What to look for heading into Savannah Film Fest 2026 

Few things in life are guaranteed besides death, taxes and downtown Savannah’s transformation into a film industry hub every October. A star-studded lineup is set to take over downtown Savannah from Oct. 24-31, including big names such as Ethan Hawke, Helen Mirren and Keanu Reeves. 

Connector staff will be covering a variety of events during the festival, starting with the “Below the Line: The Art of Musical Storytelling” panel on Sunday, Oct. 25. Four members of the Alliance of Women Film Composers are scheduled to discuss their work in the film industry and how music influences a film’s story and production. The panelists have worked on projects from “Cruella” to “Pretty Little Liars: Summer School,” giving a wide range of genre experience within the music world. 

Of the 34 honorees at this year’s festival, one of the most recognizable names is Keanu Reeves, who will receive the “Legend of Cinema Award” following the signature screening of his 1999 film “The Matrix.” Reeves’ performance as Neo helped to shape not only how we view blockbuster movie-making, but also reality itself. Revisiting this groundbreaking story decades later brings up thought-provoking parallels between the original themes around technology and our modern world. A conversation with Reeves will follow the screening. 

One of the most talked about films of this year was undoubtedly “The Odyssey.” Since its July release, “The Odyssey” has grossed over $1.78 billion globally and created the cinema sensation of the summer. Actor John Leguizamo and casting director John Papsidera will join moderator Debra Birnbaum for a conversation after the screening, during which they’ll be presented with the “Distinguished Performance Award” and “Outstanding Achievement in Casting Award,” respectively. 

Popular culture’s return to the nearly 3,000-year-old story is a reminder of both the story’s timeless pull, as well as the thematic relevance of a story centered around a hero fighting to find his way home. The pull of a story centered around a theme of quite literally testing humanity, both its authenticity and its breaking point, feels like society’s subconscious nod to our relationships with technology and innovation. How do we hold ourselves accountable in the murky waters of AI, while being open to the new adventures and odysseys it might present? 

This and other questions will be both asked and answered at the 2026 Savannah Film Festival, starting this Saturday, Oct. 24. Tickets and schedule are available at filmfest.scad.edu.