news-category: Campus News ӴӴ Student Film Selected for Real to Reel International Film Festival By Office of University Communications On July 16, 2025 “Shaping the Old North State” explores the lasting impact of former North Carolina Governor O. Max Gardner and First Lady Fay Webb Gardner. “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 ӴӴ 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 ӴӴ student film has been featured at the festival, which received more than 200 submissions from filmmakers representing 26 countries and six continents. This photo shows the set of “Shaping the Old North State.” Fay Webb and former North CarolinaGovernor O. Max Gardner 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 ӴӴ’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. At last year’s event, Dr. Chris Nelson and Jessica Maloney, along with the students, discuss the films chosen for screening. 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 , 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 ӴӴ ӴӴ 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., ӴӴ 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 ӴӴ.edu. Interested in video/film? Start your journey here. “Shaping the Old North State” explores the lasting impact of former North Carolina Governor O. Max Gardner and First Lady Fay Webb Gardner.
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