MovieMaker: 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entrance Fee

Wilmington, NC- MovieMaker Magazine has just announced that Cucalorus Film Festival has been named to its annual list of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, for the 11th year in a row, celebrating festivals that serve moviemakers and audiences in some of the best destinations in the world. Cucalorus is currently accepting submissions for its 31st annual celebration of film, taking place November 19–23, 2025, in historic downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Filmmakers, performers, and artists from around the globe are invited to submit their work for a chance to be part of one of the most beloved and unconventional festivals on the circuit.Described by MovieMaker Magazine as “deliciously offbeat, smashingly innovative, [and] charmingly anti-competitive,” Cucalorus is a non-competitive festival showcasing more than 100 films each year. The event brings together a fiercely creative community to share bold work, explore urgent topics, and build lasting collaborations. Cucalorus’ Chief Instigating Officer Dan Brawley shared, “We’re cooking up some special programming—from tributes to David Lynch to a deeper dive into bold new voices. The real magic of Cucalorus comes from the artists who submit their films, performances, and wild ideas.”Festival programs highlight social justice, dance on camera, emerging voices, southern stories, horror and the bizarre, and the very best in independent film. From narrative features to experimental shorts, Cucalorus welcomes bold, original, and unconventional works that inspire both justice and joy. Submissions are now open for a wide range of categories, including feature films, documentaries, animations, dance films, experimental pieces, and personal essay films. The festival also invites proposals for live performances and installations, including the signature Dance-a-lorus showcase, the Bus to Lumberton experience, and opportunities to serve as screening emcees. The application deadline for performances and installations is July 28, 2025.First-time filmmakers are especially encouraged to submit. Held in a retreat-like setting with plenty of front porch chats and late-night dance parties, Cucalorus offers a rare opportunity for artists and audiences to connect in meaningful, memorable ways.Filmmakers wishing to participate in this year’s festival can submit their films online at filmfreeway.com/CucalorusFilmFestival. The final deadline is June 30. For questions about eligibility or submission, please contact dan@cucalorus.org.

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