History

Twinkle Doon, a small filmmaking collective, screened 16 films in an intimate restaurant along the Cape Fear River in 1994. The restaurant filled and soon a long line of film lovers formed, with hopes to see the event’s last screening.

Wilmington (N.C.) has active indie film scene and arts communities. By 1996, these folks supported the second annual Cucalorus Film Festival, which attracted submissions and interested patrons from all over North Carolina and the event invaded several venues around town.

During the following three years, Cucalorus expanded into a four-day event, drawing filmmakers from around the world and bringing the finest short and feature films to the Wilmington screen.

Staying true to its roots, filmmakers organize the festival for filmmakers, attracting students of film and the adventurous cinemagoer. Never competitive, Cucalorus focuses on enjoying the art form in a relaxed, southern atmosphere, with an emphasis on socializing and collaborating.

In 2009, Cucalorus celebrates 15 years of being a true gem on the hectic festival circuit. Just another reason to be a part of the fun. Moviemaker Magazine agrees, naming Cucalorus, this August, as one of the “Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals”. (Well, there is that…and the acrobatic flame-throwing performances.)

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 included "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 "Killer Diller," which is based on a novel by Wilmington author Clyde Edgerton, 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 Jonathan Caouette's "Tarnation" were favorites

Cucalorus 12: For the first time, Cucalorus opens in early November and the historic Thalian Hall Center becomes its primary venue

Cucalorus 13: Screened films “Taxi to the Dark Side” and “Freeheld” went on to win Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Short, respectively. The closing night film “In Search of a Midnight Kiss” released in 2008 to critical acclaim.

Cucalorus 14: Erica Dunton presented her film “The 27 Club”, Marianna Palka and Jason Ritter were here for the screening of their film “Good Dick”, and the festival closed with a special screening of “Wendy and Lucy” with Kelly Reichardt on hand.