About

Festival History

The Indie Grits Festival is presented and created by the Nickelodeon Theatre, the only non-profit, art-house theater in South Carolina. The juried film festival began in 2007, designed to empower all levels of Southern filmmakers with an independent mentality and far-reaching artistic scope. 

Festival organizers wanted to break down any walls that intimidate media makers by creating exhibition opportunities for work that might not make it into other festivals. The festival continues to present an exciting, enlightening opportunity for experienced and not-so-experienced Southern filmmakers to share their interest in independent media production.

With the festival's success, in its seventh year, Indie Grits has now grown to span 11 days of film coupled with several official festival partner events, presenting an array of cultural events that showcase progressive cultural life unmatched in the Southeast. Thanks to our generous sponsors and our tireless staff and volunteers, the Indie Grits Festival is able to create exhibition opportunities for all levels of filmmakers, artists, musicians and performers and welcome thousands of festival-goers to Columbia.

HISTORY

2007, Festival Director Andy Smith launches Indie Grits

2010, MovieMaker magazine names Indie Grits one of 20 Coolest Festivals in the World

2011, Helen Hill’s The Florestine Collection screens at Indie Grits

2011, Slow Food Columbia and Crafty Feast participate in Indie Grits for the first time

2012, Festival expands to 10 days and partners with 701 Center for Contemporary Art, ConvergeSE, the Spork in Hand Puppet Slam, and the SC Philharmonic, as well as with repeat partners Crafty Feast and Slow Food Columbia.

2013, Sky is the limit.  We are stronger than ever, and going to have the best year yet!

Ticketing Policy

All festival passes include the right to reserve tickets in advance.  To guarantee your spot, you must arrive to the venue at least 15 minutes in advance, otherwise we cannot guarantee your seat.  If you have a pass and did not reserve a ticket to an event, you must wait in the normal ticketing line.