CARY, N.C. — The Cary Theater today announced the winners of the 9th annual BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival, which took place September 10-13, 2026. Filmmakers from around the world submitted their short films to be screened in competition. For the past nine years, BEYOND has supported emerging filmmakers with accessible screenwriting and industry workshops, panel discussions, and engaging talkbacks. Festival organizer The Cary Theater is proud to announce this year’s award-winners:
BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
2026 Winner: Jasmine. Home. Mother. – Directed by Ugnė Skonsmanaitė
On a surreal game show where stories are currency, a woman battles a system that censors her every word, fighting to reclaim the memory of her family, her homeland, and the jasmine that once bloomed there.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
2026 Winner: The Boys and the Bees – Directed by Arielle C. Knight
On an idyllic farm in rural Georgia, beekeeping parents tenderly share their knowledge of life, love, and nature with their young sons while restoring their homestead.
BEST STUDENT SHORT
2026 Winner: Sincerely, Sage Jo – Directed by Jacob Wilkins
After life takes an unexpected turn, middle school sweethearts Megan and Mitchell Shelton find a new purpose through creating keepsakes for others’ important life moments.
BEST NC FILMMAKER SHORT
2026 Winner: Not Much Has Changed – Directed by Max Zampieri
Former child farmworker Yesenia takes us on an intimate journey through the overlooked world of immigrant and child labor in North Carolina and America’s agriculture.
AUDIENCE AWARD
2026 Winner: Oh Happy Day! – Directed by Ivan Rome
Follow CHRIS, a timid little guy smitten by a sweet soul named JAZMYN. Though he lacks the confidence to tell her how he feels, he tries in his own way to get her attention. But after many failed attempts, he decides to risk it all during his Easter speech.
GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST SCREENPLAY
2026 Winner: Dream Meanings – Written by Rebecca Kane
Charlotte flips through a book of the meaning of symbols in our dreams, trying to figure out what a frequently occurring umbrella means, and how she can get rid of it. With her sister’s help, she quickly figures out that what’s tormenting her in the night can’t be found in a book.
All screenings, workshops, industry talks and other events were held within walking distance of the historic Cary Theater downtown. BEYOND would like to thank the following sponsors and partners for helping to make our 9th annual festival a huge success. More information and submission dates for the 10th anniversary BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival will be announced in December on Film Freeway.
