Annual Awards

The North Carolina Film Festival seeks out the most exceptional talents and their captivating creations to provide recognition for the next generation of artists. Our prestigious awards serve to guide the aspirations of filmmakers towards the pinnacle of their craft, by shining a spotlight on the brightest stars in the industry. The following awards will be presented at the 2024 North Carolina Film Festival.

2023 Best Cinematography

In a secluded seaside town, a grieving woman fleeing a sudden tragedy must fight for her survival when she senses a presence pursuing her.

Mirandum Pictures presents
Story & Directed by CASSANDRA CLARE and MIKE POWELL
Edited by COLIN J. MASON
Sound Design by CJ PELICANO
Visual Effects by JACOB SCHWARTZ and ANTHONY PILON
Technical Supervisor: MIKE YOUNG
Director of Photography: JACQUI RIS
Cast: CASSANDRA CLARE, LUCAS YORK, RAVEN GOODEN, and SYDNI MICHELLE PERRY

2023 Best Feature Film

Burst The Silence is a musical fable about a father and son and a gift that gives voice to a haunted past.

Rolling Pictures presents
Directed by ERIC D. SCHAEFFER
Written by ROBBIE SCHAEFER
Produced by MARK MAXEY
Cast: MARCY HARRIELL, DYLAN SILVER, NICK BLAEMIRE, SUSAN ROME, DECLAN FENNELL, BOBBY SMITH, and ROBBIE SCHAEFER

2023 Best Short Film

Elliott believes that he is the last human being in a world of alien impostors—until his encounter with Rose, a mysterious young woman, forces him to question his reality.

Directed by: Adam Zammiello
Produced by: Alisha Hawkins Kramer

About Our Awards

Best Overall Film

Presented to the film that excels across a wide range of criteria, including direction, writing, acting, cinematography, editing, and overall storytelling.

Best Cinematography

Presented to the film that recognizes outstanding achievement in the art of visual storytelling through camera work, lighting, composition, and shot selection. This award honors the cinematographer whose creative vision and technical skill have significantly enhanced the look and mood of a film, elevating the narrative and emotional impact.

Best Sound Editing

Presented to the film that recognizes excellence in the creation, manipulation, and integration of sound elements within a film. It focuses on the technical skill required to craft and design sound effects, dialogue, and atmospherics that enhance the storytelling, create immersive worlds, and evoke emotions.

Best Lead Performance

Presented to the film that honors the actor or actress who delivers the most outstanding and compelling performance in a leading role within a film. This award recognizes the individual’s ability to fully embody a character, demonstrating exceptional skill in portraying the emotional depth, personality, and complexities of the role.

Best Supporting Performance

Presented to the film that honors the exceptional work of an actor or actress in a supporting or secondary role within a film. While the lead performance typically drives the narrative, a supporting performance enriches the story by adding depth to the character dynamics, providing emotional resonance, or delivering key moments of humor, drama, or tension.

Best in Category: Action

Presented to the film that celebrates excellence in films that deliver high energy, thrilling, and adrenaline pumping sequences. This award honors the film that excels in creating dynamic action scenes—whether through intense physical combat, exciting chase sequences, large scale set pieces, or other forms of high stakes, fast paced entertainment.

Best in Category: Animation

Presented to the film that honors excellence in animated films, celebrating the artistry, creativity, and technical achievement that goes into bringing animated stories to life. This award recognizes films created through various animation techniques—whether traditional hand drawn, computer generated, stop motion, or a combination of styles—that demonstrate innovation, storytelling prowess, and visual flair.

Best in Category: Comedy

Presented to the film that recognizes excellence in films that prioritize humor, wit, and entertainment. This award honors the film that has most effectively used comedic elements—whether through clever dialogue, physical humor, satire, or absurd situations—to engage and delight audiences.

Best in Category: Documentary

Presented to the film that honors the art of non-fiction filmmaking, recognizing the film that most effectively informs, enlightens, and engages audiences through real world stories, events, or issues. This award celebrates films that provide an in depth, thoughtful exploration of a subject, offering a unique perspective, thorough research, and a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.

Best in Category: Drama

Presented to the film that honors excellence in films that delve into serious, emotional, and often complex storytelling. This award honors the film that most effectively explores human experiences, relationships, and conflicts through deep, thought provoking narratives and powerful performances.

Best in Category: Experimental

Presented to the film that celebrates innovation, creativity, and unconventional storytelling within the world of cinema. This award honors films that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking techniques, exploring new forms of expression, narrative structures, and visual styles. Experimental films often challenge the norms of commercial cinema by eschewing linear plots, traditional character development, and standard genre conventions.

Best in Category: Horror

Presented to the film that honors the finest achievements in the horror genre, celebrating films that deliver spine chilling, intense, and memorable experiences for audiences. This award honors the film that most effectively evokes fear, suspense, and tension while utilizing the elements of horror—whether psychological, supernatural, or visceral—to engage and captivate viewers.

Best in Category: Musical or Music Video

Presented to the film that recognizes excellence in the visual representation of music, whether through the creative artistry of a music video or the full scale production of a musical film. This award celebrates the seamless integration of music and visual storytelling, where the music itself is central to the narrative and emotional impact of the piece.

Best in Category: Romance

Presented to the film that celebrates the finest in romantic storytelling, honoring films that skillfully explore love, relationships, and emotional connection. This award recognizes the film that delivers the most compelling, heartfelt, and engaging portrayal of romance, whether through a tender love story, a passionate affair, or a deep emotional journey between two characters.

People's Choice Award

Presented to the film that honors performance and creative work most loved and supported by our festival audience. Unlike other awards determined by our judges, this award – driven by live audience votes – is a direct reflection of popular opinion and viewer preferences.