Cucalorus? I Dare You!

Dan Brawley has spent years helping turn Wilmington into a gathering place for filmmakers, performers and adventurous audiences from around the world. A Wilmington native and longtime champion of independent film, he also served as the founding president of the Film Festival Alliance.

Before the lights go down on this year’s festival, Brawley gives us the inside scoop on what to see, where to go and why a little spontaneity is part of the Cucalorus experience.

What can attendees expect from this year’s Cucalorus?

The best indie movies of the year, a hot lineup of new films made right here in North Carolina and a select group of award-winning international films just hitting the festival circuit. There’s also a bold collection of performances ranging from comedy to dance and music — and, to top it all off, some great parties that burn late into the night. Cucalorus? I dare you!

How has the festival evolved while maintaining its identity?

Cucalorus continues to experiment with the festival setup itself. This year’s hub will be at the Coastline Center at Aloft, where we’ll build out two state-of-the-art cinemas. It will also be the spot for pass pickup and tickets, as well as the GigSalad Lounge, the festival’s social center for workshops and discussions during the day and performances at night.

Our programs keep evolving, too. The performance lineup brings a fringe-style vibe featuring local artists alongside visiting performers from across the U.S. and beyond. The Cucalorus Film Conference also enters its second year, showcasing regional film industry professionals and connecting emerging filmmakers with resources to help get projects off the ground.

What role does Wilmington play in the festival experience?

Downtown Wilmington is a great laboratory for creating a temporary community of artists and cultural adventurers. Thalian Hall is still the gem, and this year we’ll screen our two headliners, Erica Dunton’s “Pretty Ugly” and the locally produced “Capsized,” on the main stage.

Jengo’s Playhouse, our year-round cinema in the Soda Pop District, is another key part of the experience, with events running from 10 a.m. to midnight each day.

One of the best things about hosting Cucalorus primarily downtown is what happens between events. Filmmakers and passholders cross paths while moving from one venue to another, resulting in lots of unexpected meetings and happenings.

Beyond watching films, how can attendees interact with filmmakers and artists?

Almost all screenings are followed by discussions with the filmmakers and often include special guests for more in-depth conversations. The Film Conference is another opportunity to hear from leaders in the industry.

Each year, about 250 filmmakers and performers attend the festival to present new work, so you can’t go far without running into a dozen of them.

What advice would you give someone attending Cucalorus for the first time?

A good formula is to pick two events a day, or maybe five total during the festival. Definitely attend Dance-a-lorus on opening night and at least one of the headliners at Thalian Hall. Then add a shorts block and a documentary. And if you’re still standing, take a chance on a film you know nothing about. Go beyond your comfort zone a little bit.

What key dates and ticket information should readers know?

The festival opens Thursday, Nov. 19, with screenings at Jengo’s Playhouse and the opening-night Dance-a-lorus performance at CFCC’s Wilson Center. Screenings continue Friday through Sunday at the Coastline Center, Thalian Hall and Jengo’s Playhouse, with several special Sunday screenings at The Pointe 14.

Single tickets to most events are $15, with festival passes and ticket packages also available. For tickets, passes and the complete schedule, visit cucalorus.eventive.org.