Cucalorus Film Conference to spotlight North Carolina’s growing independent film industry

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cucalorus Film Conference is returning for its second year, bringing filmmakers, industry leaders and creative professionals together in Wilmington to celebrate the growth of independent filmmaking in North Carolina.

The conference will feature professional workshops, panel discussions and a keynote presentation from Seed&Spark founder Emily Best, along with the announcement of a new $1.2 million fund supporting mid-budget film projects.

All conference sessions will take place in the GigSalad Lounge at the Coastline Center, located at 501 Nutt St. in Wilmington.

Seed&Spark founder to deliver keynote

Best will headline the conference’s Sunday Keynote Brunch, drawing on her 15 years of experience founding and operating Seed&Spark, a crowdfunding platform supporting independent artists.

According to festival organizers, the platform has helped more than 8,500 independent artists raise over $100 million to produce their projects.

During her presentation, Best will discuss the challenges independent filmmakers face as the entertainment industry continues to consolidate.

She will also explore how filmmakers can work together to create a more sustainable industry built around collaboration, fairness and support for independent artists.

“Cucalorus is a very special film festival – a true darling among filmmakers. It’s like a lab for thinking about the future, and Cucalorus Film Foundation is leading the charge in North Carolina in ways that should give us all a case for optimism,” Best said.

Best’s short film, “Mr Jesus,” will also screen during the festival as part of the Dandie Dimont Shorts block.

New $1.2 million film fund to be announced

Cucalorus Executive Director Dan Brawley will lead a panel discussion titled “Indie State of the State,” focusing on the growth of independent film production in North Carolina.

The discussion will include the announcement of a new $1.2 million fund designed to support mid-budget film projects.

Panelists will include Guy Gaster, director of the North Carolina Film Office, and Cynthia Hill, a Durham-based documentary filmmaker known for co-creating and directing the PBS documentary series “A Chef’s Life,” which received Peabody and Emmy awards.

“This is an exciting time for indie film in our state. We’re seeing a sustained increase in the number of independent features being made each year and a significant increase in the resources that are available to independent filmmakers,” Brawley said.

Brawley added that the festival will screen 10 feature films produced in North Carolina this year.

“That’s worth celebrating and really sets the stage for our part of the industry to thrive in the future,” he said.

Among the North Carolina-produced films highlighted by organizers are “Capsized,” “Henry’s Ebb,” “Papertown,” “13 Demands,” “Clovers,” “Nerdcore: Making in Anyway,” “White Lightning,” “Sisterhoodship” and “The Virgins.”

Workshops, filmmaker funding and performances

The conference will also offer professional development sessions, including “Camera Moves Tell the Story” and “Editing Blue Velvet.”

Organizers say the sessions are designed to give filmmakers opportunities to learn new skills, discuss industry trends and connect with other creative professionals.

“I’m thrilled to have the conference back after seeing really meaningful connections made last year,” conference coordinator Megan Petersen said. “These sessions are one of the places filmmakers and creators can go beyond the film screenings to interact, learn, and be inspired to keep making cool, important work.”

The Cucalorus Film Foundation will also announce this year’s recipients of its Filmed in NC Fund, which provides financial support to North Carolina filmmakers for project development.

The Filmed in NC Celebration will be free and open to the public.

Beyond the conference, the GigSalad Lounge will host performances including “Shirley Gnome: Children – You Can’t Beat ‘Em!” and “Party Robot: The Bus to Lumberton Experience,” an annual tribute to filmmaker David Lynch.

On Sunday, Mouth of Babes Theatre will present MoBalorus, featuring three blocks of original theater, new works and experimental performances.

The lineup includes “Local Voices,” two readings exploring Wilmington’s racial history, and “MoB After Dark,” featuring short plays, puppetry, movement and multimedia performances.

Tickets and festival information

Individual tickets for Cucalorus Film Conference sessions are available for $10 each.

Festivalgoers can also purchase custom ticket packages, apply for an Industry Pass or buy an All-Access Pass.

The festival will feature 91 films, including productions filmed in North Carolina.

For a complete schedule, film listings and ticket information, visit their website.