Our goal is to showcase thought-provoking films and offer a venue where movie lovers who appreciate independent vision can celebrate this unique art form.

The Cleveland County Arts Council is pleased to announce that on July 25-28, 2018 the 19th Annual “Real to Reel International Film Festival” will once again open its doors to embrace filmmakers and film lovers alike.

Located in the heart of North Carolina between Asheville and Charlotte, Cleveland County is right in the middle of it all. The mission of the Real to Reel International Film Festival is to offer a forum for independent film, video and multi-media artists from around the world to showcase their talents and expose the works of these artists to our region.

Visitors to the Joy Performance Center - 202 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain,
a renovated classic theater from the 1940’s in Kings Mountain, NC can expect to find a great lineup of films from all over the world, a chance to talk with many of the filmmakers and of course a concession stand with all those goodies you would expect to find.

Awards & Prizes

Monetary awards are presented to best film and best student film in each category in each of the four categories listed above. We also give monetary awards in the Best of Festival and Audience Choice categories.

• (1) Best of Fest $1000 Sponsored by BFCA
• (4) "Best of Category" Professional Awards $500
• (4) "Best of Category" Student/Amateur Awards $250
• (1) Audience Choice $300
• (1) Best of North Carolina Award $300
• (1) Best Film Made by a Child (14 & under) $100

Non-Monetary Awards may also be presented to

•Best Director
•Best Cinematography
•Best Screenplay
•Best Editing
•Best Ensemble

Rules & Terms

Films are accepted in 4 categories
• Documentary
• Feature Length (Over 61 minutes in length)
• Shorts (Under 60 minutes in length)
• Animation
(films in any of these categories that were made specifically FOR children or BY children, if selected, will screen at our new "Real to Reel Kids Fest" Screening time 10am-12pm, Saturday, July 28th)

* You will be contacted via email and/or letter regarding the outcome of the judging by the end of June. If your film is selected for the festival you must send a DVD or Blu-ray for Screening.

* Film-makers outside of the United States need to send their discs/tapes in the proper dubbing format/speed to accommodate DVD players in the United States.

* The filmmaker will assume all shipping cost, including customs. If you want your submission copy returned - please include postage and envelope. Include insurance cost for package if wanted. Real to Reel will not be held responsible for any damages that might occur during return mailing process

*Students please include a copy of your valid student ID with your entry form or email it to violet.arth@ccartscouncil.org

* The management of R2R International Film Festival reserves the right to decide all questions regarding rules and regulations. Submission of a film constitutes that the filmmaker accepts the rules and regulations set forth herein.

*R2R reserves the right to add, alter or eliminate categories based on the availability of qualified entries.

Note: Each submitted film is watched by at least three selection committee members— no exceptions.

3 Reviews
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  • Skinner Myers

    I had such a great time at this festival! They really know how to program films and the audience had the best questions during the QandA. Highly recommend this festival and will be submitting my next film there again!

    August 2016
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  • Mike Reda

    Had a blast at the 2016 Real to Reel Festival. So many great films selected, a great community of filmmakers and film lovers, and they even saved me because the Blu-ray I shipped didn't arrive in time, but they somehow managed to screen my film anyway. Great job, can't wait for next year!

    August 2016
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  • Rob Underhill

    Love this fest! Go whenever I have chance. Draws great crowds from the community. Bonus is that King's Mountain is a cute town in a part of NC fun to explore. The theatre is really fantastic, as well as the folks that make this fest happen!

    August 2016
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