Carolina Film Alliance

2025-2026 SC Young Filmmakers Project is now open
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2026-02-09 17:00 (America/New_York) | SC
THE SOUTH CAROLINA YOUNG FILMMAKERS PROJECT is a film making competition open to all high school students in the state, from the South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College.
Introducing the next generation to careers and skills in professional video production, participating students must create a short film (two minutes max) telling a cinematic story in any genre, following all rules and this year’s Creative Challenge — use a MEGAPHONE as a prop.
Entries are due by midnight on February 9, 2026.
The films will be scored by a panel of independent judges. Top Ten scorers will screen at a special program where winners will be announced. First Prize receives $750, Second Prize $500, and Third Prize $250.
Get all information here, including entry form.

AfroSouth Film Festival
2025-10-16 08:00 - 2025-10-19 17:00 | SC
The 4th Annual AfroSouth Film Festival takes great pride in going the extra mile to provide Festival Sponsors one-of-a- kind opportunities to personalize and “own” a key element of the Festival while celebrating true southern culture, in the elegant branding environment that is Charleston, SC.​
The Festival is infused with the creative spirit and multi-ethnic culture of the town that is reflected in its stunning architecture, robust fine and folk arts scene, Gullah and Lowcountry, cuisine and the essence of Southern hospitality.
This unique festival focuses on filmmakers, their creative spirit and their sources of inspiration around the Lowcountry. AfroSouth extends beyond screenings to theaters with interactive panels, workshops, youth programs, music and networking opportunities.

Young Filmmakers Story Conference - Oct 17
2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Charleston Visitors Center, 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC, 29403, United States
Student filmmakers are invited to join professional producers, writers, and directors for THE YOUNG FILMMAKERS STORY CONFERENCE on Friday, Oct. 17, from 10a-11:30a at the AFROSOUTH FILM FESTIVAL in Charleston.
Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their short film ideas to a panel of filmmakers for feedback. Students will view samples and receive pointers on how to best “pitch” their concept, including presenting their story, their main characters, their style, and how they’ll technically execute it.
The program is an ideal field trip for teachers and students incorporating Media Arts in their curriculum. Contact Brad Jayne at brad@indiegrants.org for assistance.

Filmmaking by the Numbers
2025-12-06 10:00 - 13:00 | SC
How to build a film financing plan that attracts equity
Join Studio 15 co-founder and award-winning producer Emily Reach White of Greenville to learn how to put together a film package that appeals to investors. Yes, we’ll talk business plans…but it’s so much more than that. Find out the difference between recoupable and non-recoupable funds, how to justify your budget to investors, how to leverage tax incentives and other soft money, how to structure your waterfall, and (perhaps most importantly) when to approach private equity.
This 3-hour interactive webinar walks you through a structured, step-by-step guide to creating your film financing plan, followed by a Q&A session so we can dig into the details together.
Register for the Zoom workshop here.

Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) 2026
2026-02-17 00:00 - 2026-02-22 00:00 | University of South Carolina Beaufort, Center for the Arts, Beaufort, SC, United States
Tickets to the BIFF can be purchased online or at the door, based on availability.

ALL DISCOUNTED TICKET PRICES APPLY ONLY TO CURRENT BEAUFORT FILM SOCIETY MEMBERS. NOT SURE IF YOU ARE A MEMBER? CONTACT REBECCA AT FILMBEAUFORT@GMAIL.COM BEFORE MAKING YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE.
The Beaufort Film Society is pleased to present the 20th annual Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) February 17-22, 2026. As of November 2025, BIFF was ranked by filmmakers as one of the TOP 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals by FilmFreeway.
Awards will be presented in the categories of Feature Film, Documentary – Short and Feature Length, Animation, Short Films, Student Films, and Screenplays. We will also have the Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Ensemble Cast and Best Musical Score categories. And the ever popular audience voted awards -Audience Choice and Best Comedy.
The Beaufort Film Society proudly announces that acclaimed actor, writer, and director Grainger Hines will receive the prestigious Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award during the 20th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF).
The honor recognizes Hines’s remarkable six-decade career in film, television, theater, and music, as well as his enduring ties to the South Carolina arts community. Born in Greenwood, South Carolina, Grainger Hines began performing at an early age, first discovering his love of storytelling and rhythm while growing up in the Palmetto State. He briefly pursued music before turning to acting—a decision that would carry him from small-town stages to Hollywood sets and Broadway. Read press release here: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/876990097/grainger-hines-to-receive-pat-conroy-lifetime-achievement-award-at-20th-annual-beaufort-international-film-festival
The Opening Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, February 17th @ 5:30 pm at 805 Carteret Street. Following the tented party, a one woman Off Broadway play “Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies” will be performed by the beautiful Jessica Sherr. The party and the play are included in the price of the ticket. Here is a link to the play’s website: https://www.bettedavisaintforsissies.com TICKET PRICE FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDES PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES AND HOSTED BAR OF WINE AND BEER INCLUDED. 2 DRINK TICKETS PER PERSON PLUS THE OFF BROADWAY PLAY. SORRY, NO TICKET SALES AT THE DOOR.
Screenings will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at University of South Carolina Center for the Arts located at 805 Carteret Street, Downtown Beaufort. Screenings begin each morning at 9 am. PLEASE NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED IN THE VENUE. NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE THE AUDITORIUM PER THE USCB CENTER FOR THE ARTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION.
The Pre-Awards Champagne Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 22nd located at 805 Carteret Street, Downtown Beaufort. TIME: 2:00 PM Dress code: Formal Optional. TICKET INCLUDES Champagne and Passed Hors d’oeuvres and the AWARDS portion of the event will begin promptly at 3:00 pm. SORRY, NO TICKET SALES AT THE DOOR
REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED UP TO 7 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT START DATE OF FEBRUARY 17, 2026 AND ARE HANDLED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. PROCESSING FEES ARE NON – REFUNDABLE. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT FILMBEAUFORT@GMAIL.COM. IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED BY COVID OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS, FEES AND BEAUFORT FILM SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED IN THE EVENT OF A CANCELLATION . THANK YOU.

Charleston Film Network launch event
2026-05-19 19:00 - 23:00 | Alhambra Hall, 131 Middle St, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29464, United States
Industry leaders will join us (Charleston Film Network) as guest speakers to discuss the future of the Charleston film scene. This will be followed by a special introduction from the founders of the Charleston Film Network and an exciting announcement about partnerships with major industry organizations. Afterwards, a panel of guest artists will host a Q&A session following a special presentation of their locally shot short film. The event includes a complimentary first round of drinks and a spread of locally catered finger foods.
Website link for more info and tickets.
Time & Location

May 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Alhambra Hall, 131 Middle St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

The Business of SC Independent Production
2026-06-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Simons Recital Hall – College of Charleston, 54 St. Philip Street, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
Veterans from the international production industry will gather on Saturday, June 13th, at 2pm for a lively, informative panel discussion on the evolving global film and TV market, focusing on a holistic approach to helping more independent South Carolina projects get off the ground and become financially viable.
It will take place at Simons Recital Hall in The Simons Center @ The College of Charleston (54 St. Philip Street, Charleston, SC).
The conversation will be framed with South Carolina production projects and production companies as small businesses, the filmed story as the product, audiences as customers, and digital storefronts as additional strategies for revenue and distribution.
The program is part of on-going efforts by the South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College to provide support for the manufacturing and distribution of South Carolina film and television projects. It will also be a networking opportunity for South Carolina production entrepreneurs and professionals.
The panel is free but a simple registration is required. Please register here:
Representing key areas for successful independent production, the panelists are:
Josh Foster (Producer)
Joshua Foster, native of Spartanburg, SC, is a writer/director/producer who works as an executive for Cinetic Media in the company’s film finance and production department. He is the executive producer and/or producer, co-producer on the feature films Blue Moon from Richard Linklater, Old Dads from Bill Burr, Little Rootie Tootie from Dan Algrant, and Nothing But Net from Billy Raftery.
Kale Murphy (Producer)
Kale Murphy is a seasoned Carolina based producer with over a decade of production experience. Previous works include premium television including HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones and studio features like David Gordon Green’s Halloween trilogy. Kale founded 19 Pictures in 2023 to support independent filmmakers and cultivate creative talent at home in the Carolinas. His company has three films releasing in late 2026/early 2027 including Suburban Psycho (Malin Ackerman, Ron Perlman), The Long Drive to Yadkin (Gray Hawks, Alayna Hester) and the Appalachia based documentary My Posterity Will Finish it.
Emily Reach White (Producer)
Award-winning independent producer Emily Reach White’s commercial breakthrough came with 2021’s coming-of-age music-comedy Electric Jesus (Judd Nelson, Brian Baumgartner). Driven by her grit and determination, Electric Jesus screened at more than 40 film festivals, won distribution with The Orchard/1099, and signed a record deal with Joyful Noise Recordings – all during the peak of a global pandemic. It is with this same commitment to radical hospitality, fiscal responsibility, and deep, abiding belief in the transformative power of story, that White’s Studio Fifteen brings out three directorial debut features in 2026: the female led, MENA-driven romcom Same Same But Different (dir. Lauren Noll, premiere SXSW), hillbilly heist comedy Money By Sundown (dir. Geoffrey Gunn), and retro sci-fi adventure Adventures In Zeroworld: Shadow of Doom (dir. Alan Ray). Next for Emily: screwball music-comedy So Long Farewell, written and directed by her husband Chris White, and the screen adaptation of Tara Isabella Burton’s big city cabaret theatre thriller Here In Avalon.
Michael Quiqley (Capital/Financing)
Michael Quigley is the Co-Founder/CEO of QVH Media, a film production and distribution company in Atlanta. For more than 15 years he worked for Turner Broadcasting, Warner Media, and Warner Bros. Discovery, most recently as Executive VP of Content Acquisition and Strategy. Under his leadership, HBO Max’s 2022 film offering included more Oscar nominees than any other streaming service, including Belfast, Drive My Car, Dune, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Nightmare Alley, and West Side Story, as well as The French Dispatch, Judas and the Black Messiah, In the Heights, Last Night in Soho and Shiva Baby. Quigley’s purview also included programming the TBS, TNT and TruTV networks, for which he launched audience-building initiatives including TNT Big Ticket Movies, TBS Friday Night Vibes, May the 4th Be With You, and beloved holiday movie marathons.
Ranfi Rivera (Legal)
Ranfi is a long-time entertainment attorney and trusted advisor who has worked with both independent producers and major studios. As a former Senior Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs at Paramount Global, he supported development, production and live events for both traditional and new media platforms, including NFL Slimetime and the Kids’ Choice Awards franchises. He currently serves as the Head of Legal & Business Affairs for 14TH & I, a private equity firm focused on strategic acquisitions in sports, media and entertainment which included the recent acquisition of After 12 Studios. He is a graduate of the Fordham University School of Law and received his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from New York University.

2026-27 Indie Grants Submissions due Aug 3rd
2026-07-13 - 2026-07-18 | SC
Alright South Carolina filmmakers, get your INDIE GRANTS projects ready! Applications due by midnight on August 3!
INDIE GRANTS produces and funds professional short films from South Carolina producers and filmmakers. Funding can range from $25,000 to $45,000 to cover the full production, including post, and selected projects also receive production support from INDIE GRANTS and Trident Technical College.
Selected grant recipients are expected to manage their projets with a high level of professionalism, quality, and practicality throughout the process.
Review the application and get everything else you need here:
INDIE GRANTS APPLICATION PAGE
ABOUT INDIE GRANTS:
Founded as a partnership between the South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College, INDIE GRANTS films have been official selections at film fest like Sundance, Tribeca, American Black Film Festival, Palm Springs, Austin, FantasticFest, Slamdance, Stiges, Oxford, Atlanta, Indie Memphis, DragonCon, and hundreds more.
Recent collaborators include Oscar-winning Cinematographer Russell Carpenter (Avatar: Fire and Ash, Titanic), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect, Bride Hard), Madeleine McGraw (Black Phone, Secrets of Sulphur Springs), and Jackie Hoffman (Only Murders in the Building, Glass Onion).
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel: ‪https://www.youtube.com/@IndieGrants
INSTAGRAM: ⁨@IndieGrants⁩
TIKTOK: sc_indie_grants
WEBSITE: https://www.indiegrants.org/
As part of its training and professional development efforts, the South Carolina Film Commission presents a series of production seminars and other training programs each year. All programs are provided to South Carolina residents at no charge and on a regular basis by action of the S.C. Motion Picture Incentive Act, passed by the state legislature in 2004. Click here to join our email list for announcements and registration links for upcoming seminars.

Laurens Film Festival
2026-10-23 | Capitol Theatre, 104 East Main Street, Laurens, SC, 29360, United States
The Laurens Film Festival celebrates creativity, storytelling, and local talent by showcasing short films created by students, emerging filmmakers, and members of the community. Selected films will be screened at the historic Capitol Theatre on October 23, 2026.
