Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival

Celebrate the art of storytelling at the 2nd annual Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival. Born from a shared love of film, creativity and community, this annual festival brings together filmmakers, media artists and audiences from around the world for an engaging in-person experience that sparks conversation and connection through powerful storytelling.

Weekend highlights include the Black and White Masquerade and competition feature films submitted from around the world. The festival is supported by volunteers and benefits the Performing Arts Center. The festival will be showing eight competition feature films, including the 2026 Sundance winner, "Hold Onto Me."

Thursday, Sept. 17
Filmmaker welcome and opening remarks
Opening Shorts Program
Competition feature films

Friday, Sept. 18
Morning hike
Shorts Program
Filmmaker conversation
Competition feature films
Special guest screening

Saturday, Sept. 19
Shorts Program
Competition feature films
Filmmaker conversation
Black and White Masquerade

Sunday, Sept. 20
Winning Shorts Showcase
Awards ceremony and closing remarks