This June we will launch our first annual film festival, celebrating the many facets of the art of storytelling through cinema. Featuring screenplay and short film competitions that are far beyond ordinary, this four-day festival takes place right here in downtown Cary, NC.

We’re attracting filmmakers from across the country who’ve submitted their screenplays and short films (>30 minutes) embodying some unusual incarnations of this year’s “Hometown Stories” theme. Join us for a weekend of fun and an enjoyable cinematic experience open to the community.

WHY BEYOND?

The roots of our slogan “Beyond Ordinary” originate from the Town’s moniker from the late 1700s as Bradford’s Ordinary. It represents our mission of providing a unique setting to experience affordable art house cinema. As we launch our inaugural festival this year, we invite you to participate in what we expect to be a unique cultural arts experience here in the Town of Cary.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE FILM FESTIVAL

Attendees will enjoy the best short films we can find from filmmakers far and wide, including a selection of invited feature-length films, and short film and screenplay submissions. The festival will offer a stimulating sneak-peek into the minds of filmmakers and showcase the bedrock of cinema: the screenplay. Join us for social events and other fun activities to make the festival one you won’t want to miss!

FOR FILMMAKERS AND SCREEN WRITERS

Competition Short Films must have been completed after January 1, 2016 and should not exceed 30 minutes in length, including credits. All non-English language films must have English subtitles. Films must embody this year’s theme of “Hometown Stories,” but are not limited to genre.

Screenplays must have been completed after January 1, 2016. Submissions should represent short films and should not exceed 40 pages in length, written in English. Screenplays must embody this year’s theme of “Hometown Stories,” but are not limited to genre.