Fall 2025 Film Festivals in Raleigh, Cary & Durham

The Triangle is home to a vibrant film community, and every fall the calendar fills with festivals that celebrate local talent, international voices, and niche genres. Whether you’re into independent films, horror, student showcases, or global cinema, these fall 2025 film festivals in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and beyond have something for you.

September

Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival
📍 Chapel Hill, NC
📅 September 20, 2025
🎟️ Tickets required
This edgy festival highlights horror, thriller, sci-fi, and genre films — with a special emphasis on women-led projects.

Bull City International Film Festival & Screenwriting Competition
📍 Durham, NC
📅 September 20, 2025
🎟️ Tickets required
Durham’s global showcase combines international films with a competitive screenwriting component, bringing storytellers and audiences together.

October

Raleigh Film & Art Festival
📍 Raleigh, NC
📅 October 3–5, 2025
🎟️ Tickets required
The Raleigh Film & Art Festival shines a spotlight on diverse filmmakers, artists, and creators. With submissions closed by June 30, 2025, the lineup promises a mix of powerful indie films, art showcases, and community events.

1:11 High School Film Festival
📍 Raleigh, NC
📅 October 3–16, 2025
🎟️ Tickets required
Dedicated to the next generation, this festival showcases high school filmmakers and provides workshops and awards to inspire young talent.

SUFFest (Shaw University Film Festival)
📍 Raleigh, NC
📅 October 17–18, 2025
🎟️ Tickets required
Hosted by Shaw University, SUFFest uplifts diverse voices and student filmmakers, providing an educational and cultural platform for new talent.

Zombiepalooza
📍 Downtown Cary, NC
📅 October 24, 2025
🎟️ Free event
A community favorite, Zombiepalooza features short zombie films, costumes, and Halloween fun — making it both spooky and family-friendly.

November

Teleos Film Festival
📍 Cary, NC
📅 November 12–16, 2025
🎟️ Tickets required
This festival highlights uplifting, thought-provoking films that inspire hope and transformation, blending storytelling with purpose.

Fuquay Film Fest
📍 Fuquay-Varina, NC
📅 November 14–15, 2025
🎟️ Tickets required
A growing event in southern Wake County, Fuquay Film Fest brings independent films to a small-town setting with a warm, community-driven atmosphere.

Plan Your Festival Season

From horror in Chapel Hill to international spotlights in Durham, student showcases in Raleigh, and community celebrations in Cary and Fuquay-Varina, the Triangle’s fall film festivals bring diverse voices to the screen. With so many options, you can fill your weekends with film all season long.

Welcome to the show. 🎥