Nashville: A City On Film

This June marks the Belcourt's 100th birthday — and our 25th year as a nonprofit. To commemorate, we launch an ongoing project exploring the history of films shot in and around Nashville. From studio-backed features to scrappy indie productions, these films capture a city in flux and reflect a filmmaking legacy that continues to evolve — much of it intersecting with the Belcourt’s own past in interesting ways. This initial series highlights just eight such titles — but it’s only the beginning. In other words, watch this space!

Encores: Fri, Jun 27 at 9:45pm | Sun, Jun 29 at 2:30pm

ERNEST SCARED STUPID (35mm)

Local garbageman Ernest P. Worrell and his dog Rimshot face off against an ancient troll menacing the children of Briarville, MO in this Halloween-set, East Nashville-shot slab of ‘90s kindertrauma –– the last entry in the Ernest feature film franchise to be produced entirely in Tennessee. Part of Nashville: A City On Film

Mon, Jun 23 at 8:00pm

STOKER

Park Chan-wook’s English-language debut features a chilling performance by Nicole Kidman and striking cameos from local landmarks and talent — and blends Southern Gothic atmosphere with psychological suspense in a visually rich, morally twisted thriller. Part of Nashville: A City On Film

Sat, Jun 28 at 9:45pm

GUMMO

Nashville’s own neighborhood The Nations got its first breakout role playing Xenia, Ohio in the directorial debut from Harmony Korine — a dazzling and disruptive tear through teenage anomie and a portrait of the city like no other. Part of Nashville: A City On Film

Encore: Sat, Jul 12 at 9:10pm

EXISTO

In the future where art is illegal, Existo leads a rebellious army of cabaret performers in the fight against theocratic repression with riotous — and very funny, deft — songs. Filmed and produced in Nashville, EXISTO is a local cinema classic whose satirical voice remains timely, eerily prophetic — and defiantly alive. Part of Nashville: A City On Film

Wed, Jul 2 | 7:00–8:00pm

Nashville Queer [Film] History

Nashville’s queer film story hides in plain sight — creators, stories, and cinemas that, while long overlooked, reveal a rich legacy of expression, resistance and culture. NOTE: Your seminar ticket includes a film ticket to DINAH EAST immediately following at 8:00pm.

Wed, Jul 2 at 8:00pm

DINAH EAST

When movie star Dinah East unexpectedly dies, the coroner publicly outs her, triggering a media frenzy that complicates her legacy. Through a series of flashbacks, we discover Dinah’s full story and gain deeper insight into her remarkable and complex life — with a generous dose of classic beefcake on the side.

Sat, Sep 13 | Seminar at 11:00am, Film at 12:00pm

Seminar: Nashville in Hollywood’s Golden Age + THE YEARLING (35mm)

Our next Belcourt 100 Seminar, Nashville in Hollywood’s Golden Age, explores how local actors and filmmakers — from the historic stage of the Belcourt Theatre to Hollywood sets — shaped American film. Spanning the 20th century, this seminar uncovers Nashville’s surprising ties to cinema history, from early Pathé films to major studio productions. Highlighting careers from bit parts to Oscar wins, it reveals how the city’s theatrical roots and venues like the Belcourt served as launchpads and inspiration for generations of artists. Includes a screening THE YEARLING (35mm) immediately following at 12:00pm.

Sun, Sep 14 at 12:30pm

INTRUDER IN THE DUST (35mm)

In a segregated Mississippi town, a teenage boy (played by Nashvillian Claude Jarman Jr.), his lawyer uncle and an elderly woman combine forces to prevent a miscarriage of justice and try to clear a black man of a murder charge. Based on the 1948 novel by William Faulker, and featuring a groundbreaking performance by pioneering African-American actor, Juano Hernández.

Sat, Sep 20 at 12:00pm

THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS

This spirited WWII-era musical follows two producers staging a chaotic all-star charity revue. The film features rare musical turns from Bette Davis and Ida Lupino among others, and marks Dinah Shore’s screen debut. A Vanderbilt student and Belcourt stage alum, Shore’s breakout success connects Nashville’s theatrical community to Hollywood, where morale-boosting wartime spectacles were a star-making opportunity.

Sun, Sep 21 at 12:00pm

RACE WITH THE DEVIL

Part occult thriller, part road-action horror, RACE WITH THE DEVIL follows two couples whose RV trip turns deadly after witnessing a ritual murder. Hunted by a rural Satanic cult, their escape unfolds in nerve-rattling 1970s style. Co-written by Nashville’s Wes Bishop, the film is quintessential Southern exploitation cinema. With Peter Fonda and Warren Oates, it showcases Nashville’s unexpected influence on 20th century horror and underground genre filmmaking.

Nashville: A City On Film

ERNEST SCARED STUPID (35mm)

STOKER

GUMMO

EXISTO

Nashville Queer [Film] History

DINAH EAST

Seminar: Nashville in Hollywood’s Golden Age + THE YEARLING (35mm)

INTRUDER IN THE DUST (35mm)

THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS

RACE WITH THE DEVIL

In Theatre

Today

Wednesday, Jan 21

Thursday, Jan 22

Friday, Jan 23

Saturday, Jan 24

Sunday, Jan 25

Monday, Jan 26

Tuesday, Jan 27