nD Festival
What makes Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre in Hillsboro Village great – beyond the eclectic collection of independent, documentary, world, repertoire and classic films – are the special touches that couldn’t be replicated if you were to find and watch the same movies on your own. Whether it’s a panel discussion after the film or an appearance by the filmmaker himself/herself, the Belcourt seems to find a way to deepen the audience’s engagement with film.
From September 28–30, the nD (as in indie) Festival provides the community with an opportunity to support those extra touches, as well as the Belcourt’s local outreach and engagement efforts (examples include a screening of The Interrupters for at-risk youth at the Oasis Center).
“That’s the main idea: to keep doing that and to do more of it year-round,” Belcourt Executive Director Stephanie Silverman said. “It’s a real big party over three days. The festival at its core is a really fun way to raise money to support the Belcourt education and engagement program.”
It’s also perhaps Nashville’s biggest and most enthusiastic celebration of local indie products and culture.
Entry to all the festival’s events can be purchased individually or with an all-inclusive Patrons Pass that will gain you access to a VIP kick-off cocktail party at the Peter Nappi Studio overlooking the Cumberland River on Friday the 28th. The party then moves back to the theatre for the Belcourt Biscuit Boogie, a late-night dance party on the stage and in the aisles of the Belcourt’s 1925 Hall.
Mimosas, Marys & a Movie on Saturday morning is exactly what it sounds like – and is followed up Saturday evening with the Found Footage Party, a montage of hilarious videos and a rare opportunity to visit and get to know some of the folks behind Jack White’s Third Man Records, which is hosting the event. “It’s just going to be a ton of crazy footage sourced from a lot of different places,” Stephanie said.
The festival’s signature event, the nD Fashion Show and Auction, is Sunday evening and includes cocktails, dinner, and auction “representing the best of indie Nashville,” Third Man musicians and, of course, Nashville style. “We’re just going to celebrate street style,” Stephanie said.
In its third year, the nD Festival aims to earn about $50,000 for the not-for-profit Belcourt Theatre. As Stephanie puts it: “It really makes a big difference in our ability to do the work.”
