Kentucky isn’t California, and Derby City isn’t Hollywood, but Louisville has had its fair share of movie moments. In fact, according to IMDB, more than 600 films list the 502 as their filming location. Even better? Filmmakers who shoot their projects in the Bluegrass can qualify for up to $10 million in tax credits through the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) Program. This program was created partly to encourage the development of a film and entertainment industry in the Commonwealth.
But that’s not all. The Louisville Film Society (LFS), a nonprofit that aims to support and celebrate the art of film, is also pushing along the local film industry. Run by a leadership board of industry pros, including producers, writers, directors, and more, LFS got its start nearly 20 years ago.
“The foundation of the society was created by three people who still support the organization [to this day],” says LFS Chair Stu Pollard, who is also a film producer, director, and writer. “It was started, essentially, [for] people who made films and [those] who were fans of films.”
He adds that the organization merges the two industry-related interests by supporting filmmakers with education and resources. It also provides fans with various ways to get involved — including, of course, watching films.
“If you make films, you like watching films, or anything in between,” Stu says, “we’re that organization you can join for exposure to everything.”
Anyone can join LFS online with a membership, starting at $30 per year. By becoming one of the group’s 300+ members, individuals can access discounts on merchandise, classes, Speed Cinema screenings, invitations to special events, and other perks. Contributor-level members also receive an all-access pass to the annual Flyover Film Festival.
“Flyover is our marquee event of the year,” Stu tells us, adding that this year’s festival will be held at the Speed Cinema from Thursday, July 25 through Sunday, July 28. “Part of the reason I joined the [LFS] board in the early 2000s was so that we could have a film festival in Louisville that I was excited about being a part of.”
The annual event — now in its 14th year — features documentaries, short films, and indie flicks. Tickets can be purchased on the Speed website and are $8 for LFS and Speed members and $12 for non-members.
The festival’s kick-off party will be held on Wednesday, July 24, at West 6th Brewing in NuLu. The fête will feature film trailers from upcoming screenings, charcuterie bites, and discounted drinks. The first screening will take place the very next day.
Among this year’s lineup is American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders, which was directed by Louisville native Zachary Treitz. The documentary miniseries is about a reporter who mysteriously died while investigating a major political conspiracy that linked spy software theft, unsolved murders, and major scandals. A discussion with Zachary and photojournalist Christian Hansen will follow the Flyover Festival screening.
“That’s one of the cool things about the festival and its local connections,” Stu says. “It’s not just watching the films — it’s getting to interact with the people who made them.”
Want to get involved with Louisville Film Society?
For cinephiles who are ready to explore all that LFS has to offer at the Flyover Film Festival and beyond, here are a few more ways to get involved:
- Immerse yourself in the world of filmmaking at the Short Film Slam. This bi-annual event is held in the spring and fall and showcases a range of locally made short films followed by director Q&A sessions. Every featured film had a Kentuckian working on it or was shot in the Commonwealth.
- Help foster a film-friendly environment by hosting a film shoot via Film Friendly Louisville.
- Learn from seasoned industry pros through LFS’s Master Classes. The live, in-person sessions feature presentations from people who have their hands in all aspects of the filmmaking world.
- Kickstart your filmmaking career by applying for the Fiscal Sponsorship Program.
- Take a deep dive into the film industry with Kentucky Call Sheet, the LFS podcast hosted by Stu. Each episode offers an inside look at the ups and downs of the film world straight from Louisville.
Stu adds that LFS is always looking for volunteers. “Depending on what level you want to get involved in, there are lots of opportunities,” he offers. “If you’re a writer, you could potentially help us with content that we generate on a regular basis; if you’re a filmmaker and have some experience you want to share, we might be able to build an event around what you’re doing. If you make films or are a fan of films, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.”
Lights, camera, check out LFS online!
**********
Subscribe to StyleBlueprint for the best of the South sent to your inbox daily!
