Carrboro Film Fest

03/12/2026

Thank you The Daily Tar Heel for the wonderful write up about this year's Carrboro Film Fest!

The festival ran at the Drakeford Library Complex from Feb. 27 – March 1.

03/02/2026

🎬 That’s a wrap on the 2026 Carrboro Film Fest!! 🎬

Executive Director Bryan Reklis closes us out this Sunday afternoon at the Drakeford Library Complex in downtown Carrboro.

What a wonderful, tremendous weekend of independent film! We’ll see you next year, January 29-31, 2027!

02/28/2026

🎬 OPENING NIGHT! 🎬

The Carrboro Film Festival has officially begun! We kicked it off last night with our opening feature film, directed by .poyser - it’s our first year in the Drakeford Library Complex in downtown Carrboro, and what a fantastic venue!

Join us today, Saturday February 28, for a packed day of short films! 🎞️

📸 by Mark Losey

02/25/2026

Come for the films! Stay for the side quests ⚔️

There’s so much to do at the Carrboro Film Festival. When you’re not watching our amazing lineup of over 40 films, we have some fantastic side quests for you - and the whole family!

We’ll have screen printing; you can bring your own materials to get printed (black ink only) to help us celebrate 20 years of Southern Film 🫟

Do you ever want to just sit down and draw and color? 👩‍🎨🎨 You’re in luck! We’ll have a dedicated space for calming art vibes between screenings 🖼️

🍿🥤Don’t forget about snacks! Our partners and vendors will have delicious treats avaible for purchase outside the theater. Come hungry!

We’re just two days away! We can’t wait to celebrate Southern film with you 🎬🎞️🤩🥳

01/21/2026

(Carrboro, NC - January 21, 2026) The Carrboro Film Fest, which celebrates their 20th festival this year, has made the decision to reschedule due to an extreme winter weather forecast that is expected to bring icy and hazardous conditions to Central North Carolina this coming weekend.

The festival, which was originally scheduled to take place January 23-25, will now take place Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2026. The event will continue to be held at the Drakeford Library Complex in downtown Carrboro, without any change or modification to the festival program.

“As excited as we are to share these great films at the Carrboro Film Fest, what’s most important is the safety of our community, and in looking at the forecast for this weekend’s weather, we made the difficult decision to reschedule the festival” shares Festival Director Bryan Reklis. “We want our friends and neighbors to prioritize their immediate needs in preparation for this weather. We look forward to gathering together in February to celebrate Southern film.”

For more information about the new dates and ticket details, visit the Carrboro Film Fest at www.carrborofilm.org.

01/20/2026

Mile Markers - Short Films Block

Saturday, January 24 at 3:00pm

This eclectic collection of 8 short films aims to celebrate all moments in the journey through life, especially the ones which are often left off-screen. Through these films, we hear from a Tennessee city confronting the aftermath of the creation of the atomic bomb, witness a very private crisis amidst a crowded dinner party, and watch as characters are caught off-guard in the first moments of falling in and out of love. In every instance, these films defy our expectations by telling another side of a familiar story, moving us to thought, laughter, and tears–and everything in between.

Filmmakers from the films will participate in a Q&A after the films.

Tickets are now sold out for this event, but there will be a standby line. 10 minutes before showtime, we will open sales to the standby line to fill any remaining seats in the theater. The standby line does not guarantee a ticket, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

01/17/2026

Keystone Species: Short Documentaries
Saturday, January 24 at 12:30pm

The South is home to many keystone species including alligators, oak trees, beavers, and even some southerners themselves. In this collection of 6 short films we follow individuals who march to the beat of their own drums, from the spirited competition of the Beaver Queen Pageant in our very own Durham NC, to a lifelong mural artist in Oxford NC reflecting on his past through art, to Houston Texas where a male doula works to improve health incomes for Black women by helping them give birth in the comfort of their homes. In each instance, we see characters creating a better world for themselves and everyone around them, simply by following their dreams and doing what they do best.

Filmmakers from the films will participate in a Q&A after the films.

Tickets are now sold out for this event, but there will be a standby line. 10 minutes before showtime, we will open sales to the standby line to fill any remaining seats in the theater. The standby line does not guarantee a ticket, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

01/15/2026

Listen to The Carrborean Radio Hour on WCOM for an interview with D.L. Anderson, Director of "The True Cost of Power" and Sara Heilman and Jim Warren of NC Warn.

Recordings of your favorite radio show, airing live on WCOM 103.5 Mondays, 4-5pm

01/15/2026

🎬 Carrboro Film Fest is proud to present Leads, a feature film by 🤠 Texas filmmaker, Bryan Poyser.

An acting professor has her life upended when her charming but volatile baby brother joins her acting class, setting off a battle of wills between them for the hearts and minds of her eager students that could bring them all to the brink of success or debilitating ruin. We invite you to join us for the film and a special Q&A with the director, and actor Justin Arnold after the screening.

Following the event, please join us for our opening night reception on the third floor of the Drakeford Library Complex.

Tickets are now sold out for this event, but there will be a standby line. 10 minutes before showtime, we will open sales to the standby line to fill any remaining seats in the theater. The standby line does not guarantee a ticket, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

09/01/2025

🚨🚨 REGULAR DEADLINE TODAY 9/1! 🚨🚨

Submissions for the 2026 Carrboro Film Festival are due today! Late Submissions are open until 9/21. Don’t wait!

👆 Link in bio to submit ☑️