Where Stories Live: An Outdoor Film Showcase Under the Stars

10% of all ticket sales and raffle proceeds benefit Historic Elmwood Pinewood Inc., the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing Charlotte's historic cemeteries.

Presented by Finding Inspiration Foundation in partnership with Threads to Hope.

Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery has been here for over 150 years. The people who tend this space believe it has always been more than a burial ground: it's a living archive of the stories that shaped this city. On October 2, we're gathering here to prove them right.

Where Stories Live is a one-night outdoor film showcase bringing together storytellers, spoken word artists, indie filmmakers, and community under the open sky. Bring your lawn chair, your blanket, and your picnic. Flipped Food Truck will be on site serving from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

As the evening opens, Mental Health Reimagined will have Threads to Hope looms and family weaving stations available — a hands-on experience where thread and color say what words sometimes can't. Help us fill a loom in honor of Finding Inspiration Foundation and the Historic Elmwood Pinewood community. No art skills needed. Just a moment to breathe, create, and connect before the night begins.

We will be joined by Voices from the Past, who will take the space for an evening of living history and spoken word. Stories told out loud, in a place that has always understood the weight of words.

Then the films begin: four short films on mental health, identity, grief, and healing, each followed by a brief filmmaker Q&A. All genres. One thread: stories that make you feel less alone.

The night closes with an open mic, bringing featured and community voices together for a final round of storytelling before we say goodnight.

Stories live long after we're gone. This place has always known that. Come spend an evening with them.

Wine welcome. Please no hard alcohol.

RAFFLE

A raffle runs throughout the evening — tickets open at the door and close at 9:00 PM. Winners are announced at 9:20 PM. 10% of all ticket sales and raffle proceeds benefit Historic Elmwood Pinewood Inc.

This year's prizes include:

Voices from the Past — Two tickets to a Friday night performance and two tickets to a Saturday night performance (awarded as two separate prizes, each valued at $60).

Photo Booth Experience — Two hours of booth access with unlimited digital photos, within the Charlotte area. Valued at $250.

Outdoor Photoshoot Session — A one-hour outdoor session for up to two people from Chrysalis Lens (@chrysalis_lens). Valued at $300.

Event Photography Session — Up to two hours of event photography for small gatherings such as reunions and birthday parties, from Charlotte photographer Travis Gilliam. Valued at $500.

Event venue & nearby stays

Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery, 700 West 6th Street, Charlotte, United States

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