Gardner-Webb Student Film Wins Award at Real to Reel International Film Festival

‘Shaping the Old North State’ Earns Founder’s Choice Award

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 won the Founder’s Choice Award presented at the 26th Annual Real to Reel International Film Festival. The awards ceremony was held at the conclusion of the festival on July 26 at Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, N.C.

Will Eskridge and Noel T. Manning II co-founded the Real to Reel International Film Festival in 2000 to celebrate the art of independent filmmaking. Their inspiration stemmed from the pioneering work of legendary filmmaker Earl Owensby, who built a bold, independent path for North Carolina filmmakers—challenging the dominance of the Hollywood system.

“Earl’s vision was a reminder that you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to chase cinematic dreams,” said Manning. “The Founder’s Choice Award was created to honor films that reflect the spirit of celebrating a time, place, or people whose stories deserve to be remembered. This year’s honoree is especially meaningful. ‘Shaping the Old North State’ captures the extraordinary legacy of Cleveland County through the lens of O. Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner—leaders who helped reshape not just North Carolina, but the nation. As a proud Gardner-Webb alumnus, it’s deeply rewarding to see our students creating films that are both historically significant and artistically lasting. These are works that will live well beyond their years on campus.”

Recent GWU graduate Carson Willoughby served as director, 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.

“It’s amazing to see our student filmmakers win the Founder’s Choice Award,” Maloney affirmed. “Their achievement reflects the creativity, innovation, and collaborative spirit we strive to foster in the Communication, Art & Design department. It’s a reminder of the impact our students can make when given the tools, mentorship, and freedom to tell bold, meaningful stories. This recognition highlights the talent coming out of our program—and it’s just the beginning!”

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.

This is 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.

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.