From punk rock to John Prine, the 2025 Tennessee selections from Nashville Film Festival are packed with powerful stories, local ties, and can’t-miss premieres.
The 56th annual Nashville Film Festival is bringing the drama, the music, and the local love this fall and the official Tennessee program just dropped. With 21 selections, the lineup celebrates the people, places, and stories that make our state unforgettable.
“Our Tennessee program continues to be a standout selection of films,” said Lauren Thelen, NashFilm’s Director of Programming. “These films, crafted by Tennesseans, reflect the spirit and creativity of our state. Championing local storytellers is central to our mission, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience their work on the big screen.”
This year’s Tennessee slate includes feature-length films and shorts, all with ties to the Volunteer State, and it’s clear that local talent is showing out. Whether you’re into heartfelt music docs, gripping thrillers, or genre-bending shorts, there’s something here that’ll speak to you.
A few we’re especially excited about:
YOU GOT GOLD: A CELEBRATION OF JOHN PRINE – A tribute to the songwriting legend directed by Michael John Warren
THE OTHER PEOPLE – A haunting horror flick from Chad McClarnon
LOUDER THAN GUNS – A powerful look at gun violence and music, directed by Doug Pray
THE RISE & DECLINE OF PUNK ROCK – A nostalgic ride through third-wave emo, directed by Dustin Haney
ANOTHER DAY IN THE WEST – Gunslingers, drama, and grit from director Matthew Sliger
FAITHFUL DEFENDERS – Barbara Hall explores the intersection of Christianity and reproductive rights
The 2025 Nashville Film Festival runs September 18–24 at venues all over town. More than 140 films will be shown during the week-long celebration of film, music, and culture — but this Tennessee lineup feels extra personal. Scroll down for the full list.
We’ll be sharing more fest picks soon, but in the meantime, mark your calendars. 🍿 For more information and tickets, visit the Film Festival’s official website.
This year’s full list of Tennessee feature films includes:
- THE EASY KIND | Directed by Katy Chevigny
- LOUDER THAN GUNS | Directed by Doug Pray
- THE OTHER PEOPLE | Directed by Chad McClarnon
- OPRYLAND, USA: A CIRCLE BROKEN | Directed by Brandon Vestal
- YOU GOT GOLD: A CELEBRATION OF JOHN PRINE | Directed by Michael John Warren
- CREATIVETS | Directed by Nick Nanton
This year’s full list of Tennessee short films includes:
- ANOTHER DAY IN THE WEST | Directed by Matthew Sliger
- BY WALKING | Directed by Mindy Cook and Sarah Haas
- FAITHFUL DEFENDERS | Directed by Barbara Hall
- FROM GRAIN TO GRASS | Directed by Tom Dyer
- I’M A WINNER | Directed by Randa Newman
- THE JACKSON | Directed by Angel Verde
- LONDON, KY | Directed by Cody Duncum
- OUTLAWS | Directed by Edy Recendez
- PREY FOR US | Directed by Zoe Kerr
- PRODÓTIS | Directed by Zac Stacener
- THE RISE & DECLINE OF PUNK ROCK | Directed by Dustin Haney
- SHED | Directed by Mila Vilaplana
- SINGLE PEOPLE AT THE END OF THE WORLD | Directed by Jessica Riches and Casey J. Newell
- STILL WATER | Directed by Spenser Fritz
- FROM WASTE TO WAGES: TENNESSEE’S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL IN RECYCLING | Directed by Ryan Scott, Shelby White and Jeffrey Barrie
- YAJÑOPAVĪTA | Directed by Rahul Koul and Ford Cowan
