In 2006, the Charlotte Film Festival was created to give established and emerging filmmakers a weekend festival to showcase their works for industry peers and avid enthusiasts of independent film. In 2014, the Charlotte Film Festival was enveloped by Charlotte Cinema Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Charlotte Cinema Arts is dedicated to creating a hub for cinematic history, digital arts, industry professionals, educational outreach, and to encourage opportunities for people to engage with cinema beyond the multiplexes. In 2020, the Charlotte Film Festival became part of the non-profit 501(c)(3) Charlotte Film Society who will organize the 2020 festival. 

The Festival has grown to include state of the art venues attracting filmmakers from around the world as well as industry professionals, corporate sponsorship, and a dedicated audience. While the festival has evolved over the years into a weeklong event, what remains consistent is our mission to “DISCOVER DIFFERENT” and to provide the highest quality festival experience for filmmakers and audience members alike.

Our Team

• Festival Director – Jay Morong
• Programming Director – Taylor Montalto

2021 CHARLOTTE FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS

Jury Awards

2021 CHARLOTTE FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS

Audience Awards

• Narrative Feature: Clara Sola
• Documentary Feature: Scrum
• Narrative Short: Little Package
• Documentary Short: Almost Normal – Through The Eyes of Autism
• Social Justice Film: Green House
• Student Short: Heatwave