Reel Destinations: The Perks and Perils of Film Tourism

Set-jetting. Cinetourism. Call it what you like, but traveling to places we’ve seen on screen—like Middle-earth’s New Zealand or Twilight’s Forks, Washington—is bigger than ever. But what happens when a blockbuster hits town, transforming real communities into tourist hotspots? In this talk, we’ll explore the fascinating intersection of film, tourism, and culture. From the economic booms to the ethical dilemmas, we’ll unpack what it means when a destination becomes a movie fan’s dream—and how to navigate globalization and responsible tourism along the way. Come ready to share your thoughts in this lively discussion!

Kate Burney is a writer and film scholar from Tacoma, Washington. She graduated summa cum laude from Montana State University with a BA in film and global/multicultural studies, before moving to Alabama to take care of family. Her work in the film industry has spanned festivals (Telluride Film Festival, Sidewalk Film Festival), distribution (Kino Lorber), scholarship…