Brew Ridge Film Fest
THE DIRECTORS
The Brew Ridge Film Festival directors bring over a decade of proven success, having previously run the Rincon International Film Festival in Puerto Rico for 13 years, where it was recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Top 25 Film Festivals worth the entry fee. Now launching The Brew Ridge Film Festival in Asheville, we are excited to showcase independent film while building a vibrant connection with the Asheville community. Our mission is to celebrate filmmakers by creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and the distribution of your work.
Doug Lantz
Artistic/Programming Director
At the helm of our programming is Doug Lantz, our Artistic and Programming Director, a five-time Emmy Award winner with over two decades of experience in film and television. With a background that includes work with Disney, Miramax Films, and A&E, Doug provides filmmakers with expert curation, industry insight, and valuable connections. His strong storytelling instincts and extensive network help position selected films for greater visibility and opportunities that extend well beyond the festival.
Sam Lantz
Festival Director
Sam Lantz, our Festival Director, brings fresh industry momentum and a filmmaker-first perspective to the festival. As a finalist on Netflix's Squid Game: The Challenge, Sam built an extensive network of entertainment industry professionals that helps create new opportunities for participating filmmakers. You might recognize him from the hit series, though these days you'll notice one big change: his notorious beard is gone. While his look may be different, his passion for championing independent filmmakers, fostering creative connections, and helping great stories find their audience is stronger than ever.
