UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Film Screening: “Rise, Ruin, and Restoration: A History of Lake Toxaway” + Director Q&A
This documentary tells the story of one of Transylvania’s most fascinating tales: the creation of Lake Toxaway, the dam’s collapse, and the mountain lake’s resurrection.
FREE: Festival Kickoff Party at the PAC
Join us for a special evening under the stars featuring live bluegrass music from local favorite Silly Ridge and a meet and greet with our Artistic Director, Joy Jorgensen
Friday Morning Hike: Big Bear Pen/Greenway
Experience the beauty of our mountain town and start your festival day surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Highlands. Learn more and sign up below to reserve your spot.
Meet at the PAC.
Horror Deconstructed Workshop
Join us for this workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at how horror films are made. Presented by Wesley Wofford and Clara Stack.
Patriots Day: Conversation with the Screenwriter
Following the screening of Patriots Day, join us for a conversation with the movie’s screenwriter: Matt Cook (local to Brevard).
Path of the Panther: Wildlife Corridor Panel
Following the screening of Path of the Panther, join us for a panel exploring the importance of wildlife corridors and their role in connecting habitats and protecting Florida’s wildlife.
Saturday Morning Hike: Highlands Biological Station
Experience the beauty of our mountain town and start your festival day surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Highlands. Learn more and sign up below to reserve your spot.
Meet at the PAC.
Inside the Grid: The Design of TRON: Ares
Go behind the scenes of TRON: Ares and explore the design of its digital world. Presented by Darby Faccinto with Christian Haberkern.
Black and White Masquerade
The Black & White Masquerade transforms the PAC for an unforgettable Festival celebration.
Dress in black and white, don your favorite mask, and join us for an evening centered around the 1926 silent-film classic The Phantom of the Opera, screened on the big screen with a live orchestral performance by musicians from Western Carolina University.
Film Screening “Never Not Yours” + Director Q&A
The 2025 Best Feature Film Award winner will be shown at the Village Green in Cashiers on Sunday, August 16th. The film directors will be on hand to discuss the film and its genesis.
SOLD OUT: Film Screening: “The Gardener” + Walk in the Garden Soirèe
SOLD OUT!
Film screening: 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
6:00PM: Gala transportation provided from PAC to and from the garden.
Enjoy a screening of the The Gardener followed by a Q&A with the director, Dabney Day. Then, step inside the world of The Gardener with a visit to the real Highlands garden where the film was shot.
Film Screening: “Rise, Ruin, and Restoration: A History of Lake Toxaway” + Director Q&A
This documentary tells the story of one of Transylvania’s most fascinating tales: the creation of Lake Toxaway, the dam’s collapse, and the mountain lake’s resurrection.
Film Screening “Trail Mix” + Director Q&A
12pm at The Village Green of Cashiers
4pm at the PAC in Highlands
The 2025 Audience Choice Award winner will be shown at the PAC in Highlands and at the Village Green in Cashiers on Saturday, June 20th! The director and filmmaker Glenn Sweitzer will be at both events to discuss the film and answer questions.
A Film Festival Soirée with our Artistic Director, Joy Jorgensen
On Sunday, May 31, we will gather for A Film Festival Soirée, an elegant evening hosted by Amy and Cecil Conlee at the Hudson House in Highlands Country Club. This special event introduces our new Artistic Director Joy Jorgensen, an accomplished independent film producer with deep ties to the Plateau, while celebrating the continued success and bright future of the Highlands Cashiers Film Festival.
2026 Festival | Call for Entries
The Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival proudly announces the 2nd Annual Film Festival. The festival will be held September 17-20th, 2026 at the Performing Arts Center in Highlands, North Carolina. We will showcase the best in independent film by featuring premiere screenings, special guest appearances, workshops, and more.
Early bird deadline: February 9th
Regular deadline: March 16th
Final deadline: April 20th