Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cucalorus?

cuc•a•lor•us n.,
[orig. Gk. kukaloris, the dance of the shadows.]
1. a film set apparatus placed in front of a light source to create a dappled lighting effect on a subject or background. also cookie, UK. gobo.
2. a film festival in Wilmington, North Carolina

Festival Attendees:

Where can I get tickets or passes to the festival?

You can buy tickets and passes to the festival online now at the Cucalorus box office. 

PASS PICKUP
If you haven’t already received your pass, there are a few opportunities to grab it before the festival.

  • Pick up your pass from Cucalorus Headquarters anytime from now through Monday, Nov. 8. Our offices are in Wabi Sabi Warehouse located at 19 N 9th Street in Wilmington, and we’ll be open from 9a-5p Monday-Friday.
  • Pick up your pass from the Cucalorus TicketBox in Thalian Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 9 and Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 12pm-5pm. Thalian Hall is located at 310 Chestnut Street in Wilmington. When you walk into the lobby, the Cucalorus TicketBox is all the way to the left in the atrium. You can’t miss us!
  • Pick up your pass at the Kickoff Party at Hi-Wire Brewing. It’s going to be so fun, so you don’t want to miss it! We’ll have a pass station out front and this is a great time to grab yours. Hi-Wire is located at 1020 Princess Street in Wilmington.
  • Pick up your pass at the festival from the Cucalorus TicketBox in Thalian Hall. If you don’t grab it earlier, we’ll be there by 9am on Thursday morning and that’s where you can find us for the duration of the festival.

TICKETS

During the festival, tickets can be purchased at each venue on the day of the screening. Advance tickets for screenings can be purchased at the Thalian Hall Box Office (910-343-3664) or online at thalianhall.com

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend Cucalorus?
Pack your vaccine card, or snap a picture of it before heading out to the festival! We’ll have vaccination checkpoints in front of both our screening venues: Jengo’s Playhouse and Thalian Hall. You will need to present a digital or printed copy of your vaccine card, plus your photo ID, and in return we’ll give you a purple wristband to wear throughout the festival. You’ll need this wrist band to get into every event!! No worries if you have to remove it, you can always come back to the table for another one.
 
In addition to that purple wrist band, masks will be required at every indoor event throughout the festival.
What is the capacity at the venues?
Both Jengo’s Playhouse and Thalian Black have limited capacity. We only have 35 seats for Passholders at Jengo’s, and 50 seats for Passholders at Thalian Black. We’re not able to guarantee a spot, but recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to get in line. 
What kind of films screen at Cucalorus?

Cucalorus screens a little bit of everything. Look for lots of shorts and docs scattered throughout the schedule. Short films range from super brief (30 seconds) to 39 minutes. Cucalorus attempts to represent the artform in all its diversity and contradiction.

Can I bring my children to Cucalorus?

Maybe. Most daytime screenings are suitable for children. Reading the Festival Program Guide and the online descriptions of festival films should give you an idea of content. If not, feel free to ask staff which films would be appropriate.

Filmmakers:

Should I send my film to Cucalorus?

We encourage all filmmakers to send us their work. Cucalorus does not divide films up into categories or genres; all films are screened by our Programming committee, made up of accomplished filmmakers, industry professionals, artists, the occasional preacher and one socialist realtor. We accept student films, funny films, erotic films, political films, experimental films, fancy big-money films, and backyard duct-tape films.

Why doesn't Cucalorus give out awards?

Cucalorus say: competition sucks. It often takes hundreds of people to make a film, so why does one guy get the little statue? Ideas shouldn’t be owned by people, and people shouldn’t be singled out and ordered in a hierarchy. In order to create an open environment, where ideas are exchanged freely, Cucalorus avoids the competitive tension prevalent at other fests. Laid back and low down rule the day in Cucaloria.

How can I get my film into Cucalorus?

Make a good film. Don’t sweat the graphics on your DVD cover. Sweat the story and the camera. Keep making films, and keep sending them in.

Where is Cucalorus?

Cucalorus takes place in historic downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. All festival events are within walking distance of each other, helping ward off movie-butt syndrome. Wilmington is home to EUE Screen Gems studios, an unruly lot of indie filmmakers, and a thriving, progressive arts community.

How can I get involved?

The best way to get involved in Cucalorus is by submitting a film or attending an event. Our Pop-up Cinema Series hits parking lots and parks all over North Carolina throughout the year.

When should I submit my film?

Cucalorus accepts submissions starting around March. We use our submission base year round to schedule Jengo’s screenings and for our festival line-up. Submit your film as soon as you’ve finished it!

Can I submit a 'rough-cut'?

Absolutely. Send your film in and then send in newer versions as you make changes. This happens all the time, just make sure to note it’s a rough cut.

Can I send in a bribe?

Absolutely. A couple of suggestions? Gift certificates to the ‘adult’ book store and the ABC store. Oh also, one of us is gluten-free. Bake appropriately.