Opening night.

• Late afternoon
  Doors & Welcome ReceptionFestival staff and volunteers greet attending filmmakers and pass-holders. Festival passes activated, programs handed out.
• Early evening
  9/11 Honorary TributeA short ceremony presenting the festival's special honorary award, woven into the fabric of opening day in remembrance of September 11th.
• Evening
  Opening Night Screening BlockThe first selections of the festival, followed by filmmaker Q&A. Subject to programming, this may include a feature or a curated shorts block.
• Late evening
  Opening MixerAn informal gathering for filmmakers, attendees, and festival staff. The room where the conversations actually start.

A full festival day.

• Morning
  Morning Screening Block + Q&AThe day opens with a curated block of features, shorts, or documentaries — followed by filmmaker Q&A.
• Midday
  Lunch BreakTime to step out into downtown Sumter. Lunch recommendations included in the printed program.
• Afternoon
  The Pitch FestReserved sessions where pass-holders pitch real producers, directors, and production companies — and playwrights pitch plays. Strictly limited slots.
• Late afternoon
  Afternoon Screening Block + Q&AA second curated block of selections, leaning into genre and Southern storytelling.
• Evening
  Headlining ScreeningA featured selection presented in primetime, with extended Q&A.
• Late evening
  Filmmaker ReceptionA relaxed evening gathering for attending filmmakers, partners, and the Pitch Fest cohort.

Closing day. Awards night.

• Late morning
  Brunch & Community ScreeningA relaxed start with family-friendly and audience-favorite selections — including the Moonless Arts Institute Youth Short Film Challenge showcase.
• Early afternoon
  Closing Screening Block + Q&AThe final curated block of Official Selections. Audience Choice voting closes at the end of this session.
• Late afternoon
  Filmmaker ConversationA roundtable with select attending filmmakers — open to all pass-holders. Moderated discussion on craft, distribution, and the year ahead.
• Evening
  The Swan Awards CeremonyThe festival's closing event. The Swan Awards are presented across all categories, including the 9/11 Honorary Award, the Sterling the Swan Award, and Audience Choice.
• Late evening
  Closing ToastAn informal send-off for filmmakers, partners, and the SLPFF team. Until next September.