The 18th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival surpassed expectations all around, festival organizers estimated that this year’s attendance was up from last years by 10%. Filmmakers, actors, directors and screenwriters come from all over the country and all over the world, including some far travelers from Brazil this year, to attend the growing film fest. The festival brings the best in feature and foreign films, shorts, and documentaries to Wilmington. Films are screened at Thalian Hall, City Stage, Jengo’s Playhouse, Screen Gems Studios, and The Soapbox for both public audiences, film students, and Cucalorus attendees.
About 11,600 people attended the four-day event, up from about 10,515 in 2011, according to Cucalorus organizers.
This year, the noncompetitive festival, which wrapped on Sunday night, had more screenings and events than in years past. More than 200 films from 17 different countries were presented.
Cucalorus Director Dan Brawley said he was pleased that festivalgoers attended a wide variety of screenings.
“Wilmington has a cozy, artsy vibe and Cucalorus is a good festival,” said Josh Koury, one of the film participants and Cucalorus attendees. Films like “Save the Date” and “Somebody Up There Likes Me” made quite a storm this year at the festival and are expected to do well in their theatrical releases. The Cucalorus Film Festival is certainly bringing the film industry to Wilmington and they are liking what they see.
