We’re excited to invite filmmakers to submit to the fourth annual Fuquay Film Fest, taking place November 13–14, 2026 in the charming and vibrant town of Fuquay-Varina, NC, just outside Raleigh!

We welcome short films of all genres that entertain, move, and inspire. While we especially love showcasing North Carolina filmmakers, submissions are open to all!

Selected films will screen in the beautiful 300-seat theater at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, a hub for creativity and community in the heart of downtown. The festival weekend also includes networking events, workshops, and filmmaker meet-and-greets.

Previous years’ judges have included industry professionals from companies such as Sony, PBS, Starz, and Paramount.

We look forward to sharing your work with our community and hope you’ll be part of this year’s festival!

Awards & Prizes

Best of Fest
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Documentary
Best Student Film - High School/College filmmakers
Local Legend - North Carolina filmmakers
Audience Choice
Independent Spirit Award

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Requirements
1. We accept films of all appropriate genres.
2. Films that are available for public online viewing are eligible.
3. We will accept multiple entries from the same submitter, accompanied by separate applications and entry fees.
4. Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority for submission and use of all content, music, and images in film festival marketing.
5. We will only accept films made after 2020.

Submission Guidelines
1. Films must be uploaded and submitted via FilmFreeway’s screener link. We will not accept DVD submissions.
2. Entry information must be complete and the fee paid in order to be considered.
3. Entries must be submitted by the required cut-off submission date.

Judging and Selection
1. Festival films are selected by the Festival Committee.
2. Please let us know if this will be your film's world premiere/NC premiere
3. Entrants will be contacted by email or phone when selections are made.
4. Those selected will be required to provide a high-resolution (ProRes) format of their films for screening.
4. Film categories will be judged during the Festival; judges’ selections are final.

Entry Fees
1. Entry fees are as follows and must accompany entries.
Earlybird: $15.00
Regular: $25.00
Late: $35.00
2. Entry fees are non-refundable.
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jacob Whitley

    I had a blast at the festival and am so excited to win the Outstanding Documentary award. I'm looking forward to returning next year!

    December 2025
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  • Glenn Lissner

    Great Venue. A true love for independent film esp. NC. Great hosts and tasty desserts as well. The Drama category is delightfully broad but I did wonder how a fantasy film, crime drama, horror etc may compete against each other or with a straight forward drama film.

    November 2025
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  • Alvin Sloan

    A terrific festival with a great lineup! It was an honor to be included.

    January 2025
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  • Alexander Julian III

    An outstanding new festival that drew a large and enthusiastic crowd.

    January 2025
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  • Vanessa Neff

    For only it's second year, I think the Fuquay Film Fest was a true success! There was a good variety of films, arranged in genre blocks. There were 2 different workshops right on site and the venue was ideal, for both the screenings and the breakouts. Communication was excellent and I appreciated having an real printed program to refer to throughout the 2 days. There were snacks available to nosh on and also a regular concession stand for different beverages. The awards were actually physical keepsakes you would be proud to display, not just a flimsy sheet of printed off a copier. Debra and Liz were gracious hosts and I look forward to returning to see how year 3 goes!

    November 2024
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