The documentary under development will explore the hidden efforts that sustain High Point Market, the biannual event that defines global trends in home furnishings. A private screening took place on October 16 for industry professionals, offering an inside perspective on the gathering that attracts tens of thousands of attendees from over 100 countries to a small North Carolina town. Filmmakers chose to keep details confidential to protect the project’s chances at film festivals, where early publicity could affect submission outcomes.
The market’s reach goes far beyond its physical setting. While residents in nearby Winston-Salem, just 22 minutes away, may observe increased traffic or packed restaurants during market weeks, few recognize its role as the origin point for new design directions, home technologies, and color schemes. Many furnishings and innovations later featured in upscale interiors or retail stores make their debut at this event. The documentary, produced in partnership by the High Point Market Authority, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and Notable Human Films, has been in development for nearly 18 months.
Industry leaders attended the screening, including Tammy Covington, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. Covington, whose family has long-standing connections to the industry, described the challenge of capturing decades of history in a concise format. “You could say I do have sawdust in my veins,” she remarked, emphasizing the project’s aim to reflect the market’s global influence and creative energy. Filmmakers Alexis Brunnert and Nathan Knox, both affiliated with the UNCSA program, positioned the documentary as a tribute to the industry’s skilled craftsmanship. “You literally make the world a more beautiful place,” Knox told the audience.
High Point Market began in 1909 with the Ragan and Millis Building as its first furniture showroom. Today, the event remains essential to the home furnishings sector, though its operations rarely receive public attention. The film’s creators intend to change that by showcasing the collaborative effort behind the market, from manufacturers to retailers, and demonstrating how it establishes trends before they reach wider audiences.
The High Point Market Authority intends to broaden the documentary’s distribution beyond festivals, though no official release schedule has been announced. For now, the project remains confidential, with filmmakers prioritizing festival submissions. Covington encouraged attendees to watch for screenings in their region, particularly for those unfamiliar with the market’s inner workings. “You may know the faces on screen; they may finally understand why you return every spring and fall,” she noted.
