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Film Submissions Open For 2024 Grand Motoring Film Festival

7/1/2024

 
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Take part in North America's premier motoring film festival and ride the red-carpet into the Hilton Head Island Concours weekend!  Now entering its eighth year, the Grand Motoring Film Festival has established itself as a must-attend event in the motoring community, celebrating the intersection of the automotive and cinematic arts spotlighting the finest motoring films from all parts of the globe.

Filmmakers are invited to submit their work now through August 27, 2024.  Films and videos will be reviewed by an esteemed group of judges representing film and television, automotive, and media industries with awards to be given out on October 31, 2024.

This star-studded event, which celebrates films and shorts that capture the thrills of the automotive world, has become the ultimate kick-off to the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival with its signature mix of elegance and high-octane excitement.

Filmmakers should visit grandmotoring.com for all the details, including how you can get your film in the festival and potentially in front of an enthusiastic audience of petrol heads.

Grand Motoring Film Festival finalists and winners represent the best documentaries, web videos, brand films, TV shows and more, and entries across the landscape of automotive culture are invited to submit.  Priority will be given to films that have yet to premiere and would debut during the festival.

If your work shares our love of horsepower, make plans to join us Oct. 31 - Nov. 3 on Hilton Head Island for high-octane screenings and awards program, the perfect start to the Concours weekend! VIP Tickets available now at grandmotoring.com, general admission tickets will go on sale late summer.

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October 11th, 2023

10/11/2023

 

Lights, Camera, Automotive Action!

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The Grand Motoring Film Festival hits high gear with two nights celebrating award-winning films from
across the Automotive world.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC, OCTOBER 11, 2023 – Now entering its seventh year, the Grand Motoring Film Festival presented by Hilton Head Capital Partners has dropped the green flag on an expanded experience set to kick off the Concours weekend on Hilton Head Island.

Long celebrated for its immersive mix of automotive excitement and inspired filmmaking, Grand Motoring Film Festival – a part of Crescendo Celebration of Arts & Culture - will see its slate of films expand for 2023 to encompass two nights of cinematic thrills. 

“With so many talented filmmakers now wanting to be a part of the Grand Motoring Film Festival, we simply couldn’t fit everything into one night,” said Event Founder Guy Smith. “Adding Friday screenings at Coligny Theater to our Showcase Event at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina allows us to share their talents with an audience who shares their love of car culture.”
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Held November 2nd at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, the Showcase Event starts with a VIP red-carpet reception featuring some iconic celebrities of the automotive world, and a display of classic and collector cars while attendees enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. 

In addition to cars featured in the films shown, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Corvettes will dominate the automobile exhibit.  When the curtain goes up, film fans will experience a curated selection of short films, including the world premiere of “March Forth,” by local filmmakers Ryan McCormick and Christian Perry; a pair of theatrical premieres in “Defy the Odds” and “The Gunslinger;” and the feature film “The Chrysler Turbine Car:  Engineering a Revolution.”
This stunning feature film traces Chrysler's groundbreaking efforts beginning in the 1950s to disrupt the automotive industry with their multimillion-dollar turbine research program, boasting interviews from Chrysler Turbine owner Jay Leno and Steve Lehto, author of “Chrysler's Turbine Car: The Rise and Fall of Detroit's Coolest Creation.”

“As soon as I saw this documentary, I knew we’d found our showcase film,” said Smith. “It’s not only a beautifully shot film, it tells a fascinating story about a car that could have changed everything but wound up being almost a footnote in automotive history.”

Adding to the excitement of this year’s Showcase Event is the return of a juried awards show, bestowing honors on the top motoring films submitted to this year’s festival.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with some of the filmmakers involved and discover more about these fascinating films. Jurors for the festival include former editor and publisher of Autoweek, Dutch Mandell, Pixar Studios Creative Director of Franchise Jay Ward, "Death Race 2000" star Simone Griffeth, and Creative Director at Hearst Autos, Tara Klein.

Those who can’t make it to the Showcase Event will have another opportunity to enjoy this curated collection of automotive films, with a day-long series of screenings at Coligny Theatre. Discover how one woman nearly changed racing forever in “Paula Murphy: Undaunted,” and meet the director, Pam Miller. Thrill to the unlikely history of an Italian masterpiece in “Rosselini Roma ’21.” Get behind the wheel with the infamous Pacific Coast Motorsports team in “Bumped.” The day’s slate is packed with these and other amazing automotive films. There is no admission charge for the Friday event, however donations to “Tools for Techs” are welcome.

“The heart of Grand Motoring Film Festival has always been about giving audiences a chance to experience these films on the big screen, and giving filmmakers an opportunity to interact with people who share their enthusiasm for cars,” said Guy Smith. “Expanding that into two days really allows us to put the spotlight on so many more deserving films.” 

Sponsors and partners for the Grand Motoring Film Festival include Hilton Head Capital Partners, Broad Arrow Group, The Thunderbird Inn, Hagerty, Palmetto Drivers Syndicate, Lowcountry Oyster & Motorcar Driving Society. Organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance for the Thursday Showcase event either at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina box office 843-842-2787 or online at artshhi.com.  For the full slate of films featured at the Showcase Event or the Friday Coligny Theatre screenings, visit grandmotoring.com.

2023 SCREENING SCHEDULE

10/6/2023

 
Full schedule for 2023 Grand Motoring Film Festival - Film Summaries Below:
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Select Film Summaries 2023 Grand Motoring Film Festival

The Chrysler Turbine Car: Engineering a Revolution - Theatrical Premiere - Headliner Film
Documentary Feature
Directed by Conor Kelley
Starting in the 1950s, Chrysler set out to disrupt the automotive industry with a multimillion-dollar turbine research program. This documentary, produced by the non-profit 501c3 Hagerty Drivers Foundation, chronicles those efforts and is told from the point of view of the engineers and mechanics that were responsible for the futuristic jet-engine automotive program as well as the historians like Steve Lehto, Jay Leno, and Mark Olson that have spent decades researching this incredible aspect of American car history.

Paul Murphy:  Undaunted  -  Friday Headliner Film
Documentary Feature
Directed by Pam Miller
During the turbulent 60s, the quest for women’s rights was invigorated. In motorsports, where names like Andretti and Petty transcended the race track, a lone woman emerged from their shadow – her name was Paula Murphy. Fast, fearless, and versatile – auto racing had never seen anyone like Paula. Dubbed the “World’s Fastest Woman on Wheels” she was more than a speed demon. When she hit the throttle, attitudes toward women drivers changed forever.  In an era when women weren’t allowed in the garage or on a racetrack, Paula was the first woman to take laps at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, pilot not just any stock car - but Richard Petty’s #43 to speed records on the high banks at Talladega Superspeedway – and first to earn an NHRA Funny Car license. Versatility was her specialty – setting records in jet cars, sports cars, drag cars, Grand Prix cars, on Salt Flats, dirt, or asphalt. Her accomplishments placed Paula in the rare air of STP royalty as part of their famous line up of drivers – Petty, Andretti, Parnelli Jones and Paula. She wasn’t spared the adversity that came with the risks, but never ran from the challenge. Paula’s success translated into racing opportunities for the generations of women drivers – who race each week. So how did her story get lost? Why do the current generation of drivers not know the name Paula Murphy?  This is Paula Murphy: Undaunted.

Kim Jong, Alfaman and The Probe: A LeMons Race   World Premiere
Student Film
Directed by Yasmin Sanie-Hay
This documentary follows the wild and wacky adventures - and characters - of three teams in the infamous 24 Hours of LeMons endurance race for $500 cars.  The stories of the teams in this film reflect endurance, humor, camaraderie and a strong sense of community.  Director Yasmin Sanie-Hay is a 2023 Master's student at the University of Southern California.   

Bad Dog
Student Film (Animation)

Directed by Erin Malfi
A motorcycle riding dog must compete with the Grim Reaper to save his soul.  Student Short Film

Karl Heinz    US Premiere
Narrative Short (Comedy)
Directed by Andrew Robb
A grumpy driver installs a technical upgrade to his old Volvo with unexpected results. Director Andrew Robb. Shot on iPhone.  

Hope Rewarded: The Unlikely Return of North Wilkesboro Speedway
Journalsim / Factual Entertainment
Directed by Pam Miller
What happens when a rural mountain town loses the heartbeat of their community? A racetrack that was built post World War II by three local families with a dream. For 50 years, North Wilkesboro Speedway had hosted NASCAR races and was the pride of Wilkes County. Until it wasn't. The growth of NASCAR in the 1990s had threatened the quaint Speedway for years but when the last founding partner passed - the family heirs' decision to sell the track to rival ownership - set an inevitable sequence of events in motion. The Speedway lost their NASCAR races to more modern tracks - and was let to rot in the earth. The economic impact to the county was immediate and severe. National corporations fled the area. Civic pride was decimated. The once vibrant area plummeted to become the fourth poorest county in the state. For 27 years, the community fought to get their racetrack back - persevering through corrupt promoters and changing political landscapes. Two local racing legends along with their widows, a couple curious young men and a lone groundskeeper didn't give up the fight - keeping the track on life support. When a NASCAR superstar voiced his support to see the track come back - the community's luck changed. And 27 years later - NASCAR racing returned to the Speedway and a miraculous transformation began. A second chance beyond the community's dream - hope rewarded.

GHOST, A True Story
Narrative Short
Directed by Stephane Benini
Based on a true story about passion for a racing game between a young boy and his father - created with AI tools.

Parts & Pieces   Theatrical Premiere
Documentary Short
Directed by Bruce James Bales
A look into the McGuire family's love for rare British Triumph vehicles and how those vehicles came to be a family tradition. The film centers around the patriarch, Chuck, and the story of how he came to possess so many Triumphs over the years.   

March Forth     World Premiere
Short Documentary
Directed by Ryan McCormick
Adocumentary about the influential history of the Frank family, and how AJ Frank utilizes his family’s past to 'march forth' within his community and automotive career.  

"The Gunslinger" - Rolls Royce Western  Theatrical Premiere
Narrative
Directed by Jeremy Heslup
Behind the wheel of an “all-powerful stagecoach,” a dead shot gunslinger teams up with a brave saloon girl to rescue a besieged frontier town from the grips of a villainous gang, led by a nefarious man in black.   

The Brake
Short Drive Film
Directed by Maël Pierre Gerard
This is the story of a couple consumed by passionate desire who, during a trip behind the wheel of a Porsche 930, experience the unimaginable.

The 1971 Kitchen Grand Brie
Narrative Short
Directed by Ian Beckman
The Kitchen Grand Brie is only the greatest race in the whole household and your favorite foods are the contestants. And when Armando Fettucini, the most beloved and hated delicacy on the grid is on the verge of winning a fifth time to take control of the life-giving fridge, the other dishes take unprecedented action to stop him and accidentally set off a chain of events that changes the Grand Brie forever.

Rossellini Roma '21  US Premiere
Documentary Short Film
Directed by Francesco Piras
This is the story of one of the most iconic cars ever built and specially made for neorealist Maestro Roberto Rossellini.  It left its native Italy over half a century ago to lead a very different life, first in quiet French retirement before sailing for America where it found stardom. Now we’ve brought it home to be reunited with the humble streets and personalities of its youth, to reveal the untold human stories behind the bright lights and glittering celebrity…and to roar.  Produced by Simon Kidston.   

Defy the Odds Theatrical Premiere
Narrative Short
Directed by Corry Wiens
Amateur race car driver, Bill Lester, is faced with a decision that will upend the stable office life he's been trapped in. Based on the true story of Bill Lester, the first black NASCAR driver to win a race in NASCAR's Grand-Am series.  

BUMPED
Journalism / Factual Entertainment
Directed by Sean Heckman & Ryan Eversley
There was a time when just qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 was a story all to itself, and perhaps none more evident than the story of Pacific Coast Motorsports. A young and free-spirited team that rose from the ranks of junior racing all the way to the top levels, team owner Tyler Tadevic took a massive gamble in 2008 when, despite limited funds, he risked everything to get his team into the Indianapolis 500 … and lost.

Ford Taurus
Narrative (Music Video)
Directed by Barret Burlage
A music video from the Charleston-based satirical pop band Sexbruise? about their love for the 1999 automotive masterpiece.

Ford Bronco: BUILT WILD
​Student Short Film
Directed by Noah Semeria
A self-funded spec project that takes a crew from LA to the Las Vegas deserts, showcasing the off-roading capabilities of the Bronco Sasquatch Edition.

My Home Race - Charles Leclerc: Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2023 Theatrical Premiere
Journalism / Factual Entertainment
Directed by Ryan Davis
Watch the F1 2023 Monaco GP embedded with Scuderia Ferrari F1 Driver and local hero, Charles Leclerc. Follow unprecedented BTS of the life of Leclerc as he navigates the insanity that is the Monaco Grand Prix, the most iconic race in the world taking place in the streets that he calls home.  Interviews with the family and friends of Charles Leclerc as they detail what is the life of their friend, brother, and son.   

Dodging Certainty
Student Film
Directed by Molly Knybel
This documentary follows the adventures of four Central Connecticut State University students as they prepare for and participate in The Great Race 2022. The Great Race is not a typical race, but a controlled-speed competitive endurance rally for vehicles that were built before 1975. The actual competition demands skilled driving and navigating, and the ability to keep their vehicle in top condition while traveling hundreds of miles a day for over a week. The story begins with the acquisition of the car, a 1961 Dodge Lancer. The students are then challenged to get it into shape and make it safe enough to join more than 500 people from around the world and 120 other antique cars on a 2300-mile journey across the country. The group travels over hill and dale, through all kinds of weather as they make their way from Warwick, Rhode Island to Fargo, North Dakota. Along the way, they experience breakdowns, mishaps, laughter, and frustration. Each night, they receive a hero’s welcome when they reach that day’s overnight stop.   Will they meet the challenge?

Grand Motoring Film Festival Call For Entries 2023

3/7/2023

 
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March 7, 2023 - Now entering its seventh year, the Grand Motoring Film Festival has established itself as North America’s premier event celebrating the intersection of the automotive and cinematic arts. And for the second year in a row, this iconic event is handing the keys to the most exciting up-and-coming filmmakers in the automotive world with its second juried awards program.  Vying for honors during last year’s Grand Motoring Film Festival, 20+ film finalists representing remarkable cinematic explorations of automotive culture were screened over two days.  Each brought a unique perspective on the cinematic arts with two films having their World Premieres, and two more having their North American Premieres.   

“Last year was our first year inviting filmmakers to submit films for consideration, and while I was expecting a good response, I never anticipated the wealth of talent that was shared with us, from all parts of the globe,” said event founder Guy Smith. “It shows not only the sheer amount of great automotive films out there, but the hunger for a showcase like this.”
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With this year’s event looking to top last year’s in both prestige and elegance, Grand Motoring Film Festival is actively seeking out bold new cinematic explorations of the automotive arts, regardless of length or format.  Priority will be given to films that have yet to premiere and would debut during the festival. 

Grand Motoring Film Festival finalists and winners represent the best documentaries, web videos, brand films, TV shows and more, and entries across the landscape of automotive culture are invited to submit. If your work shares our love of horsepower, make plans to join us November 2-3 on Hilton Head Island for high octane screenings and awards program!

Serving as our esteemed judges representing film and television, automotive, and media industries are some of the biggest names in cars and industry leaders from all points of the automotive spectrum, including former editor and publisher of Autoweek Dutch Mandel, Pixar Animation Studios Creative Director of Franchise Jay Ward, “Death Race 2000” star Simone Griffeth, and Silodrome.com founder and senior editor Ben Branch.   
Expanding their roster of judges in 2023, the Grand motoring Film Festival has announced the appointment of additional jurors.

  • Tara Klein: Creative Director at Hearst Autos whose 14 years in automotive media have given her a front-row seat to the transformation of the automotive landscape.
  • Michael Harley: VP of Marketing & Communications at Hennessey Performance, and  automotive industry veteran who has held key roles at Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power and Associates, Autoblog, Autotrader, and Autobytel.
  • Steve Chavez: 30+ year creative veteran of the advertising industry, currently the US CCO for Bastion, an independent agency network overseeing brands like Mazda, GMC, Buick and Toyota.
  • Ian Jones: SVP, Managing Director Qualfon, has led creative campaigns and consumer experiences in the automotive industry with key roles at Autoweek, BBDO, and Leo Burnett for brands including GMC, Buick, Dodge, and more.

The seventh annual Grand Motoring Film Festival will be held No. 2-3 in Hilton Head Island’s at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, with a VIP welcome reception, awards program, and headliner film screening, and at Coligny Theatre where films and shorts will be screened along with exclusive Q&A experiences with the filmmakers.

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About Grand Motoring Film Festival:
Returning for its seventh extravagant celebration of automotive movie magic, the Grand Motoring Film Festival welcomes film fans back to the world class Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Thursday, November 2.   This two-day star-studded event, which celebrates films and shorts that capture the thrills of the automotive world, has become the ultimate kick-off to the Concours weekend with its signature mix of red-carpet elegance and high-octane excitement.   The Grand Motoring Film Festival will commence at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Thursday evening November 2nd with an elegant VIP reception featuring some iconic celebrities of the automotive world as well as static displays of classic and collector cars.    When the curtain goes up, film fans will be dazzled by short works, world premieres and a feature film that cuts across genres in showcasing the intersection of automotive and cinematic arts. Adding to the excitement of this year’s event will be the juried awards show, bestowing honors on the year's top motoring films.   Attendees can also expect to meet some of the stars and enjoy a Q&A with some of the creative forces behind the films.  A second day of screenings and filmmaker panel discussions will take place Friday Nov. 3, 2023 at Coligny Theatre from 10:00am - 5:00pm.   Full schedule of films to be announced.

Sixth annual Grand Motoring Film Festival announces award winners, feature documentary ‘Blink of an Eye' takes Best of Show honors.

11/6/2022

 
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The 2022 Grand Motoring Film Festival wrapped its two day event that coincided with the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance weekend.  Attendees were dazzled by short works, world premieres, and feature films that cut across genres that showcased the intersection of automotive and cinematic arts.  A number of awards were presented to top films including Documentary, Narrative, and Student film categories.  Official Selection films were screened Nov. 3 + 4 with a number of filmmakers in attendance.
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The awards program was new for the 2022 event with ’Blink of an Eye’ directed by Paul Taublieb – Thursday’s headliner film – winning the coveted ‘Best of Show’ award. Producer Pam Miller was on hand to accept the trophy, Miller also took the ‘Spirit of Motoring’ trophy for her documentary film ‘Betty Skelton: Boundless’.
​2022 Grand Motoring Film Festival Award Recipients: eClassicAutos Best Narrative Short
15 Minutes

The MB Market Best Documentary Short
Laps of Honor – Herbert Engel

Palmetto Drivers Syndicate Best Student Film
Ferrari 250 GTO

Hagerty Drivers Club Best Documentary Feature
Blink of an Eye – Triumph to Tragedy

Broad Arrow Group ‘Spirit of Motoring’ Award
Betty Skelton: Boundless

Hilton Head Capital Partners
‘Independent Film Achievement’

Sunday Sunday Sunday

2022 Grand Motoring Film Festival Best of Show
Blink of an Eye – Triumph to Tragedy
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2022 GRAND MOTORING FILM FESTIVALNOVEMBER 3-4, 2022 - HILTON HEAD ISLAND

10/5/2022

 
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The Grand Motoring Film Festival kicks off Thursday evening November 3rd at Hilton Head Island’s world-class Arts Center of Coastal Carolina with our signature mix of red-carpet elegance and high-octane excitement.
A VIP reception featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, special automotive art exhibit, and static displays of classic and collector cars starts off the evening at 5:00pm. When the curtain goes up attendees will enjoy a curated selection of fascinating motoring films including a world premiere of ‘Punters’, our awards program, and the headliner feature film ‘Blink of an Eye’.
Opening Night:  Grand Motoring Film Festival Showcase  
5:00pm-9:15pm Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the

​Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

14 Shelter Cove Lane,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. 
Individual tickets are $60.  
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW!
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JOIN US! 
The Grand Motoring Film Festival Showcase Event
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, 5:00pm-9:15pm​
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
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Friday Screenings:  November 4 will see additional screenings and Q&A sessions with filmmakers at Coligny Theatre from 9:00am to 3:30pm with short and feature length films. Thursday Showcase event pass holders will have priority seating for Friday screenings. There is no admission fee for Friday screenings however a donation to charity suggested.
The Film Festival’s closing film “Betty Skelton: Boundless” will show on Friday afternoon at 2:00PM. 
​1 North Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 *
No admission fee - donation to charity suggested.

9:00AM - 11:20AM Films Block A
15 Minutes (S)
Quixotic: Highway Violence (S)
The life and works of Jeff Zwart (S) Theatrical Premiere
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday (F) 
Q&A

11:40AM - 1:40PM  Films Block B
Relentless - The Chance Blackburn Story (S)
The Gray Fox (S)
Maserati Quattroporte GTS (S)
When Darkness Falls (S)
Ken Smith - 60 years at the Wheel (F) North American Premiere
Q&A
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2:00PM - 3:30PM Films Block C
Ferrari 250 GTO (S)
Laps of Honor (S) North American Premiere
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (S) World Premiere
Betty Skelton: Boundless (F) Headliner Film
Q&A
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Grand Motoring Film Festival official selections represent the best documentaries, web videos, short films, with entries across the landscape of automotive cinema.   Films and videos were reviewed by an esteemed group of judges representing film and television, automotive, and media industries with awards to be given out on November 3, 2022. 

Walk the Red Carpet into Hilton Head Concours Weekend!

8/15/2022

 
Grand Motoring Film Festival 2022 Hilton Head Concours
 Returning for its sixth extravagant celebration of automotive movie magic, the Grand Motoring Film Festival welcomes film fans back to Hilton Head Island on Thursday, November 3rd & 4th, 2022.

​This star-studded event, which celebrates films and shorts that capture the thrills of the automotive world, has become the ultimate kick-off to the Concours weekend with its signature mix of red-carpet elegance and high-octane excitement.


The Grand Motoring Film Festival will commence Thursday evening Nov. 3rd with an elegant VIP reception featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and static displays of classic and collector cars as well as a few special surprises.  
Where & When:
Thursday, Nov 3, 2022, 5PM-9PM 
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
14 Shelter Cove Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
   5:00PM  Red-Carpet Reception
                  Classic & Collector Car Exhibit
                  Hors d’oeuvres & Cocktails (Cash Bar)
   7:00PM  Program Begins
   9:00PM  Event concludes


Friday, Nov 4, 2022, 9AM
Coligny Theatre
1 North Forest Beach Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

   Full schedule TBA​
When the curtain goes up, film fans will be dazzled by short works, world premieres and a feature film that cuts across genres in showcasing the intersection of automotive and cinematic arts.

Adding to the excitement of this year’s event will be the debut of a juried awards show, bestowing honors on the top motoring films.  Attendees can also expect to meet some of the stars and enjoy a Q&A with some of the creative forces behind the films. 

Day two, November 4, will welcome attendees to Coligny Theatre for a full day of screenings and Q&A's with filmmakers beginning at 9am.  Save your Thursday ticket/credential as it grants you to all Friday screenings (first come first serve).  Stay tuned for more details!

Grand Motoring Film Festival Expands and Will Include a Juried Competition!

6/1/2022

 
Hilton Head 2022 Grand Motoring Film Festival
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC - JUNE 1, 2022 - This year’s Grand Motoring Film Festival will once again raise the bar for fans of the cinematic and automotive arts. For the first time, the festival is actively seeking out bold new cinematic explorations of the automotive arts, regardless of length or format, to be judged by a panel of experts for the top prize of the event.
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“The festival has always been a way for us to celebrate that intersection between cars and film, so it’s a genuine thrill to extend that celebration to the filmmakers themselves,” said GMFF founder Guy Smith. 

Grand Motoring Film Festival finalists and winners will represent the best documentaries, web videos, brand films, TV shows and more, and entries across the landscape of automotive cinema are invited to submit. Films and videos will be reviewed by an esteemed group of judges representing film and television, automotive, and media industries with awards to be given out on November 3, 2022.​​​​
Grand Motoring Film Festival 2022 Hilton Head
Among judges announced so far, you’ll find luminaries like former editor and publisher of Autoweek Dutch Mandell, Pixar Animation Studios Creative Director of Franchise Jay Ward, “Death Race 2000” star Simone Griffeth and Silodrome.com founder and senior editor Ben Branch.
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​​Consideration for our 'headliner' films will be weighed based on availability of the featured vehicle, filmmaker or subject.  Priority will be given to films that have yet to premiere and would debut at the festival.  ​​
The next day, November 4, will see additional screenings and Q&A sessions with filmmakers as well; stay tuned for details.
Now entering its sixth year, the Grand Motoring Film Festival has established itself as a premiere event in the motoring community, celebrating the intersection of the automotive and cinematic arts. Bringing automotive aficionados and film enthusiasts together to showcase and recognize the most outstanding work created by independent filmmakers, journalists, students, production companies and advertising agencies, the Grand Motoring Film Festival is uniquely positioned to become North America’s premier motoring film festival.

When & Where:  5:00PM - 9:00PM:

The Grand Motoring Film Festival will be held November 3, 2022 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island. 

HEMMINGS:  Daily Briefing: Street Racing Legend Comes to Amelia Island

2/28/2022

 
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See story here: CLICK HERE
Grand Motoring Hangar Night to Welcome "The Black Ghost"   The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T known as the Black Ghost was a big part of Detroit’s underground street racing in the 1970s. ...

STREET RACING LEGEND COMES TO AMELIA HANGAR NIGHT

2/22/2022

 
​The Sixth Annual Grand Motoring Hangar Night to feature famed Detroit icon: ‘The Black Ghost’
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AMELIA ISLAND, FEBRUARY 22, 2022 – During the 1970s, there were few legends of Detroit’s underground street racing that were greater than that of the “Black Ghost.” A 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Black Ghost dominated races before sinking mysteriously into the night.  An intriguing documentary, “The Black Ghost: Street Racing Legend” will highlight this year’s Grand Motoring Hangar Night, which will include a series of automotive short films and an appearance by the real life Black Ghost itself.

It’s part of an evening of automotive and cinematic artistry that enters its sixth year bigger and better than ever. Held March 3 this year at the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, the Grand Motoring Hangar Night will offer fascinating films, static displays, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cocktails amid red carpet sophistication.
​On hand at the event will be Gregory Qualls, son of the Black Ghost’s original owner. Guests can peek inside the mythical racer and be a part of a Q&A session after the film with Qualls and Diane Parker of Hagerty Drivers Foundation. In addition to the Challenger, displays of classic and collector cars will include a 1990 560SEC AMG widebody sponsored by The MB Market, as well as a number of aircraft like a 1942 Stearman and an Arrivée Special Edition SR22T and the latest G2+ Arrivée Vision Jet from Cirrus Aircraft.
“It has been a real thrill to see how the Grand Motoring Hangar Night has expanded over the years, and this year we’ve reached a whole new level,” said founder Guy Smith. “Being able to not only share the story of the Black Ghost, but also to display this legendary car and meet its owner is the perfect expression of what this festival is. It’s about the art of the art, excitement and emotion of the automobile, and the way film captures that spirit.”
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Returning as presenting sponsor for the Grand Motoring Hangar Night is MonroneyLabels.com. Offering meticulous reproductions of original automobile window stickers, MonroneyLabels.com puts the power to research a used car in the hands of buyers and sellers, and has supported the festival since the beginning.  “We have had a wonderful relationship with this event, and we’ve been proud to be part of its growth,” said MonroneyLabels.com founder Ned Nielsen. “It’s a fantastic kick off to Amelia, and a wonderful opportunity for us to put our brand front and center with the right audience.”

While there’s already so much happening at this year’s Grand Motoring Hangar Night, Smith teases that a few more surprises are in store.

The Grand Motoring Hangar Night returns to the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport March 3. Sign up for the GrandMotoring.com newsletter to receive ticketing info and latest updates. For more information, visit WWW.GRANDMOTORING.COM

* Advance registration and ticketing required – no ‘day of’ tickets will be available.

A Look Back at 2021 Grand Motoring Events

12/21/2021

 
Grand Motoring A Look Back 2021
Grand Motoring events presented by MonroneyLabels.com at Amelia and Hilton Head welcomed a record number of attendees in 2021.

Bringing together automotive and cinematic arts, audiences enjoyed watching “The Secret Race Across America” on the big-screen, chronicling the illegal, underground transcontinental race to break Cannonball Run records from New York to Los Angeles.

Upon arrival to the Grand Motoring Hangar Night at Amelia, attendees were greeted by a new HondaJet Elite and an Acura NSX – along with a number of special automobiles highlighted by a pair of BMW M5’s, a ‘Back to the Future’ DeLorean replica, pre-production Dodge Viper, and the Barn Find Hunter’s 1939 Ford Deluxe Woodie.

A number of cars that participated in Hagerty’s Amelia Island or Bust and the Coastal Motoring Tour rallies were on display.  Many exhibiting grit and grime from their long journeys to Amelia Island!
Not to be outdone, the Grand Motoring Film Festival at Hilton Head added another a great evening of automotive camaraderie, food, drinks, classic and collector cars, but with an Eighties spin, featuring the Cannonball Run inspired ‘OutRun’ arcade game with short films Wolf of the Autostrada and Highway Violence.

Both were memorable events – made possible by you! 
Grand-Motoring-Hangar-Night Cannonball record holders, Alex Roy and Ed Bolia
Grand Motoring Hangar Night – Amelia: Guests took part in post-film discussions with our special guests, Cannonball record holders, Alex Roy and Ed Bolian (VINWiki, CarTrek).
Make plans to join us again at the Amelia Concours on Thursday evening, March 3rd 2022 and at the Hilton Head Island Concours on Thursday evening, November 3rd 2022. 

Hilton Head's Fifth Annual Grand Motoring FIlm Festival

10/7/2021

 
Hilton Head's Fifth Annual Grand Motoring FIlm Festival
Supercharged with a radical rush of ’80s nostalgia, the fifth annual Grand Motoring Film Festival presented by MonroneyLabels.com drops the green flag on the Hilton Head Concours weekend Thursday evening, November 4th at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

The throwback thrills on hand will include automotive short films that pay homage to the synth-driven day-glo flair that made the 1980s so bodacious. Static displays will spotlight the cars of the era that became legends like the Testarossa, Corvette, Pantera, 911 Turbo, and MX5!

Taking center stage during this night of retro elegance will be the feature film “The Secret Race Across America” celebrating the Cannonball run, the famous (or perhaps infamous) transcontinental race that inspired some of the era’s most iconic automotive movies.

Guests can get up close look at the types of cars that set transcontinental records and were made famous on the silver screen, dine on heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, enjoy red carpet extravagance and try their hand at an update of the pulse pounding racing games that lit up arcades during the ‘80s.
It’s an unforgettable night that puts a throwback spin on the automotive film experience that has become a cherished island event. 

Where & When:
5PM-9PM Thursday, November 4, 2021
at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina,14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Event Schedule*:
5:00PM  Red-Carpet Reception
              Classic & Collector Car Exhibit
              Hors d’oeuvres & Cocktails (Cash Bar)
6:45PM  Program Begins – Short Films
7:00PM  Feature Film
9:00PM  Event concludes
Heavy Hors d’oeuvres Menu:
Braised Beef Brisket Sliders
Chicken Skewers
Shrimp and Grits
Cheese Display with Fresh Vegetable Crudité and Bruschetta
Fresh Fruit Display
Popcorn

Film Features

  • "Wolf of the Autostrada" – Kidstron wrangled a pair of racing drivers, their own business manager, a beautiful Italian actress, and the likes of Valentino Balboni and Stefan Roser. Beyond the people involved though, it's the cars that make this a truly gorgeous video. You have a Ferrari Testarossa, Lamborghini Countach, Aston Martin Vantage, and a Ruf Yellowbird all facing off in a seemingly high-stakes game to see who is the best on the road.
  • "Highway Violence" Hungarian Retrowave producer Quixotic has been making waves in the scene with his latest music video. Produced by Mihaszna Film, Highway Violence goes all-in on the retro-worshipping and delivers an all-star homage to Eighties and Eighties-inspired films and series. The short film is jam-packed with references, stringing together iconic scenes from Terminator 2 to Stranger Things along with cameo appearances by the Nightrider and the Millennium Falcon just to name a few.
  • "Apex: he Secret Race Accross America" tells the true story of what happened after the Cannonball Run ended in 1979, the rise of the U.S. Express, and the seemingly unbreakable NY to LA 32 hour record set in 1983, when FBI scrutiny forced an end to the secretive races. Or did it? Decades later, two men get in a car and attempt to break the unbreakable record. Narrated by Ice-T, this documentary shatters the myths surrounding the transcontinental record and shows never-before-seen footage from the Cannonball, U.S. Express and modern runs.

GRAND MOTORING HANGAR NIGHT INTERVIEW WITH JEFF LANE AND CHRISTINE ONEILL

8/4/2021

 
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Erica Hyman interviews Jeff Lane and Christine O'Neill from the Lane Motor Museum about their 1970 Fiat Giannini Camioncino, at the Grand Motoring Hangar Night.  
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All roads lead to “Amelia’s Grand Motoring Hangar Night”

4/28/2021

 
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Popular annual motoring film festival announces featured film, special guests as part of 5th annual edition.  READ STORY HERE

All roads lead to “Amelia’s Grand Motoring Hangar Night”

4/27/2021

 
Popular annual motoring film festival announces featured film,
special guests as part of 5th annual edition.
Amelia’s Grand Motoring Hangar Night
AMELIA ISLAND, FL, APRIL 27, 2021 – Since its inception in 2017, the Grand Motoring Hangar Night has thrilled audiences with the breathtaking confluence of cinematic art and automotive excitement. This year, however, the festivities kick into high gear with a slew of special events throughout the evening.

As the southeast’s premiere source for automotive films, Grand Motoring has screened some legendary movies such as “Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman,” “The 24 Hour War” and “Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans.” This year’s featured film, shown alongside a series of acclaimed shorts, takes moviegoers inside the illegal, underground world of U.S. transcontinental racing with “APEX: The Secret Race Across America.”
Following thrill racers Alex Roy and Dave Maher as they tear across America in a BMW M5 in pursuit of a new coast-to-coast Cannonball record, and narrated by Ice-T, this film shines the spotlight on the secretive world of transcontinental racing.

Star Alex Roy will be on hand during this year’s Hangar Night to introduce the film and answer questions from the audience. “I’m really excited to share this film, and I think it’s going to be eye-opening for a lot of people who didn’t realize this whole culture of cross-country racing exists.”

But more than simply the films, Grand Motoring Hangar Night is an opportunity for participants to view some jaw-dropping collector and classic cars on display. This year, two separate rally tours will end with a checkered flag at Hangar Night, adding to an already exciting evening.
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The first, Hagerty’s Amelia Island or Bust Tour, will end their multi-day rally at the event for the fifth consecutive year. Starting off outside of Baltimore on May 15, this rally will criss-cross the backroads of the southeastern U.S. before roaring into the finish line at Hangar Night.

The second rally is the Amelia Island region’s home-grown “Coastal Motoring Tour,” organized by Concours LLC. Launching from the legendary Brumos Collection, and running through some of the area’s most scenic highways and byways, the Coastal Motoring Tour will arrive just in time for Hangar Night.

“Every year we try to find some way to top the previous installment of Grand Motoring Hangar Night,” said organizer Guy Smith. “Already our fifth annual event is shaping up to the best ever, and we still have a few surprise announcements to make as we get closer to pulling back the curtain.”

Presenting sponsor for Grand Motoring Hangar Night will be long-time supporter of the event MonroneyLabels.com. Offering meticulous reproductions of original automobile window stickers, MonroneyLabels.com puts the power to research a used car in the hands of buyers and sellers. “We have been proud to support Grand Motoring Hangar Night since the very beginning,” said Ned Nielsen of MonroneyLabels.com. “We couldn’t think of a better way to salute the art of the automobile.”

In addition to inspired films, static displays and celebrations of automotive culture, guests at Grand Motoring Hangar Night will enjoy delicious cuisine prepared safely as well as stringent safety protocols, temperature checks and social distancing.

Advanced registration required. For more information, visit www.grandmotoring.com/amelia-hangar-night
When & Where: 6:00PM-10:00PM Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Amelia Aerodrome, located off of Shannon Road, Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, Amelia Island Florida 32034. (Registered guests provided address and parking instructions.)

Introducing Grand Motoring, a Celebration of Cars and Film

3/18/2021

 
New name incorporates popular events:
the Amelia Motoring Film Exhibition and the Vintage Auto Film Exhibition.

Introducing Grand Motoring, a Celebration of Cars and Film
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC. MARCH 18, 2021 – Serving as a single platform for two highly popular automotive-themed film exhibitions, Grand Motoring will soon welcome patrons, sponsors and exhibitors along for the ride of a lifetime. A celebration of both the automotive and cinematic arts, as well as the films that bring them together, Grand Motoring will serve as a single platform for two automotive events.

The first, Grand Motoring Hangar Night, will be held Thursday evening May 20, 2021 at the Amelia Aerodrome on Amelia Island, Florida. Serving as the kickoff to the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, this event is expected to sell out for the fifth consecutive year. The second, Grand Motoring Film Festival, will be held Nov. 4 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island. This red-carpet event brings Hollywood glitz and glamour to the opening festivities surrounding the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance.

Previously, the Amelia Motoring Film Exhibition and the Vintage Auto Film Exhibition had existed under the banner of Vintage Auto TV. Bringing both events under the umbrella of Grand Motoring not only streamlines ticketing and promotion for each event, it provides a one-stop-shop for the finest automotive film events.

“We’re very excited not only to introduce this new branding, but to continue showcasing the adrenaline and artistry of automotive cinema,” said Grand Motoring founder Guy Smith.

Join us for the 5th annual Grand Motoring Hangar Night to kick-off your Amelia Concours weekend on May 20, 2021 and keep watching grandmotoring.com in the coming months for exciting announcements and updates on this year’s events..

Amelia Motoring Film Exhibition to Showcase Automotive Films & Collector Cars

2/27/2020

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2020
Blink of an Eye Paul Taublieb Grand Motoring
Continuing on a tradition of pairing the cinematic and automotive arts, the Amelia Motoring Film Exhibition returns for its fourth consecutive year Thursday March 5 to usher in the Amelia Concours weekend.

This year’s featured film is the critically acclaimed “Blink of an Eye” by award winning director Paul Taublieb.

The documentary chronicles racing driver Michael Watlrip’s struggles of racing 462 races without a single win in NASCAR, while in the shadow of his successful brother Darrell, before being hired to drive for Dale Earnhardt, the most feared and iconic driver in NASCAR history. Culminating with Waltrip’s first win in the most tragic of circumstances.

The special one-night event moves to a new venue on Amelia Island and begins with a reception marked by light appetizers and cocktails from 6 p.m., giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a display of classic and collector automobiles. At 7 p.m. films take center stage. Including the award winning short film “The Racer” that follows the life of a man who reflects on his passion for motor racing from the time he was a young boy. Premiering is short the film “Four Cam Jam” about a special event designed to celebrate and enjoy iconic Porsche four-cam models, plus the latest Hagerty “Why I Drive” and “Redline Rebuild”

The event will wave the checkered flag on the Hagerty Touring Series – Amelia Island or Bust Edition rally. The rally starts in Gettysburg Pennsylvania on February 29 and follows a scenic route that leads cars & drivers down the East Coast before arriving in Amelia Island on March 5. Participating vehicles will be on display during the event, giving guests a chance to get up close and personal with these marvelous machines.

Advance registration required and tickets ($25) can be purchased online at www.ameliamotoringfilmexhibition.com.

For those not able to attend the event, “Blink of an Eye” is now available on DVD/Blu-Ray and major streaming services, visit www.blinkofaneyefilm.com for more information.

When & Where:
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Thursday, March 5, 2020. The host venue, Amelia Aerodrome, is located off of Shannon Road, adjacent to the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, Amelia Island Florida 32034

Event Sponsors:
Hilton Head Capital Partners, Hagerty, Sandhills Motoring Festival, Road Scholars, Eight Flags Autosports, RaceLink, MonroneyLabels.com

‘BLINK OF AN EYE’ Headlines  4TH Annual Amelia Motoring Film Exhibition

11/27/2019

 
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Continuing on a tradition of pairing the cinematic and automotive arts, the Amelia Motoring Film Exhibition returns for its fourth consecutive year Thursday, March 5 to usher in the Amelia Concours weekend at a NEW VENUE for 2020.

Join us for an evening of cinematic stories of automotive culture and heritage featuring the critically acclaimed documentary “Blink of an Eye” plus short films “Four Cam Jam”, “The Racer”, and the latest Hagerty “Why I Drive” and “Redline Rebuild”.

Once again we’re waving the checkered flag on the Hagerty Touring Series – Amelia Island or Bust Edition rally with participating vehicles will be on display during the event, giving guests a chance to get up close and personal with these marvelous machines while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and plenty of popcorn.  

When & Where:
6:00PM Thursday March 5, 2020 Amelia Aerodrome 

Schedule:
  6:00 PM – Reception, Vehicle Displays, Food & Drink
  7:10 PM – Film Screenings
10:00 PM – Event concludes

Hurley Haywood to Appear at Vintage Auto Film Exhibition During Hilton Head Concours

9/30/2019

 
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(View Story at The Shop Mag)
​Endurance racer Hurley Haywood will help to kick off the Hilton Head Concours by appearing at the Vintage Auto Film Exhibition on Oct. 31, 2019 in addition to a screening of Hurley, a film about the three time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.  “The driving purpose of the Vintage Auto Film Exhibition is to celebrate the excitement, the history and the culture of the automobile through film,” said event organizer Guy Smith of Popcorn Octane Productions. “Featuring Hurley and having Hurley Haywood along for the ride this year will be incredible.”  

Hurley, executive produced by Haywood’s racing protégé Patrick Dempsey (from Grey’s Anatomy fame), chronicles Haywood’s life, revealing a greater insight into the tightrope walk between his famous racing driver persona and a personal life that remained a mystery.  A Q&A session with Haywood will follow the screening.  

Award winning The Lauda Legacy anchors the short films segment, featuring Niki Lauda’s 1974 Monaco pole-winning Ferrari 312 with three-time Le Mans winner Marco Werner. Making its big-screen premiere is Phoenix Rising, a film that follows the unexpected restoration of a significant Porsche Abarth Carrera GTL plus the latest Why I Drive from Hagerty.  

​Positioned as the kick-off for the Hilton Head Concours weekend, this year’s Vintage Auto Film Exhibition will be held for the first time at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.  Prior to the film’s screening, attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar cocktails as well as an exhibit of racecars, classic and collector cars. 

October 31: Vintage Auto Film Exhibition

9/11/2019

 
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The Patrick Dempsey-produced documentary film‘Hurley’, about American endurance racing driver Hurley Haywood, and Brumos Porsche, will be showing at the Vintage Auto Film Exhibition on Thursday evening, October 31st at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island.   

In addition, you’ll have a chance to see some race cars on display including the Brumos Porsche 917/10.

Multiple award winning “The Lauda Legacy” anchors the short films segment, featuring Niki Lauda’s 1974 Monaco pole-winning Ferrari 312 with three-time Le Mans winner Marco Werner.

Making its big-screen premiere is “Phoenix Rising,” a film that follows the unexpected restoration of a significant Porsche Abarth Carrera GTL plus the latest “Why I Drive” from Hagerty.

The event officially opens at 6PM with a red-carpet reception that includes classic/collector/race cars on display outside, appetizers and a cash bar. 
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Films begin at 7PM.  

For more info and tickets, please visit: http://www.vintageautotv.com/ NOTE: The Art Center Tickets are for reserved seats. Please pick out your preferred seating to make your purchase. You can also purchase tickets at the box office the day of the event, but you may not have the best choice of seating if you wait.

(You may also call or visit the Arts Center box office for tickets 843-842-2787, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.)

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