We’re giving 12 filmmakers the opportunity to bring their
North Carolina stories to life in a series of short documentaries.
These films are a celebration of the beauty of our state and all
the firsts that come from a visit here.
People’s Choice • Vote Now
Only one of these stories will get the Hollywood treatment as part of the
virtual Firsts That Last film festival – and it’s up to you to make the
casting call on which filmmaker will join the other 11 finalists.
Watch below, and vote for the story you’d like to be told in a film.
Veteran filmmaker Kristi Ray offers a new perspective of the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance through one band’s first performance there.
Director
Kristi Ray
‘The State That Heals’
4738 votes
After a major life upheaval, filmmaker Luke Gloeckner embarks on a road trip – and he quickly finds that North Carolina would be the perfect place for a fresh start.
Director
Luke Gloeckner
‘A Wrinkle in Island Time’
642 votes
First-time filmmaker Dani Azul shows how the ferry ride to Ocracoke Island can act as a time machine, making old love feel new again, for one couple.
Director
Dani Azul
Film Series • Currently in Production
Here’s what you can expect from the Firsts That Last film series: a queen.
A mandolin. A coffee cart. All with special ties to North Carolina, where memories
were made, dreams came true and lives were changed. Experience all these
incredible films for yourself this summer, then join us in August
to vote for your favorite!
‘Queen of Pisgah’
In her first pro bike race in Pisgah National Forest, Kaysee Armstrong is humbled by the terrain. Four years later and fierce with determination, Kaysee returns for redemption.
Director
Curren Sheldon
‘So Far’
1,175 miles make up the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in North Carolina. And in 2018, Jeff and Debra Rezeli found more than just stunning scenery on the life-altering trek.
Director
Bryan Rierson
‘Jacob’s First Mandolin’
A friendly wager on a family fishing trip to Emerald Isle years ago resulted in one boy’s dream come true. That boy, all grown up, turned his dream come true into a career.
Director
Taylor Sharp
‘The Wapiti of Cataloochee’
In Rick Bryson’s childhood home, an old photograph of the last living elk in NC shaped his future – a future that included helping reintroduce elk to Cataloochee Valley.
Director
Rick Bryson
‘Making Waves’
Areli Barrera and Leon Grodski Barrera arrived in Durham and turned a bicycle cart into three thriving cafes and an award-winning microroaster. At the heart of it all? Community.
Director
Pilar Timpane
‘Seagrove’
For the visually impaired, art has its limitations – but pottery is a special art form where the sense of touch makes all the difference in the world.
Director
Josh Sliffe
Keep up with the buzz by signing up to receive our enewsletter for
updates on the film series.
Heres what you can expect from the Firsts That Last film festival: a queen. A mandolin.
A coffee cart. All with special ties to North Carolina, where memories were made, dreams
came true and lives were changed. Experience all these incredible films for yourself this summer,
then join us in August to vote for your favorite!
Were giving 12 filmmakers the opportunity to bring their North Carolina
stories to life in a series of documentary shorts. These films are a celebration of the
beauty of our state and all the firsts that come from a visit here.
A Wrinkle in Island Time
Dani Azul
First-time filmmaker Dani Azul shows how the ferry ride to Ocracoke Island can act
as a time machine, making old love feel new again, for one couple.
The State That Heals
Luke Gloeckner
After a major life upheaval, filmmaker Luke Gloeckner embarks on a road trip –
and he quickly finds that North Carolina would be the perfect place for a fresh start.
Finding Shakori
Kristi Ray
Veteran filmmaker Kristi Ray offers a new perspective of the Shakori Hills
GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance through one bands first performance there.
Queen of Pisgah
Curren Sheldon
In her first pro bike race in Pisgah National Forest, Kaysee Armstrong is
humbled by the terrain. Four years later and fierce with determination,
Kaysee returns for redemption.
So Far
Bryan Rierson
1,175 miles make up the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in North Carolina. And in 2018, Jeff and Debra Rezeli found more than just stunning scenery on the life-altering trek.
Jacobs First Mandolin
Taylor Sharp
A friendly wager on a family fishing trip to Emerald Isle years ago resulted in one boys dream come true. That boy, all grown up, turned his dream come true into a career.
The Wapiti of Cataloochee
Rick Bryson
In Rick Brysons childhood home, an old photograph of the last living elk in NC shaped his future - a future that included helping reintroduce elk to Cataloochee Valley.
Cocoa Cinnamon
Pilar Timpane
Areli and Leon Grodski arrived in Durham and turned a bicycle cart into three thriving cafes and an award-winning microroaster. At the heart of it all? Community.
Seagrove
Josh Sliffe
For the visually impaired, art has its limitations – but pottery is a special art form where the sense of touch makes all the difference in the world.
The Waverider
Bryan Harvey
Growing up, Bryan Harveys greatest joy was surfing on the Outer Banks. Today, he knows theres only one thing thats better: teaching his daughter that same passion.
Daddy-Daughter Shenanigans
Eternal Polk
Eternal Polk has watched so many of his daughters firsts take place in North Carolina, but a trip to Crowders Mountain for a hike might just be his favorite.
Whats in a Memory?
Meagan Massa
Two siblings look back on a road trip from 20 years ago. As the sister recalls it, this drive was not like those of the past. But does her brother remember it the same way?
Next Generation
Jonathan Applebaum
Everything thats important to Jonathan Applebaum has had its start in North Carolina. Now he wants to make sure that same love for the state is passed on to his sons.
Center City!
Trey Edwards
To Trey Edwards, one night in Charlotte left a memorable first impression with craft beer, food and art. How memorable? He ended up moving there.