The Cape Fear Independent Film Festival is drawing near and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever! Screenings and seminars for the early May festival are slated to take place at City Stage in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. The old Masonic building, located at 21 North Front Street was constructed in 1899 with the 5th floor being converted to the present theatre circa 1914. In addition to short film screenings and seminars, CFI announces the return of its invitational feature film. This year's film will be "The Cake Eaters," a quirky, small town drama that explores the lives of the Kimbrough and Kiminski families, each grieving in their own way, each needing the other to heal.

"Cake Eaters" marks the directorial debut for Mary Stuart Masterson (Fried Green Tomatoes, Benny and Joon). The CFI screening of the film will be the North Carolina premiere. Following the screening, Masterson will be on hand to discuss the film and take audience questions. Jayce Bartok, the screenwriter and lead actor, and Jesse Scolero, the film's producer will be present as well. Screening filmmakers are then invited to an opening night reception at Bottega Gallery and Wine bar, 208 North Front Street.

The CFI Film Fest will run from Friday May 2 through Sunday May 4. The rest of the weekend will present 50 short films, many local, some from around the world. Cine Partners will provide equipment demonstrations, and there will be a seminar on short film distribution. Sunday night brings the awards ceremony back to Bottega Gallery where one lucky filmmaker will walk away with the $1000 grand prize. $100 prizes will be given as well to the best film in each genre.

If you haven't submitted your film yet, there's still time. April 1st is the regular deadline, and the entry fee is $35. April 15 is the late deadline, $45. NC residents take $10 off, and Wilmington made films may enter out of competition for free. Please visit www.cfifn.org for details or to download your entry form. Or look us up on withoutabox.com.

Shorts blocks and seminars are $5 at the door or you may purchase a weekend pass, good for screenings and seminars only, for $35. In addition, all-access weekend passes are available for $50.

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