it: Nashville Film Festival 2025 blends blockbuster exclusives, indie revelations, and community tradition into a week that defines the future of film. Grab your passes now and prepare to experience the best of independent cinema right in the heart of Nashville. Which films, panels, or after-parties are you marking off in your planner? Share your top picks in the comments below!

FAQ Section

Q: When is the Nashville Film Festival 2025?
A: The festival runs from April 24 to May 1, 2025.
Q: Where is the Nashville Film Festival held?
A: The primary venue is the historic Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee.
Q: How can I get tickets to NaFF 2025?
A: Passes are on sale now at the official festival website. Individual screening tickets will be available closer to the festival dates.
Q: What are the must-see movies at NaFF 2025?
A: The world premieres of Hilary Duff’s “This Is Getting Good” (Opening Night) and the Tom Petty documentary “Petty” (Closing Night) are the headline events, alongside many other competition and spotlight films.