MBIFF

New movie channel for independent films launches in Myrtle Beach wmbfnews.com/2026/08/28/new-…

The SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 10-49 launch live from the shore! Pre-dawn rocket show lighting up the Grand Strand — that Falcon 9 climbing with 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral was pure magic against the ocean horizon. Beach sand under my feet, waves crashing, and a glowing plume (maybe even a space jellyfish!) rising in the south-southeast sky. Unreal experience right here on the SC coast! #SpaceX #Falcon9 #Starlink #MyrtleBeach #RocketLaunch #GrandStrand

It is with heavy hearts that we at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival join the world in mourning the passing of Dolly Parton. An American original and global treasure, Dolly’s unmatched talent, generosity of spirit, and radiant joy touched countless lives through her music, films, storytelling, and philanthropy. From the Smoky Mountains to stages and screens around the world, she brought light, laughter, and love to generations. Myrtle Beach holds a special place in that legacy—whether through her performances that helped shape the Grand Strand’s country music history, her attractions that welcomed visitors, or the Imagination Library books that continue to inspire children in our community. Her voice, her songs, and her kindness will live on forever. Rest in peace, Dolly.

Breaking News Out of Hollywood If you’ve been watching our series Film Thought of the Day — a true masterclass in the motion picture industry — you already know Jerry Dalton (founder of the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival) has broken down the critical realities of handling and accepting scripts… and the serious legalities involved. Here’s a real-world case unfolding right now: Writer Lauren J. Salkin has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Taylor Sheridan, Paramount, NBCUniversal and others. She claims she submitted her pilot script Sovereign Nation (plus supporting materials) to Sheridan’s company in 2016–2017, received a polite “thanks but he’s unavailable for TV projects” note… and months later Yellowstone was greenlit and premiered in 2018. She alleges the characters, land-war plots, tribal/casino elements and overall concept are far too similar to be coincidence. This is exactly why Jerry has stressed proper submission protocols, paper trails, and understanding what copyright actually protects (specific expression, not just “ideas”). One unsolicited script. One acknowledgment letter. One massive franchise. And now a federal lawsuit. Protect your work. Document everything. Know the rules. That’s the real masterclass. #FilmThoughtOfTheDay #MyrtleBeachInternationalFilmFestival #Yellowstone #TaylorSheridan #Screenwriting #Copyright #FilmIndustry

Throwback to the early 2000s when we interviewed a young Joe Manganiello prior to playing Flash Thompson in Spider-Man and long before he became the fierce werewolf Alcide Herveaux on True Blood. This photo is from that interview, capturing pure early-2000s energy. Looking at it now, it’s wild to think about the iconic roles still ahead of him Join us at the 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, April 27 – May 1, 2027! #TBT #JoeManganiello #SpiderMan #TrueBlood #Early2000s #MBIFF

You’ve never seen a coyote run this fast from something that plays dead for a living. One second he’s casually owning the snack table… then a possum sends him packing. Nature really said “plot twist, underdog edition.” #Possum #WildlifeDrama #myrtlebeach #coyote

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hayden Panettiere. A gifted actress who brought unforgettable energy and heart to roles in Heroes, Nashville, Scream, Remember the Titans, and so many other films and series, Hayden left a lasting mark on audiences around the world. From all of us at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Hayden. You will be missed. 💔 #RIPHaydenPanettiere #HaydenPanettiere

Throwback to 2012… when the lights of Broadway 16 still glowed against the Grand Strand night. The marquee burned bright: The Hunger Games. Safe House. And right there, in the same golden glow the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival. For a moment, Hollywood and the Lowcountry shared the same stage. Popcorn in the air, ocean breeze drifting past the theater doors, and a coastal town dreaming in cinema. The building may be gone… but those nights? Those early festival years? They still flicker like the best kind of cinema—timeless, warm, and forever rolling in our hearts. Myrtle Beach memories never fade to black. 🎬🌊 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival April 27 - May 1, 2027 #MyrtleBeach #MBIFF #Throwback #CinemaNostalgia #GrandStrandMemories

Throwback to this rare behind-the-scenes photo from many, many years ago. That’s our founder & co-director, Jerry Dalton, on Myrtle Beach during the original photo shoot that created the iconic imagery still used on our program covers, website, and social media and that became part of our logo. Those film reels? 100% real. Straight from an actual cinema. No graphics. No AI. Just authentic photos we shot ourselves on the beach. We’ve had so many people ask over the years if those classic shots were generated or staged in post… this behind-the-scenes gem finally settles it. Proud of the real history (and the real film) that built #MBIFF 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival April 27 - May 1, 2027 #myrtlebeachinternationalfilmfestival #behindthescenese #myrtlebeach (photo credit to Heather, who has stated Jerry is her favorite subject to photograph)

The 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival is coming to the Grand Strand April 27 – May 1, 2027 South Carolina’s longest-running film festival is back and ready to turn Myrtle Beach into a cinematic paradise once again! Founded by filmmaker Jerry Dalton, MBIFF has spent over two decades championing independent cinema on a truly level playing field. No pay-to-play. No star-power pressure. Just great storytelling. Films are judged by a diverse panel of everyday people and industry pros, so the best stories rise to the top—whether they were made on a shoestring budget or with bigger resources. Year after year it’s been celebrated as one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” dubbed the “Crown Jewel of the Southeast,” and ranked among the top festivals in North America. Expect world and U.S. premieres, Q&As with filmmakers from around the globe, after-parties, and that perfect mix of world-class cinema + beach sunsets. Mark your calendars, film lovers. Real films. Real art. Real passion. Right here on the Grand Strand. #MBIFF #MyrtleBeachFilmFestival #SouthCarolina #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #GrandStrand

Film Thought of the Day: The hardest battle isn't making a movie—it's making your movie. There will always be pressure to chase trends, algorithms, expectations, awards, or what other people think audiences want. But none of those things can replace a singular vision. The films that stay with us weren't born from trying to fit in. They came from someone refusing to compromise on what they needed to say. Don't spend your life making the movie everyone else expects. Make the one only you could make. Make your masterpiece. The 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival April 27- May 1, 2027 #MBIFF #myrtlebeach #SouthCarolina #films

Real People, Reel Thoughts is loving these mountain-to-coast stories! We met a fun couple from Salem, Virginia who traded the Blue Ridge Mountains for Myrtle Beach waves! They’re sharing what keeps pulling them back to the Grand Strand — the endless beaches, fresh seafood, vibrant boardwalk energy, and that laid-back Carolina sunshine they can’t get enough of. From hiking the Appalachians to strolling the surf, they’re all in on this coastal life! Plus, we asked: What’s the one movie you could watch on repeat? Their picks are awesome! Watch their real talk in the new episode and tell us where you’re from and why you love Myrtle Beach! 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival is coming April 27 – May 1, 2027! #MBIFF #MyrtleBeach #RealPeopleReelThoughts #SalemVA #SouthCarolina

🎬 A Message from MBIFF 🎬 We at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival are deeply grateful for the visionary leadership of our Founder & Festival Director, Jerry Dalton. Since launching MBIFF in 2004, Jerry has poured his passion as a working filmmaker into building a festival that truly celebrates independent cinema — where stories are judged on their power to entertain, educate, and inspire. His invitation to Art House Convergence by the late great Robert Redford remains one of our proudest honors and a testament to his dedication to arthouse and indie voices. Thank you, Jerry, for your unwavering commitment, your expertise, and for helping put Myrtle Beach on the map for world-class film. Here’s to many more years of cinematic excellence under your leadership! 🙏 #MBIFF #MyrtleBeachFilmFestival #IndependentFilm #ThankYouJerryDalton

📷 Submissions are NOW OPEN! 📷 The 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival is officially accepting submissions! Join filmmakers from around the world as we celebrate the art of cinema April 27 – May 1, 2027, in beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether you've created a feature, short, documentary, animation, or AI film, we invite you to share your story on the big screen. 📷 Submit today and become part of one of the Southeast's premier film festivals! For submission details and festival information, visit MBIFF.com. #MBIFF #FilmFestival #Filmmakers #Cinema #MyrtleBeach

🎬 BIG NEWS FOR MYRTLE BEACH! 🎬 The future of movie going is coming to the Grand Strand! Georgia Theatre Company and IMAX have announced a major expansion that will bring a brand-new IMAX® with Laser experience to Myrtle Beach—one of only five new locations planned across the Southeast. For the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, this is an exciting glimpse into the future of cinema in our community. As the home of the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, Myrtle Beach continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination where filmmakers, film lovers, and moviegoers come together to celebrate the magic of the big screen. In this video, MBIFF Founder and Director shares his excitement about what this incredible addition means for the region, for independent filmmakers, and for audiences who deserve the very best cinematic experience available. As we look ahead to the 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, April 27 – May 1, 2027, we're thrilled to see continued investment in the theatrical experience and the growth of film culture right here in Myrtle Beach. The big screen is getting even bigger. 🎥✨ #MBIFF #MyrtleBeachInternationalFilmFestival #IMAX #GeorgiaTheatreCompany #MyrtleBeach #FilmFestival

Happy Father's Day from the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival! Today, we recognize and celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures whose dedication, encouragement, and love leave a lasting impact on families, communities, and future generations. Their stories of perseverance, leadership, and compassion inspire us every day and remind us of the powerful role they play in shaping lives. Just as great films tell stories that connect generations, fathers help shape the stories of our lives through their guidance, sacrifice, and love. Whether you're behind the camera, in front of the screen, or sharing special moments with family, we honor the important role fathers play in building lasting memories and meaningful legacies. From all of us at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, we wish you a wonderful Father's Day filled with joy, appreciation, and time spent with those who matter most. Happy Father's Day!

Myrtle Beach! Monday, June 15, 2026 Weather Forecast Today: Mostly cloudy with highs around 86-90°F and lows near 73-78°F. Chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms possible, especially later in the day. Humid vibes with light to moderate winds. Perfect for beach time with some caution for pop-up rain! Tide Chart • Low Tide: 2:18–2:22 AM (-0.6 ft) • High Tide: 8:06–8:13 AM (5.1–5.2 ft) • Low Tide: 2:10–2:17 PM (-0.9 ft) • High Tide: 8:30–8:39 PM (6.7–6.9 ft) Sunrise ~6:04–6:06 AM | Sunset ~8:27–8:28 PM. Great for fishing, beachcombing, or a sunset stroll! Mark your calendars! The 22nd Myrtle Beach International Film Festival is coming April 27 – May 1, 2027. Submissions are now open — submit your films and join us for an amazing celebration of cinema on the Grand Strand! Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy this beautiful beach day! ❤️ #MyrtleBeach #WeatherUpdate #Tides #FilmFestival​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #mbiff

We Bought a 1930s Masonic Temple, and 3 additional buildings to Build a ... youtu.be/RWOUMXrbWD0?si=6Pe2… via @YouTube

Rest in Peace, Marcia Lucas The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival mourns the passing of Marcia Lucas, the Oscar-winning film editor whose visionary work helped shape cinematic history. Marcia’s masterful editing on Star Wars (1977) — for which she won an Academy Award — brought emotional depth, pacing, and heart to one of the greatest films ever made. Her contributions to American Graffiti, Taxi Driver, Return of the Jedi, and beyond made her a trailblazer for women in film and a true legend in the industry. From the cutting room to the stars, her talent and passion will forever be felt. May the Force be with her always. ❤️ Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched through the magic of cinema. #RIPMarciaLucas #StarWars #FilmLegend #MBIFF