Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Grand Motoring Film Festival returns for its ninth edition at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, showcasing the intersection of automotive art and cinema. Scheduled for October 31, attendees can expect a star-studded evening featuring a red carpet reception, collector cars, and a lineup of award-winning films. Highlights include the DeLorean Time Machine and the documentary ’88 MPH: The Story of the DeLorean Time Machine.’ Tickets are available for $65, with a focus on celebrating diverse narratives in automotive filmmaking.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – The Grand Motoring Film Festival is set to celebrate its ninth year, taking place on Friday, October 31, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. This festival kicks off the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance weekend, offering attendees a unique blend of automotive and cinematic works of art. Featuring a lineup of award-winning independent films and classic cars, this year’s event promises to deliver an exciting evening filled with inspiration.
The festival will be held at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Tickets for the event are available for purchase at a price of $65 per person. Organizers have emphasized that the festival’s theme centers around the intersection of driving thrills and car passions.
The evening will start with a Hollywood-style red carpet reception, showcasing elevated food and cocktails, alongside static displays of collector cars and iconic cinematic vehicles. Among the highlights is a film-accurate DeLorean Time Machine, which has become a symbol of automotive cinema.
This year’s film lineup includes several featured works:
- Fondue Run – Showcasing stunning visuals of the French Alps in an Apollo Gumpert supercar.
- Lightspeed Liz – Exploring the story of a rookie driver at Bonneville Flats.
- Return of the Champ – Starring IndyCar driver Will Power and focusing on the psychological toll of professional driving.
The headlining documentary is titled 88 MPH: The Story of the DeLorean Time Machine, which chronicles the iconic DMC-12 from its conceptualization to its role in cinema. This documentary integrates archival footage and interviews about the making of the beloved film series, Back to the Future.
The festival is also excited to include a juried awards show that recognizes the top films celebrating automotive cinema. It serves as a vital platform for aspiring filmmakers, students, and production companies to exhibit their work within the automotive and film community. The festival aims to depict diverse narratives that intersect both the comic and tragic aspects of automotive films, striving to establish itself as North America’s premier motoring film festival.
Key sponsors for this year’s event include Hilton Head Capital Partners, Broad Arrow Auctions, EURO Auto Festival, and Palmetto Drivers Syndicate. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at artshhi.com or at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina box office. Additional information about the festival can be found at grandmotoring.com.
FAQ Section
What is the Grand Motoring Film Festival?
The Grand Motoring Film Festival is celebrating its ninth year, featuring a lineup of automotive and cinematic works of art.
When and where will the festival take place?
The festival will take place on Friday, October 31, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
How much are the tickets for the event?
Tickets for the event are available for purchase at $65 per person.
What films will be featured at the festival?
Featured films include “Fondue Run,” “Lightspeed Liz,” “Return of the Champ,” and the documentary “88 MPH: The Story of the DeLorean Time Machine.”
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Grand Motoring Film Festival |
| Location | Arts Center of Coastal Carolina |
| Date and Time | Friday, October 31, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. |
| Tickets | $65 per person |
| Highlighted Vehicles | Collector cars and iconic cinematic vehicles, including a DeLorean Time Machine |
| Featured Films | “Fondue Run,” “Lightspeed Liz,” “Return of the Champ,” “88 MPH” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island’s Fall Festivals Celebrate Food and Music
Grand Motoring Film Festival Moves to Friday Evening
Additional Resources
- Old Cars Weekly: Grand Motoring Film Festival Heads Back to the Future
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- WTOC: Grand Motoring Film Festival Puts Car Culture in the Driver’s Seat
- Google Search: Automotive Film
- Bluffton Today: Czura Writes, Produces “The Final Run” with Lowcountry Theme
- Google Scholar: Automotive Cinema
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cinematic Vehicles
- Old Cars Weekly: The Grand Motoring Film Festival is on the Move
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Concours
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
