The Creative Cornerstone is presenting On the Rise Student Film Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
It’s free to attend.
Student films are curated into themed screening blocks, each highlighting a different style of storytelling. All films are created by North Carolina junior high and high school students, schools or clubs.
What to expect
- Student Film Screenings Throughout the Day — Watch original student-created films across drama, comedy, suspense, horror, animation, documentary shorts and more.
- Award Recognitions — Celebrate the creativity, storytelling and accomplishments of emerging filmmakers.
- Professional Workshop –Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from working creative and film professionals.
Industry Panel — Live Q&A at 2 p.m.
One of the highlights of this year’s On The Rise Student Film Festival is the Industry Panel, bringing students, families, aspiring creatives, and our community face-to-face with professionals actively working across film, television, production, education, and the creative industry.
The panelists will share career advice, behind-the-scenes insight, lessons from their own professional journeys, and perspectives on breaking into and building careers within the industry. We’ll close with a Live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask their own questions.
Panelists:
- Walter Kiesling — Special Effects Coordinator whose credits include major film and television productions such as The Hunger Games, The Conjuring, and Lincoln.
- Joanne Hock — Director + Screenwriter with an extensive career in filmmaking, directing, and storytelling.
- Rodney Stringfellow — Director of Film Studies at UNC Charlotte and an award-winning screenwriter whose credits include programming for PBS Kids, Nick Jr., Disney Channel, BBC, Nickelodeon, and Sesame Workshop.
- Alicia Fusting — Film and creative industry professional joining us to share her experience and insight with our next generation of storytellers.
- Jonathan Grubbs — Producer, Line Producer + UPM with extensive production experience across film, television, and commercial projects.
Whether you’re a young filmmaker wondering how to turn your creativity into a career, a parent looking to better understand opportunities within the industry, or simply someone who loves film, this conversation is for you.
The Industry Panel begins at 2:00 PM and is included with General Festival Admission.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
