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 22-25, 2026, the 27th 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

Awards are presented to best film and best student film in each category in each of the four categories listed below:

• (1) Best of Fest
• (4) "Best of Category" Professional Awards
• (4) "Best of Category" Student/Amateur Awards
• (1) Audience Choice Award
• (1) Carolina's Choice Award
• (1) Founder's Choice Award
• (1) Festival Director's Choice Award

Rules & Terms

Films are accepted in 4 categories
• Documentary
• Feature Length (Over 61 minutes in length)
• Shorts (Under 60 minutes in length)
• Animation

* You will be contacted via email regarding the outcome of the judging by the end of June. If your film is selected for the festival will screen from FilmFreeway. If your film has color bars or a watermark you will need to upload a version without these for the screening. Please provide an option for us to download your film via FilmFreeway for screening purposes. For the sake of accessibility, please provide an option for captions as well.

*Students please include a copy of your valid student ID with your entry form or email it to thomas@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 and that the film will screen at the festival if chosen.

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

*Films that use any generative AI are not eligible for Real to Reel consideration.

29 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bulletproof Cupid

    We were honored that our film Hearts of Stone was selected and received the Best Professional Short award at the festival. Attending the screening was a true pleasure—the festival team, under the expert guidance of Thomas Manning, welcomed us with genuine warmth and created a family-like atmosphere that immediately put visiting filmmakers at ease. The passion that Thomas and the Manning family bring to the festival is both inspiring and infectious, and the strong support from the Kings Mountain community is truly commendable. This festival is a highly recommended stop for any filmmaker—a place where you’ll experience the true meaning of Southern hospitality. -
    Writer/Director Tom Van Avermaet

    September 2025
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  • Brad Herring

    We had such an amazing time at this year's Real to Reel Film Festival! Huge thanks to Thomas for making it such a great experience for everyone. The communication prior to the festival was great and everything was so well organized during the festival. And to top it off, we were truly honored to win Best Pro Documentary this year, thank you!! Can't wait to come back in the future.

    August 2025
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  • Jaysen Buterin

    This was our first year submitting to the Real to Reel International Film Festival but it most certainly won't be our last! Although I was sad to not be able to attend in person, being asked to record a quick video intro to play before my short film was an added touch of awesomeness that the festival didn't have to do, but really meant the world to me. Their communication throughout the entire process was spot-on awesome, and to be included with so many amazing shorts and features was an honour we won't forget it. Would TOTES recommend submitting your movie magic to this fantastic cinematic summit!!!

    August 2025
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  • Jacob Joyner

    Real to Reel is a beautiful festival in a beautiful part of North Carolina. I was genuinely impressed with the knowledge and attitude of the staff and audience. I would rate this festival 10/10 and would recommend it to any filmmaker looking to have their work seen!

    August 2025
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  • Houston Coley

    So glad that I could make it (and have my film selected) for Real to Reel this year! The festival is hosted in a charming little theater in a charming little town just outside Charlotte, and festival director Thomas Manning is both hospitable and enthusiastic as ever. So fun to get to see my film with a crowd again. Plus: some fun auctions, and other great entries! Big recommend. Thanks y'all!

    August 2025
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