Special to IFN
The Full Bloom Film Festival (FBFF) on Monday announced its full schedule of screenings, events, and special programs for the 10th annual festival, which is set for September 11–13, in Downtown Statesville.
The festival unfolds over three days with more than 40 independent films from around the world, featuring narrative features, shorts, documentaries, animation, filmmaker panels, and more.
FBFF is deeply grateful to its title sponsor, the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau, whose generous support makes this celebration possible.
“This Full Bloom Film Festival is not only a celebration of bold storytelling, it’s also a celebration of Statesville,” said Cindy Sutton, executive director of the SCVB. “There’s something truly special about welcoming filmmakers from around the world to our city, where their work inspires, challenges, and connects us. You can feel the pride of our community in every screening, every venue in historic Downtown Statesville, and every detail that brings this festival to life.”
Festival Highlights by Day
Wednesday, September 10
Festival Kickoff: Outdoor Screening of The Goonies
♦ 7:30 PM | Broad Street Methodist Church Lawn
Start the festival with a free community screening of the 80s classic The Goonies! Bring a blanket, grab dinner from local food trucks, and enjoy a nostalgic night under the stars. Open to the public.
Thursday, September 11
Opening Night Party: A Decade of Reflections
♦ 5:00–7:00 PM | The Essence on Broad
A private kickoff celebration for VIPs, sponsors, and filmmakers featuring music, signature cocktails, and a toast to 10 years of cinematic storytelling. Badges required.
VIP Opening Night Screening
♦ 7:30–8:30 PM | Shearer Hall
An exclusive short film showcase curated from this year’s lineup. Badges required.
Friday, September 12
VIP Meet & Greet
♦ 3:30–5:00 PM | Jennifer Morrison Interiors
Network with visiting filmmakers and festival insiders over light refreshments provided by 220 Café. Badges required.
Red Carpet Event
♦ 5:00–6:00 PM | Shearer Hall
Step into the spotlight! Friday’s red carpet is free and open to the public.
Achievement in Film Presentation: Blake Crouch
♦ 6:00–8:00 PM | Shearer Hall
FBFF honors bestselling author and screenwriter Blake Crouch with the 2025 Achievement in Film Award. Event includes the Buzz Award presentation, a screening of “Dark Matters,” and live Q&A.
Live Music: Glitz & Glimpses with The Goodnight Brothers Band
♦ 8:00–10:00 PM | Iredell Arts Council (Old Jail)
An outdoor/indoor music event featuring local flavor and festive vibes. Open to the public.
Saturday, September 13
Filmmaker Creative Roundtable
♦ 8:30–10:00 AM | Center Stage Alliance
An industry-focused conversation among filmmakers on creative trends. Badges required.
Film Screenings
♦ All day | Shearer Hall, Rotary Auditorium, IAC, Center Stage Alliance
Independent features, shorts, docs, animation, and more—screenings run all day across downtown venues.
Family Programming: Children’s Red Carpet + Smallfoot
♦ 2:30 PM | Shearer Hall
A red carpet moment for the kids followed by a screening of “Smallfoot.” Fun for the whole family!
Red Carpet Event
♦ 5:00–6:00 PM | Shearer Hall
Saturday’s red carpet requires a badge or single-screening ticket.
Awards Night Celebration: The Grand Reflection
♦ 8:00–10:00 PM | Statesville Woman’s Club
A vintage-inspired, formal evening to honor award-winning films and toast to a decade of storytelling. Badges required.
Festival After-Parties
♦ Nightly | The Watering Hole, Red Buffalo Brewing Co., D’Laney’s Sports Bar & Grill
Unwind and connect at some of Statesville’s favorite local spots.
Box Office & Merchandise
♦ Pass Pickup: Pick up badges and tickets at Lake Mountain Coffee, beginning Wednesday, September 10 through the Festival.
♦ Merchandise: Festival merchandise is available at the Iredell Arts Council on Friday and Saturday.
Ticket Options
♦ VIP Pass / VIP Couple Pass: Access to all screenings, events, and parties, including the Opening Night Party and Awards Celebration.
♦ Festival Pass: Access to all screenings and public events (Friday & Saturday only). Does not include VIP parties.
♦ Day Pass: Access to screenings and panels on one day only—Friday or Saturday. Does not include VIP events.
♦ Individual Screening Ticket: Admits one person to a single screening session. Available for pre-purchase or at the door.
Learn More & Get Tickets
♦ Full Schedule: fullbloomfilmfestival.org/
About Full Bloom Film Festival
The Full Bloom Film Festival (FBFF) is dedicated to bringing quality, diverse cinema to Statesville, NC, a multifaceted, art-conscious city just north of Charlotte. The festival is hosted by the nonprofit Iredell Arts Council (501(c)(3)). FBFF promises something for everyone, offering a rich selection of films that cater to various tastes and interests. The festival will take place from September 11th-13th, 2025, in and around Historic Downtown Statesville, providing a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for all attendees. Learn More at www.FullBloomFilmFestival.org.