Nestled on the plateau within the Nantahala National Forest just miles from major access points to the Appalachian Trail, it is no surprise that the documentary Trail Mmix won the Audience Choice award at the inaugural 2025 Highlands Cashiers Film Festival.

Directed by Nashville-based filmmaker and graphic designer Glenn Sweitzer, the 50-minute documentary follows a 2,000-mile journey from Georgia to Maine along the Appalachian Trail. The film focuses on the "transformative power of nature," interviewing a diverse range of hikers—including military veterans with PTSD, grieving widowers, and troubled teens—who seek healing and clarity in the wilderness. 

Sweitzer began the project in May 2018, initially inspired by the story of Cheryl Strayed in the book/movie Wild. The film was completed at the end of 2024 and dedicated to Sweitzer's mother and brother.

The feature film, The Gardener held its exclusive world premiere sneak preview as the opening night event of the inaugural Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival on September 18, 2025.  

The film was written, produced, and directed by Dabney Day, a creative visionary mentored by Oscar-winning cinematographer John Alonzo.  

Filmed primarily in Highlands, and specifically featuring the private mountain gardens of Diane and Ray McPhail the redo of this film will be followed by a "Walk in the Garden Soiree,” just as attendees did last year.