New. Southern. Film.

Carrboro has always been a little different. In Carrboro, Southern hospitality means everyone is welcome, and the folks here are curious about the world, engaged in their community, and lovers of the arts. That’s why our town is a great place for a film festival.

Now in its 18th year, Carrboro Film Fest has an established history as a dynamic event that brings filmmakers and audiences together for a heartfelt celebration of independent cinema.

Carrboro Film Fest isn't just a film festival in the South — it's a Southern film festival through and through. Our mission is to showcase the year's best Southern independent films and provide a venue for both celebrating and interrogating Southern culture.

Join us November 17 – 19, 2023.

Awards & Prizes

Carrboro Film Fest is a non-competitive festival. Our focus is on providing a dynamic experience in which filmmakers and audiences come together for a vibrant celebration of Southern film and exploration of Southern culture.

Rules & Terms

We’re looking for new films with Southern connections. If your film was shot in the South, set in the South, features characters from the South, or is in some other way connected to the South, we want to see it.

30 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Matt Sherwood

    Great atmosphere to watch films with fantastic staff, volunteers and programming curation! This festival is can't miss if you're a filmmaker anywhere in the Southern US and beyond.

    July 2022
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  • Dennis Hornsby

    I had a great time at the festival! The organizers did very thorough homework on all the films presented, asking in depth questions during the Q&As. They also set up fun afterparties at local breweries to talk and eat with fellow filmmakers.

    December 2021
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  • Megan Daniels

    The staff and volunteers at Carrboro Film Fest did a fabulous job offering safe, in-person screenings during the pandemic. The Carrboro Arts Center has a quaint theater with all of the high quality projection and sound equipment one would find at a commercial theater. The screening committee worked hard to select films that focused on the south making it an even more intimate experience for audiences. The film posters and t-shirts were also great! The festival director asked excellent questions during the Q&A; it was apparent that he had prepared them well in advance. Overall, this was an excellent festival!

    November 2021
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  • Evan Kidd

    Fantastic festival celebrating local North Carolina film and beyond! Look forward to it every year. Thank you for playing my most recent feature film Panda Bear It at the 2020 festival!

    December 2020
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  • Jeff Corpening

    Great festival focusing on the Southeastern US. This year's challenges were met head-on, and the festival staff were communicative and definitely promoted the content showcased. I hope next year to be there in person!

    December 2020
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