Submit a Film!

Real to Reel's 2024 Call for Entries is open! If you are interested in submitting a film to R2R, there are several ways to submit. Online submissions are accepted through FilmFreeway.com. You can also submit using R2R's own application form, which is available below. Our deadlines for the 2024 Festival are listed below.

Deadlines

Early Bird Deadline - January 5th, 2024
Student/Amateur: $20

Professional: $40

Regular Deadline - February 2nd, 2024
Student/Amateur: $25

Professional: $50

Late Deadline - March 1st, 2024
Student/Amateur: $30

Professional: $55

Extended Deadline: May 1st, 2024
Student/Amateur: $35

Professional: $60

For deadline extensions/waivers please email: violet.arth@ccartscouncil.org

Notification Date - June 28th, 2024

Categories

• Documentary (any length)

• Narrative Feature (Over 60 minutes in length)

• Narrative Short (Under 60 minutes in length)

• Animation (any length)

Awards

• (1) Best of Fest

• (4) "Best of Category" Professional Awards

• (4) "Best of Category" Student/Amateur Awards

• (1) Audience Choice
• (1) Best of North Carolina Award

*R2R reserves the right to add, alter or eliminate categories based on the availability of qualified entries. Submission of a film constitutes that the filmmaker accepts the rules and regulations set forth herein and that the film will screen at the festival if chosen.

Important Stuff

Each submitted film is watched by at least three selection committee members— no exceptions.

*You will be contacted via email regarding the outcome of the judging by the end of June. If your film is selected for the festival it will screen from filmfreeway. If your film has color bars or a watermark you will need to upload a version without these for the screening. Please provide an option for us to download your film via filmfreeway for screening purposes.

*Students please include a copy of student ID

Click to Submit

Contact Information: Real to Reel Festival
c/o Cleveland County Arts Council
111 S. Washington St.
Shelby, NC 28150

704-484-2787

From our filmmakers!

"The REAL TO REEL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is, without question, one of the best film festivals on the circuit, and is certainly well worth the entry fee. The venue is technically great, and the festival patrons are open to creative even controversial treatments of various social issues. It's also one of the few festivals that offer a cash award for Best Film -- very rare, indeed. I can't say enough positive things about this excellent competition, really. AND, if you're limited in how much $$$$ you've got for marketing your work on the festival circuit (and who isn't ?), REAL TO REEL is a clear "must enter." You won't find a more receptive showcase for your hard work!"
- Bob Pondillo

"The team at Real to Reel knows what they're doing! This thoughtfully produced festival supports filmmakers and the community around Kings Mountain, North Carolina by screening remarkable films! If you weren't inspired to social activism before this year's event, you are now thanks to 'In Pursuit of Justice,' which left me reeling and wanting to help make a change.
Thanks to all the organizers and especially Violet Dukes who helped me feel welcome. You all put on a fun and meaningful event and outdid yourselves on the afterparty which was truly enjoyable and cozy and BEAUTIFUL (special kudos to the lighting team)!
I definitely would recommend this fest and hope to return in the future as a filmmaker with a screening or simply as a lover of good film." - Emma Keehan

"We had a great time in Kings Mountain at R2RFF. They have an awesome venue. The staff and volunteers are helpful and engaging. And the audience was great - they stuck around for our Q&A, asked great questions, and really appreciated our film.
They program a wide variety of films. I highly recommend giving R2RFF a try!"
- Gregg Jamback

A HUGE "thank you" to Violet and her staff for pulling off this festival during these trying times. The communication and organization were excellent. We hope to meet in person next year!
- Pat Battistini

"The Real to Reel International Film Festival and the staff in charge have been great to work with. Their communication before and during the online festival has been outstanding. Unfortunately this year's festival went all online due to Covid-19 but it's been great watching the films from home and sharing some with my kids. I would highly recommend their festival to everyone!"
- Chris Hudson