Appalachian Film Festival 2025

The Appalachian Film Festival is coming back after a decade of dormancy. It ran in Huntington from 2003-2013, screening films such as The Last Ride and Winter’s Bone.

With the relaunch in 2023, we are accepting films that reflect and celebrate the Appalachian region, searching for filmmakers or projects from the contiguous counties that comprise Appalachia.

AFF is a three day event at Foundry Theater inside the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium inside Huntington City Hall!

Friday, April 25: Lil' Dyl's Foundry Flashbacks Kickoff, featuring Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers Join us as we launch the 2025 Appalachian Film Festival, hosted and produced by Foundry Theater! This year’s kickoff event features acclaimed West Virginia writer and director Daniel Boyd, who will be in attendance for a special screening of his 1990 cult classic, Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers.

Boyd, a pioneering filmmaker, will share behind-the-scenes stories about independent filmmaking and how he brought his unique vision to life—leading to two of his films being produced by the legendary TROMA Entertainment. This is a must-attend event for film lovers, cult cinema fans, and aspiring filmmakers alike.

Stick around for autographs, photo ops, and original artwork, and celebrate the start of another incredible year of Appalachian storytelling on screen. Don’t miss this chance to meet a true West Virginia film legend!

Saturday, April 26: Film Festival Screenings The competition portion of the 2025 Appalachian Film Festival kicks off on Saturday, April 26th, showcasing a diverse lineup of films from across the Appalachian region. From animation to horror to documentary, this is a full day dedicated to storytelling that captures the heart and soul of Appalachia.

Explore our vendor area, connect with filmmakers, and be among the first to experience never-before-seen films that highlight the creativity and talent thriving in our region.

The night concludes with the West Virginia premiere of a brand-new documentary on Rob McNurlin, followed by an intimate live performance from the country star himself. It’s a perfect way to end a day filled with Appalachian storytelling, music, and culture.

Sunday, April 27: Filmmaker Workshop + WV Film Guild Gathering The 2025 Appalachian Film Festival wraps up on Sunday, April 27th, with a day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and community. Whether you're an experienced filmmaker or just curious about the craft, this is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience and connect with others who share a passion for storytelling.

The day begins with a filmmaker workshop led by the Foundry team—no experience necessary! Everyone is encouraged to participate as we explore the fundamentals of filmmaking in a short, interactive session.

Following the workshop, the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild will host a networking gathering, where attendees can meet industry professionals, learn about regional resources, and enjoy snacks while connecting with other filmmakers.

Check out our "Appalachian Film Festival" page for more information about the festival!