scroll
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.
Cucalorus brings people together to celebrate, discover, and create. The 32nd annual Cucalorus Film Festival takes place November 19–22, 2026 in Wilmington, North Carolina, and our sponsors make it possible. Sponsorship puts your organization in front of local, regional and international audiences of filmmakers, artists and film lovers, and directly supports the independent storytellers at the heart of the festival.
Sponsor at $10,000 or more to customize your benefits. There are over 70 events at Cucalorus, and numerous opportunities to sponsor swag, shuttles, venues, parties and more. We will work with you to get the maximum exposure for your business as you support our work.
14,618 people attended 206 Cucalorus Film Foundation events. The festival drew 1,558 submissions from 53 countries and audiences from 344 zip codes, with 114 sponsors behind it. $90,524 went directly to 239 artists. For 10 years, half the films we screen have been directed by women, and for six years, half by people of color.
Lockup logo with customizable logo placement. Top-level logo recognition on all festival materials, including festival posters, pre-screening slideshow, program guide, website and email newsletter. Full-page ad inside the front cover of the festival program guide. Social media recognition. Company banners at the festival (sponsor-provided). Bonus customizable perks. 12 VIP all-access passes to special events and screenings.
Top-level logo recognition on all festival materials, including festival posters, pre-screening slideshow, program guide, website and email newsletter. Full-page ad in the front section of the festival program guide. Social media recognition. Company banners at the festival (sponsor-provided). Bonus customizable perks. 10 VIP all-access passes to special events and screenings.
Logo placement on festival posters, pre-screening slideshow, program guide, website and email newsletter. Full-page ad in the festival program guide. Social media recognition. Company banners at the festival (if provided). Bonus customizable perks. 8 VIP all-access passes to special events and screenings.
Logo placement on the pre-screening slideshow, program guide, website and email newsletter. Full-page ad in the festival program guide. Company banners at the festival (if provided). 6 VIP all-access passes to special events and screenings.
Logo placement on the pre-screening slideshow, program guide, website and email newsletter. Half-page ad in the festival program guide. 4 VIP all-access passes to special events and screenings.
Logo placement in the program guide, website and email newsletter. Quarter-page ad in the program guide. 2 VIP all-access passes to special events and screenings.
Listing in the program guide, website and email newsletter. Eighth-page ad in the festival program guide. 1 VIP all-access pass to special events and screenings.
Donate goods and services for exposure at the festival, with recognition on festival materials.
To talk sponsorship, contact Development Director TG White at development@cucalorus.org or call 910-343-5995. Full details are in the 2026 Sponsorship Guide.
Cucalorus Film Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 56-2104755.
