Cucalorus opens applications for 2026 filmed in NC fund
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Independent filmmakers across North Carolina can now apply for grant funding through the 2026 Filmed in NC Fund, a program administered by the Cucalorus Film Foundation to support film and video productions across the state.
Applications are open through Wednesday, Sept. 30, for grants ranging from $500 to $3,000. The program is open to permanent North Carolina residents and full-time students at North Carolina colleges and universities who live in the state year-round.
The fund supports narrative, documentary and experimental film projects with total production budgets under $1.5 million, including both new productions and projects already underway.
Based in Wilmington, the Cucalorus Film Foundation operates the program in partnership with the North Carolina Film Office, with additional support from the Southern Documentary Fund and Artless Media in conjunction with The Magnifying Glass.
The organization says the grants are designed to help emerging and established filmmakers move projects forward while strengthening North Carolina’s film industry.
“North Carolina is home to an incredible community of independent filmmakers whose stories deserve to be seen,” said Dan Brawley, executive director of the Cucalorus Film Foundation. “The Filmed in NC Fund helps provide critical early support that can move a project forward while strengthening our state’s creative economy and celebrating the voices that make North Carolina filmmaking so unique.”
While the program encourages applications from all eligible filmmakers, organizers say priority will be given to women filmmakers, filmmakers of color and LGBTQ+ filmmakers.
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by Oct. 14, with recipients announced during the 32nd annual Cucalorus Film Festival, scheduled for Nov. 19-22 in downtown Wilmington.
More information about eligibility requirements and the application process is available on the Cucalorus Film Foundation’s website.
