Lauren Thelen’s love for film began during childhood, and it was a passion her parents nurtured. The Chicago native majored in media and cinema in college, then dove into festivals when she interned with the Chicago International Film Festival. These days, she’s Director of Programming for the Nashville Film Festival, where she secures a memorable lineup for the festival each year and leads the charge to further our community’s relationship with film.
You can catch her at this year’s 55th Nashville Film Festival, taking place from September 19 through 25 at venues like the Belcourt Theatre and historic Franklin Theatre. Get to know this week’s FACE of Nashville!
Where did you first discover your love of film?
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, where my passion for cinema and the arts took root at an early age. My parents played a crucial role in nurturing this love by introducing me to a variety of films and shows.
They allowed me to indulge in Disney classics and shared their favorites from their youth, such as Grease, That Girl starring Marlo Thomas (whose vibrant New York City life and stylish wardrobe captivated me), Three’s Company, Bewitched, and Gilligan’s Island. The “oldies” featured on Nick at Nite had a profound impact on me, shaping my view of the industry and fueling my childhood ambitions to sing, dance, and act.
How did you career lead you to Nashville Film Festival?
In college, I realized my true passion lay not in the technical aspects of film production but in its history and theoretical dimensions. I was captivated by studying film’s history, theories, tropes, and lore. This led me to major in media and cinema studies at DePaul University.
I interned with the Education Department at the Chicago International Film Festival. Over the years, I advanced to manage their Education Program, where I collaborated with public middle and high schools to provide students with access to Festival films throughout the year. This experience profoundly influenced my approach to programming, emphasizing a blend of education and entertainment.
I strive to strike the perfect balance between these elements in my programming … to provide audiences with both a sense of discovery and engaging entertainment. This philosophy guided me to my current role as head of programming at the Nashville Film Festival, a position I’ve held since 2019.
What films are you most excited to have at the festival this year?
Boys Go To Jupiter, Universal Language, Saturday Night, and Sugarcane.
Is there anything new at the festival that we should keep an eye out for?
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is our robust lineup of Creators Conference panels and a dynamic pitch event. While the Creators Conference isn’t new to the festival, this year, we’ve truly elevated it with an exceptional range of topics and a stellar roster of industry panelists. Our team has worked diligently to curate a program that offers valuable insights and engaging discussions, making this year’s conference a standout feature of the festival.
In a sea of festivals, what makes the Nashville Film Festival stand out?
The intersection of music and film. The festival’s integration with Nashville’s rich musical heritage adds a layer of uniqueness. We often feature films that intersect with music, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted connection to the art form. This synergy between film and music creates a distinctive cultural experience that sets us apart.
What up-and-coming Nashville filmmaker(s) should we have on our radar?
Nashville’s film scene is increasingly dynamic, with a number of emerging filmmakers making significant strides. These rising talents are known for their innovative storytelling and unique perspectives, often drawing on the city’s rich cultural backdrop. Many are focusing on fresh, original content across various genres, from gripping dramas to thought-provoking documentaries. Their work is characterized by a strong sense of place, reflecting both personal and broader societal themes.
Jace Freeman and Sean Clark and their company, The Moving Picture Boys, are highly skilled in documentary filmmaking.
A breakout student filmmaker this year is Haneol Lee at Vanderbilt University with his short film First Night.
When visitors come to town, what Nashville spots do you take them to?
Red Headed Stranger, Frankies, and Dino’s.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you that they might be surprised to learn?
I’m obsessed with beauty and skincare. Were I to switch industries, that’s where you’d find me.
Oh! What are your favorite skincare products we should know about?
Face Mists — specifically Caudalie Beauty Elixir and Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator — are heavenly. Go get them.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“We’re not saving lives; we’re just showing movies.” It helps me keep things in perspective when my workload gets crazy.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Three things you can’t live without: My dog Bodhi. Coffee. Travel.
Favorite film of all time? That is so hard; it definitely switches depending on the weather, age, mood, etc. Also, I have different ones based on genre. At this moment, I would say Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki.
What’s on your nightstand? Soft Services hand lotion, By Terry Rose Baume de Rose, and my rings.
Favorite recently discovered book or podcast? Podcast: Poog with Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak
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Nashville women are nothing short of inspiring. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
