The Rome International Film Festival is returning Oct. 31-Nov. 3 and will honor Tim Blake Nelson with its big award.
The actor and filmmaker – who has appeared in numerous films such as “Minority Report,” “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” and “Lincoln” – is set to receive the film festival’s Flannery O’Connor Award. His new film “Bang Bang,” directed by Vincent Grashaw, will play the festival on Nov. 2.
Some of Nelson’s previous films are slated to play at the festival as well, including “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Leaves of Grass,” which he also wrote and directed.
“[Tim Blake Nelson] is someone who kind of encapsulates the spirit of Flannery O’Connor through their choices in their career and their style of storytelling, be it as an actor or as a writer,” said RIFF Creative Director Seth Ingram about the choice to present the award to Nelson.
According to a press release, the festival will feature 87 films, including “Bob Trevino Likes It,” starring John Leguizamo, Barbie Ferreira, and French Stewart; and “Breakup Season,” featuring Chandler Riggs from “The Walking Dead.” Leaning into the Halloween spirit, the festival will also screen “Gremlins” to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary and will feature a special appearance from Zach Galligan, who played Billy in the film.
There will also be panels and discussions for guests to attend, including a Latin Filmmakers Panel spotlighting the work of Latin filmmakers. On closing night, a group called The Rome Music Collective will perform the acclaimed soundtrack from the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
According to the release, the festival also now offers an exclusive pass for the newly created Rome Film and Entertainment Society, which grants members access to year-round screenings and opportunities to meet different filmmakers. Ingram said he hopes the society can help the festival expand into spotlighting other forms of storytelling as well.
“We’re trying to become more than just film and open to all sorts of storytelling, be it songwriting, or any other mode of communication,” Ingram said. “We are going to try to start incorporating more musical events going forward.” The full lineup for the festival and ticket information can be found online.
