Now entering its 12th year, Indie Memphis (October 8-15) utilizes Memphis’s rich cultural history to serve as a connecting point for regional filmmakers from all corners of the country, providing a showcase for films celebrating Southern stories and storytelling. The festival builds bridges that inspire filmmakers and film lovers to collaborate and connect amongst the unique creative landscape that is the home of Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

This year Indie Memphis features The Conversion, a local narrative feature about America plunging into chaos after the digital conversion, The American Astronaut, Cory McAbee’s surreal Lynchian dark comedy musical, and Elvis: ‘68 Special, a free screening of the rock ‘n’ roll legend’s memorable NBC special. Indie Memphis offers the right mixture of music and film to create a cinematic experience unique to the city that hosts it. Check out the online schedule.

Other festivals starting this week include:

ThrillSpy International Film Festival (Oct 7-10)

Global Voices Film Festival (Oct 8-11)

New York United Film Festival (Oct 8-14)

Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (Oct 9-11)

New Orleans Film Festival (Oct 9-15)

Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (Oct 9-15)

Festivals starting next week include:

Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (Oct 16-25): Held every year since 1996, the festival has grown into the largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, gaining industry and audience recognition for the latest and greatest in queer film, from major motion picture premieres to emerging talent. An important venue in the Seattle film scene—and the social event of the season—the festival provides unique opportunities for visiting and local filmmakers to engage with and entertain over 10,000 attendees.

Flatland Film Festival (Oct 15-17)

New Hampshire Film Festival (Oct 15-18)

Royal Flush Festival (Oct 15-18)

Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (Oct 15-18)

Philadelphia Film Festival (Oct 15-19)

Heartland Film Festival (Oct 15-24)

Reel Affirmations Film Festival (Oct 15-24)

Hawaii International Film Festival (Oct 15-25)

San Diego Asian Film Festival: (Oct 15-29)

Columbus International Film & Video Festival (Oct 15-Nov 24)

Dixie Film Festival (Oct 16-18)

San Fransisco Documentary Festival (Oct 16-29)

Boston Palestine Film Festival (Oct 17-Nov 1)