The North Carolina Film Festival is presented by Eno River Media (enorivermedia.com). Eno River Media is a 501(c) non-profit organization.

Eno River Media will host the seventh annual North Carolina Film Festival at the New Bern Civic Theater in New Bern, NC, on August 2nd, 2024.

The North Carolina Film Festival is an in-person event.

The North Carolina Film Festival judges bestow the following awards.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY is presented to the film that recognizes outstanding achievement in the art of visual storytelling through camera work, lighting, composition, and shot selection. This award honors the cinematographer (also known as the director of photography, or DP) whose creative vision and technical skill have significantly enhanced the look and mood of a film, elevating the narrative and emotional impact.

BEST OVERALL FILM is presented to the film that excels across a wide range of criteria, including direction, writing, acting, cinematography, editing, and overall storytelling.

BEST SOUND EDITING is presented to the film that recognizes excellence in the creation, manipulation, and integration of sound elements within a film. It focuses on the technical skill required to craft and design sound effects, dialogue, and atmospherics that enhance the storytelling, create immersive worlds, and evoke emotions.

BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE is presented to the film that honors the actor or actress who delivers the most outstanding and compelling performance in a leading role within a film. This award recognizes the individual’s ability to fully embody a character, demonstrating exceptional skill in portraying the emotional depth, personality, and complexities of the role.

BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE is presented to the film that honors the exceptional work of an actor or actress in a supporting or secondary role within a film. While the lead performance typically drives the narrative, a supporting performance enriches the story by adding depth to the character dynamics, providing emotional resonance, or delivering key moments of humor, drama, or tension.

BEST ANIMATION is presented to the film that honors excellence in animated films, celebrating the artistry, creativity, and technical achievement that goes into bringing animated stories to life. This award recognizes films created through various animation techniques—whether traditional hand-drawn, computer-generated (CGI), stop-motion, or a combination of styles—that demonstrate innovation, storytelling prowess, and visual flair.

BEST COMEDY is presented to the film that recognizes excellence in films that prioritize humor, wit, and entertainment. This award honors the film that has most effectively used comedic elements—whether through clever dialogue, physical humor, satire, or absurd situations—to engage and delight audiences.

BEST ACTION is presented to the film that celebrates excellence in films that deliver high-energy, thrilling, and adrenaline-pumping sequences. This award honors the film that excels in creating dynamic action scenes—whether through intense physical combat, exciting chase sequences, large-scale set pieces, or other forms of high-stakes, fast-paced entertainment.

BEST ROMANCE is presented to the film that celebrates the finest in romantic storytelling, honoring films that skillfully explore love, relationships, and emotional connection. This award recognizes the film that delivers the most compelling, heartfelt, and engaging portrayal of romance, whether through a tender love story, a passionate affair, or a deep emotional journey between two characters.

BEST DRAMA is presented to the film that honors excellence in films that delve into serious, emotional, and often complex storytelling. This award honors the film that most effectively explores human experiences, relationships, and conflicts through deep, thought-provoking narratives and powerful performances.

BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM is presented to the film that celebrates innovation, creativity, and unconventional storytelling within the world of cinema. This award honors films that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking techniques, exploring new forms of expression, narrative structures, and visual styles. Experimental films often challenge the norms of commercial cinema by eschewing linear plots, traditional character development, and standard genre conventions.

BEST HORROR is presented to the film that honors the finest achievements in the horror genre, celebrating films that deliver spine-chilling, intense, and memorable experiences for audiences. This award honors the film that most effectively evokes fear, suspense, and tension while utilizing the elements of horror—whether psychological, supernatural, or visceral—to engage and captivate viewers.

BEST DOCUMENTARY is presented to the film that honors the art of non-fiction filmmaking, recognizing the film that most effectively informs, enlightens, and engages audiences through real-world stories, events, or issues. This award celebrates films that provide an in-depth, thoughtful exploration of a subject, offering a unique perspective, thorough research, and a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.

BEST MUSIC VIDEO or MUSICAL is presented to the film that recognizes excellence in the visual representation of music, whether through the creative artistry of a music video or the full-scale production of a musical film. This award celebrates the seamless integration of music and visual storytelling, where the music itself is central to the narrative and emotional impact of the piece.

The PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD is presented to the film that honors performance and creative work most loved and supported by the general public. Unlike other awards determined by industry professionals or critics, the People's Choice Award is driven by audience votes, making it a direct reflection of popular opinion and viewer preferences.

The North Carolina Film Festival is an international festival that celebrates diversity and inclusion and will not feature nudity or hate images. We accept films up to 40 minutes in length that can be fit into one of the categories below. Submission fees are non-refundable.

Categories include:
Comedy
Action
Romance
Drama
Horror
Experimental
Documentary
Music
Animation

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bunnie Rivera

    Thank you for selecting my short film, "This Land Is" to your festival.

    October 2024
  • Jules Taylor

    Our short film, In a World Full of Loneliness received an Honorable Mention from this festival. What a generous and kind acknowledgement. Thank you, North Carolina FF!

    August 2024
  • Brad Herring

    What a great festival in a great community! Thanks to everyone who helped put this festival together and for supporting our filmmaker community. We're so honored to have been chosen as the People Choice winner for documentary! Connecting with audiences through our film is what makes festivals like these so rewarding.

    August 2024
  • The festival was fun, excellent venue, good attendance. We will hopefully be back.

    August 2024
  • Thank you to the North Carolina Film Festival for honoring FREE LOVER with an "Honorable Mention." I appreciate the recognition, especially among so many exceptional films.

    While I would have loved to see this mention on the website, I'm grateful for the acknowledgment. A big thank you to the Festival Director and the entire team for their support!

    August 2024