Have you ever wondered how our beloved Indie Memphis went from humble beginnings in a college basement to a major player in the local film scene? Well, you’re in the right place! Keep reading for an inside scoop from the person at the heart of all the magic–Indie Memphis‘ very own Executive Director: Kimel Fryer!
Kimel Fryer—Executive Director at Indie Memphis
Making Waves in the Local Film Scene
If you’ve ever been curious about the impact of Indie Memphis on the local film scene, Kimel Fryer has got the 411.
"The impact on the local film scene has been phenomenal!" she exclaims, taking us back to the humble beginnings of Indie Memphis. "This organization started out in 1997 with a group of film students in the basement of Rhodes College showing movies they created. Now, Indie Memphis is an organization that provides support to filmmakers (both youth and adults) and creates community through film in Memphis year-round!"
The number of films created by Memphians is on the rise again post-pandemic, and Indie Memphis is here to roll out the red carpet for these local talents. On top of that, they’re bringing in films to the area that wouldn’t otherwise be shown. Talk about making a difference on multiple levels!
Festival Fever: The 2023 Indie Memphis Film Festival
Kimel expressed a lot of excitement for the upcoming 2023 Indie Memphis Film Festival, and with good reason. From the opening night film, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, two world premieres (The Blues Society and Donna & Ally), and revival films like The Cassandra Cat and Yam Daabo, there’s a whole lot to look forward to. But what’s Kimel’s ULTIMATE festival highlight?
"I’m really most excited about seeing everyone’s faces. The Indie Memphis team has put in so much hard work and intentionality behind the branding, logistics, the programming, and even our hospitality spaces. I’m looking forward to seeing everything come full circle and to see how the audience experiences the festival."
Opportunities Galore: What Indie Memphis Offers
Did you know Indie Memphis has grant, residency, and fellowship programs to help filmmakers create shorts and features? They’ve also got an Artist Development program, free monthly Shoot & Splice Workshops, and a Youth Program. That’s a lot of opportunities for Memphis creatives to get their work out there and seen by the local area and beyond!
Onward and Upward: Future Goals for Indie Memphis
Kimel is all about growth and reaching more people in Memphis, connecting with more community partners and arts organizations, and getting the Indie Memphis name out there nationally and internationally. “We’ve attracted national and international films and audiences, so I think this is the perfect time to focus on activating more of our brand in the city of Memphis and outside of it as well.”
That’s all for now, folks! Stay tuned for more spotlights on local leaders making a difference in our city. And remember, Choose901 is not just a call to action—it’s a call to community. Let’s keep supporting local talent and organizations like Indie Memphis that are upping the ante in our city!
