This fall the Fairhope Film Festival returns with a full schedule of world-class cinema. This year’s event takes place November 6–9.

Forty-four feature films and twenty short films will be shown at four Fairhope venues over the four days of the festival. In addition, there are other events planned, including moderated panels with filmmakers and industry insiders, a red carpet awards ceremony, and parties brimming with Southern hospitality.

“The Fairhope Film Festival is a film lover’s festival,” said Executive Director Mary Riser. “Only finalists from national and international film festival competitions of the past year are selected, ensuring that attendees enjoy the ‘best of the best.’ Selections include independent and foreign features, documentaries and shorts—many never shown in mainstream theaters. The festival promises films to make attendees laugh, cry and just be astounded by the human race.”

Last year’s festival more than doubled organizers’ expectations, Riser said. “Nearly 3,000 people came to the films and from reports we heard, they were happy with the experience—as were our local merchants. This year, we expect the number to double. People are coming from our area and well beyond. Last year, we had a few visitors from California and Ohio who came just because they read about it. Film festivals are fun events where people join together and see films, converse about them, and have a good time exploring the world of film. Fairhope is a perfect location for a world-class film festival.”

Festival venues include the Fairhope Library Gidden’s Theater, Faulkner Community College’s Centennial Hall, the University of South Alabama Baldwin County Performance Center, the Eastern Shore Arts Center, and Lyons Share Gallery. This year there are a few new events, including a Sunday Vanguard feature, two Midnight Madness screenings at the Fairhope Brewery, and an outdoor screening at the Eastern Shore Art Center. “Friday, November 7, is also Fairhope’s First Friday Artwalk, a festive evening with food, fun and music in the streets, so that will add to the fun,” Riser said.

Single tickets ($10) and six-packs ($55) are available. “A ticket will get you into a film if you line up early,” Riser noted. “Sponsors go in first, then six-packers, then single ticket holders. All patrons need to be in line early, as a ticket doesn't guarantee a seat to a particular film.”

For more information on the series and to purchase tickets, visit www.fairhopefilmfestival.org.