The Southern Fried Film Festival has received a $20,000 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to support programming and filmmaker travel for its 2026 festival.

Organizers said the funding will help bring filmmakers to Huntsville for post-screening question-and-answer sessions and panel discussions, enhancing audience engagement and expanding the festival’s educational offerings.

“This grant is a testament to the festival’s growing impact and will allow us to create an even more enriching experience for our attendees,” said Trevite Willis, founder and director of the Southern Fried Film Festival. “The ability to bring filmmakers to Huntsville and provide opportunities for direct interaction with audiences is invaluable.”

The 2026 festival is scheduled for June 4–7 at multiple venues across Huntsville. The four-day event showcases culturally diverse films and provides opportunities for audiences to engage directly with filmmakers.

In addition to the state grant, the festival also received $6,479 in funding from Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville. Festival leaders said the combined support will allow them to expand outreach efforts, strengthen community engagement and maintain high-quality programming.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts is the official state agency responsible for supporting and developing the arts statewide. Council grants are funded through an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature as well as additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Festival organizers said the funding underscores the role of arts programming in strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life across Alabama.