History

In the fall of 1994, a small filmmaking collective known as Twinkle Doon brought 16 films to a waterfront restaurant on the banks of the Cape Fear River. The intimate restaurant quickly filled and a long line of eager fans meandered down the riverwalk in hopes of getting in before the last film screened. The humble event marked the beginning of the Cucalorus Film Festival.

With a growing indie film scene and an active arts community, both film fans and filmmakers recognized the need to keep things going and establish a yearly festival in Wilmington. In the spring of 1996, the 2nd Annual Cucalorus Film Festival was held at several venues around town, attracting submissions and attendees from all over North Carolina.

Cucalorus grew rapidly over the next three years, expanding into a four-day event, drawing filmmakers from around the world and bringing the finest short and feature films to the screen. Staying true to its roots, the festival continued to be organized by filmmakers for filmmakers. Never competitive, Cucalorus focused on celebrating the artform in a relaxed, southern atmosphere, with an emphasis on socializing and collaborating.

In 1998, with five festivals under its belt, the festival staff established the Cucalorus Film Foundation as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The Foundation produces the annual film festival and promotes film culture and film production throughout North Carolina. In 2005, the Foundation hosted the inaugural Cucalorus Kids! festival, an interactive weekend introducing filmmaking to children. Highlights included an all-day 'Young Filmmakers Camp' with tours of Screen Gems Studios and Joe Dunton Cameras as well as an animation workshop with filmmaker David Hardin. The Foundation also hosts a weekly film series, screening a broad selection of classics, local shorts and international indie features. The series, "Friday Nite Films", takes place at the festival's headquarters, located at Jengo's Playhouse in the Independent Art Company creative compound in downtown Wilmington.

Great moments in Cucaloria

Cucalorus 3: Legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff presented his classic "The Red Shoes" and North Carolinian Ross McElwee brought his film "Six O'Clock News"

Cucalorus 4: Actor and North Carolina native Nick Searcy screened his debut feature "Paradise Falls"

Cucalorus 5: Highlights include "Snake Tales" and "Tax Day" from female directors Francesca Talenti and Laura Colella, respectively

Cucalorus 6: Farhad Yawari's "Dolphins" screened outside, along the Cape Fear River, on the deck of the USS North Carolina

Cucalorus 7: David Gordon Green's directorial debut "George Washington" was the undisputed indie film of the year

Cucalorus 8: Wilmington-made "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," from producer Jodie Foster, was an audience favorite

Cucalorus 9: Docs rule the day with Nick Doob's "Schooling Jewel", the street-fighting "The Backyard" and Chris Smith's "Home Movie"

Cucalorus 10: Gus Van Sant's "Elephant", the East Coast premier of Tricia Brock's adaptation of a Clyde Edgerton novel "Killer Diller," and Ross McElwee's "Bright Leaves" were highlights

Cucalorus 11: Oscar-winning writer Jim Taylor's directorial debut, "The Lost Cause," a narrative short starring Nick Searcy and - "The Lost Cause" and Jonathan Caouette's "Tarnation" were favorites

Cucalorus 12: For the first time, the festival is held in early November and the historic Thalian Hall Center was a new primary venue