The Savannah Film Festival

Note: Your program includes a Marquee Pass, which means we will have access to priority entry and access to all screenings, panels, and the passholder exclusive Director's Choice screening. Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, ask for directions to the Road Scholar meeting. Look for the display board or check with front desk when you receive your key and they will point you in the right direction. Register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

We expect the name of the films to be released the week before the festival begins. Our program schedule has been designed for flexibility to see additional films independently.

Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At a local popular restaurant. If you arrive late, please let your group leader know in advance.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Start the trip with the History of Savannah by trolley to see the historic district and to get a feel for where the theaters are located. Next, we will travel to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) to meet with a representative to get more insider perspectives on aspects of the Savannah Film Festival. Visit the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum, a premier contemporary art museum introducing new exhibitions by a range of professional artists, inspiring and challenging students of SCAD. You are here because of the Savannah Film Festival, but your experience would not be complete without a scenic introduction to the charming city of Savannah.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Our first Savannah Film Festival session…

Our program was planned far in advance when details were not available. The information will be posted on our website when released in October and included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. The festival, presented by Savannah College of Art and Design, is host to a wide variety of competition film screenings, special screenings, workshops, panels, and lectures. Films showcase the cinematic creativity of both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers.

On your own to enjoy what you like. There are many options for delicious dining out, though if you have something special in mind, we advise making reservations in advance because the city is so crowded during the festival.

We will regroup and attend one of the evening screenings that is sure to be a memorable highlight of the experience. The Savannah Film Festival website gives a good idea of the range and variety of performances and events: www.filmfest.scad.edu/ Evening film viewing begins at 7:00 pm.

At the hotel.

Still waiting to hear about morning panel discussions.

On your own.

Free time. We will provide vouchers for entry to two of the magnificent homes in the Historic District that you may use any time during the week. .

At a local restaurant.

A listing of films will be made available as soon as the schedule comes out in October. An evening performance will be revealed as soon as it is made available. Evening films start at 7:00 pm.

At the hotel.

We will leave walking for the Owens-Thomas House. Constructed in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House reflects the neoclassical architectural style that became popular in England during the Regency era. Today, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the unequal relationships between people of different social and economic positions in early 19th-century Savannah. We'll explore the property’s architecture, artwork, and history while placing slavery at the center of the story. Rather than focusing solely on the wealthy families who lived in the house for more than a century, the tours also recognize the enslaved individuals who lived and worked there. This approach provides a broader and more inclusive understanding of the people whose lives were connected to the home.

At a local restaurant.

Films to be announced.

On your own to enjoy more of the local cuisine.

Film Screening. More films await your review. Evening film viewing begins at 7:00 pm.

At hotel.

We will be travel by trolley to the Jepson and Telfair Academy. The Jepson Center represents the connection between Savannah’s historic past and the evolving future of art and architecture. Opened in 2006, its contemporary design provides a space where visitors can experience artwork, participate in activities, and take part in educational programs designed to inspire curiosity and creativity for years to come. Although the Telfair Academy is only a brief walk from the Jepson Center, the two buildings represent nearly two centuries of history. Designed by British architect William Jay (1792–1837), the elegant two-story mansion was built in the neoclassical style and completed around 1820. Jay also designed the nearby Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, located only three historic squares away. In 1886, the Telfair Academy became a public art museum. Its permanent collection features American and European works from the 19th and 20th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and decorative arts. Together, the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy demonstrate how Savannah’s artistic story has developed from its historic roots into a vibrant contemporary cultural tradition.

On your own.

Panel discussions or film viewing will be announced as soon as the schedule is released.

An early dinner at 5:00 pm allows time for an evening movie. Specially selected restaurant in the Historic District.

More films. Evening film viewing begins at 7:00 pm.

At hotel.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!