Film Conference at Cucalorus Festival offers workshops, keynote by PBS filmmaker

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cucalorus Film Festival is kicking off this week with more than just screenings. The festival’s newly launched film conference will give filmmakers, actors, and other creatives a chance to learn directly from industry professionals.

Megan Petersen, a conference organizer, said the two-and-a-half-day event is designed to help aspiring filmmakers connect with industry leaders and develop their craft.

“Cucalorus always celebrates creatives and getting people together,” Petersen said. “This year, we’re launching a schedule of sessions for filmmakers and industry leaders to connect and really grow and learn from each other.”

The conference will feature sessions such as Actors’ Arsenal, focusing on cold reading, and Action in Acting, a workshop on stunts led by Jesse La Flair. Petersen also highlighted practical filmmaking sessions, including one from Cinespace on working with equipment rental houses and understanding tools used in lighting and set design.

Petersen said the conference aims to remove some of the intimidation for new filmmakers while offering inspiration.

“When you first start making films, it can be a bit intimidating,” she said. “This conference really shows that it is possible and gives industry leaders a chance to connect with up-and-coming filmmakers and show them the next step.”

The conference will conclude with a keynote from PBS filmmaker Byron Hurt, who will screen his short film Men of Courage before speaking to attendees.

Tickets are available as full-conference passes, which include access to festival films and social events, or as individual session tickets. Two public events on Thursday, including State of the State, a discussion on the North Carolina film industry, are free to attend.

Additional details, including schedules and ticketing, are available on the Cucalorus Film Festival website.