Cucalorus Film Festival to host new conference, opens sponsorship opportunities
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cucalorus organizers have announced the launch of a new film industry conference to be held during the 31st annual Cucalorus Film Festival, scheduled for Nov. 19–23, 2025.
The two-day Cucalorus Film Conference will feature interactive workshops and professional development sessions on various aspects of independent filmmaking, including casting, lighting, stunts, budgeting and fundraising. The event is part of the festival’s broader effort to support emerging filmmakers and strengthen the region’s film economy.
“The Cucalorus Film Conference is about bringing people together with emerging visual artists to share knowledge, spark new ideas, and build the kind of connections that make films possible,” said conference coordinator Megan Petersen in a statement.
Confirmed speakers include Emily Best, founder and CEO of the film crowdfunding platform Seed&Spark; Lawson Sitterding, head of lighting at Cinespace; and Ron Fallica and Allie McCulloch, co-founders of Actor’s Arsenal.
Additional presenters will be announced in the coming months.
Cucalorus is also seeking local business and community sponsors to support the conference. Sponsorship benefits include VIP Pegasorus passes, logo visibility during screenings, and access to special events such as the Filmmakers Party, Jengo’s Backyard, and the Filmmakers Lounge.
Organizers say the conference marks a new chapter in the evolution of the longtime Wilmington festival, while offering new opportunities for professional growth and regional engagement in the film industry.
More information about the conference and sponsorship opportunities can be found here.
