Gardner-Webb Student Film Selected for Real to Reel International Film Festival

“Shaping the Old North State” to Screen at 26th Annual Event on July 26

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Cleveland County Arts Council is pleased to announce that “Shaping the Old North State,” a documentary created by Gardner-Webb University students, has been selected for inclusion in the 26th Annual Real to Reel International Film Festival. The film will be screened during the Saturday, July 26, matinee at 1 p.m. at Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, N.C.

This marks the second consecutive year that a Gardner-Webb student film has been featured at the festival, which received more than 200 submissions from filmmakers representing 26 countries and six continents.

Directed by recent GWU graduate Carson Willoughby, “Shaping the Old North State” explores the lasting impact of former North Carolina Governor O. Max Gardner and First Lady Fay Webb Gardner, tracing their influence far beyond politics and into the present day. Willoughby also served as cinematographer and editor and was assisted by GWU students, Dakota Hawxwell, camera operator and editor, and Jonathan Holbrook, camera operator. The film was produced through Gardner-Webb’s Department of Communication, Art & Design in a documentary class taught by the film’s executive producers: Jessica Maloney, assistant professor of photography and design, and Dr. Chris Nelson, professor of theatre arts.

“I’m incredibly proud of Carson, Dakota, and Jonathan!” Maloney praised. “Their documentary on O. Max Gardner and Fay Webb is truly deserving of its place alongside both student and professional films in the festival. I’m so glad our documentary class was able to provide the time and space for them to explore the history of our university’s namesakes and bring their stories to life through film.”

The project also features contributions from GWU faculty and staff, including Dr. Natalie Bishop, dean of the GWU Library, Dr. Tim Vanderburg, professor of history, and voice talent from Jeff Powell, instructor of communication studies and general manager of WGWG Radio.

The Real to Reel International Film Festival runs July 23–26 and showcases 38 selected short films, documentaries, animations, and feature-length projects. Screening blocks begin at 7 p.m. nightly, with a special Saturday matinee starting at 1 p.m. Many sessions will include interactive Q&As with filmmakers and crew members.

Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance at realtoreelfest.com, at the Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Shelby, or by calling 704-484-2787. Tickets will also be available at the Joy Performance Center during the event.

The Real to Reel Festival director is Thomas Manning, a GWU alumnus. 

About the Festival

Now in its 26th year, the Real to Reel International Film Festival is a signature event of the Cleveland County Arts Council. Its mission is to offer a forum for independent film artists from around the world to share their stories with regional audiences.

About Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.