The 32nd annual Cucalorus Film Festival will take place November 19-22, 2026 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Cucalorus was founded in 1994 by the underground filmmaking collective Twinkle Doon. At the inaugural event, crowds wrapped around the block to see 16 local films screening at Water Street restaurant by the Cape Fear River. These days, Cucalorus takes place every November, celebrating independent and international film for four days in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. Cucalorus has become known for being a filmmaker friendly film festival, being named by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “50 Film Festivals worth the Entry Fee” for many years.

The Festival showcases more than 90 films, complemented by performances from dancers, comedians, musicians, and theater artists, bringing thousands of fans and industry professionals to venues all over downtown Wilmington. The festival’s expanded cinema events explore topics like virtual reality, dance/cinema, distribution, and accountable storytelling. The festival’s most cherished traditions include Dance-a-lorus, a showcase of choreographers experimenting with film; and the Bus to Lumberton, an immersive theatre experience honoring David Lynch’s ‘Blue Velvet,’ which was produced in Wilmington. The Cucalorus Film Conference covers topics from sound for social change to crowdfunding to build independence. Other education and outreach programs include Global Perspectives, Works-in-Progress Lab, and Media Literacy.

Cucalorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on funds from individuals, businesses, and grants to fund its annual celebration.