BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival
Each fall in the heart of the North Carolina, the Town of Cary hosts its annual short film and screenplay festival presented at the historic Cary Theater. Engaged audiences, new and established filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests come together to celebrate the art and craft of short filmmaking.
Join us Sept. 21-24, 2023
Experience the best of film up close as we screen short films from around the world. Participate in panel discussions, filmmaking workshops and more. BEYOND is designed to support emerging filmmakers with all events and social activities taking place within walking distance of our downtown theater.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
BEYOND organizers encourage emerging filmmakers to submit their screenplays and short films. The festival takes place in fast-growing Cary, N.C., a tech hub known for our hospitality. Screenplay and short film submissions are all under 40 minutes. Award categories include: 1) Best Narrative Short, 2) Best Doc Short, 3) Best Student Short, 4) Best N.C. Filmmaker Short, 5) People’s Choice, and the 6) Grand Jury Winner. Our submission requirements are available on Film Freeway.
Festival Highlights
Over the past four years, BEYOND has hosted engaging workshops and panel discussions with Hollywood screenwriters for films such as Batman Forever, Kiss The Ground, FUEL, Sister Act 2, Hoodlum, Deep Cover, among many others.
Why Beyond?
Our historic theater’s roots originate from the Town of Cary’s name as Bradford’s Ordinary in the late 1700s. Our theme “Beyond Ordinary” represents our mission of providing a unique setting to experience affordable art house cinema here in downtown Cary.
We go above and beyond to celebrate the art of storytelling through cinema with a fun and accessible film festival with something for everyone to enjoy. Activities and accommodations are all conveniently located within walking distance of our downtown theater.
