JULY Screening Kino Lorber USA / 97 minutes Starring: Randa Haines, Sian Heder, Jack Jason, Marlee Matlin, John Maucere, Lauren Ridloff, Aaron Sorkin, Shoshannah Stern, Liz Tannebaum, Henry Winkler Director: Shoshannah Stern Producers: Michael Kantor, Carrie Lozano, Jenny Raskin, Geralyn White Dreyfus, Patty Quillin, Adam & Melony Lewis, Bill & Ruth Ann Harnisch-The Harnisch…

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By Jessica Herndon Welcome to the first edition of Take 5, where we invite you to get familiar with the talented instructors behind our Sundance Collab courses. To kick things off, we’re featuring Patrick Shen, who leads the “Documentary Filmmaking: Core Elements” course. Patrick Shen is a filmmaker whose work is as thought-provoking as it […]

The post Take 5: Sundance Collab Instructor Patrick Shen on What He Learned From His Biggest Failure  first appeared on sundance.org.

SPIRITUAL DESTINY book reel link:      https://youtu.be/_ddE2M9L8d0

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJTFTNQS

In Spiritual Destiny, the inaugural novel of the Alp to Taw Chronicles and the first book of The Destiny Trilogy, readers are introduced to Joseph Arthur Golden-Eagle, known as JAG, a full-blooded Pequot Native American from Stonington, Connecticut. Raised by Night Owl and Morning Dove, JAG embodies his ancestors' guiding values: "DON'T TAKE what is not yours; DO TAKE care of what is yours, and Mother Earth will provide for you forever." His early life is laced with unusual events and encounters. While the narrative unfolds in familiar contemporary settings, subtle undercurrents hint at profound revelations yet to come. This layering invites readers to ponder the unseen influences shaping our world and sets the stage for transformative events in subsequent installments of the series.

Spiritual Destiny masterfully intertwines the familiar with the enigmatic, crafting a tale that resonates deeply and leaves one contemplating the boundaries between the known and the extraordinary. It challenges readers to reflect on their roles within the broader tapestry of existence and prepares them for a journey that extends beyond the ordinary, hinting at the profound interconnectedness of all things. As the world grapples with overconsumption, environmental degradation, and societal discord, JAG recognizes the urgency of these challenges. He embarks, unknown to him, on a transformative journey to lead humanity toward a more responsible way of life, rooted in ancient wisdom yet vital to our future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James W. Hawk was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania, and grew up in East Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Cleveland State University.

Dr. Raymond Foery, Professor Emeritus - Quinnipiac University Film, Television, and Media Arts, said about Hawk’s work: "A truly imaginative filmmaker with a highly sophisticated sense of cinematic acuity. Jim has been remarkably active in various genres. As a director of narrative fiction, he has shown a sure hand with actors and a sophisticated appreciation of mise-en-scene. As a creator of animated visual motifs, Jim has displayed a mastery of the latest techniques and a sophisticated sense of composition complemented by a rich appreciation of theatrical style. Each of his projects also reveals the mind of an artist grappling with the eternal philosophical dilemmas of our existence on this planet, as well as some speculation about those other planets out there. In short, Jim’s work forces us to think as well as to look."

Jan Harlan (executive producer for Stanley Kubrick & Steven Spielberg) gave Hawk's work high marks.

F. Miguel Valenti assessed it as better than much of what is released these days.

One of Hawk’s films was exhibited at an art exhibition in Rome, Italy. Two of his films were award-winners, two were finalists, four were semi-finalists, and two were quarter-finalists at film festivals worldwide. A Hawk film was recently awarded semi-finalist at a science fiction film festival out of a thousand entries. He has had films screened at 64 film festivals and venues worldwide, with 112 films being official selections.

Welcome back to your monthly round-up from the ICO, featuring the latest opportunities for your cinema, festival or film society and industry highlights from the UK and beyond. ICO News Today is the last day to book in-person passes for Young Audiences Screening Days! The event lineup is packed with sessions that will re-energise your approach […]

The post News & Opportunities Round-Up: June 2025 appeared first on Independent Cinema Office.

ANIMATION@DFM 2025: CELEBRATING AFRICAN ANIMATION VOICES AND FOSTERING INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is pleased to highlight the animation programming at the 16th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM), taking place from 18 - 21 July 2025.

The 2025 DFM animation focus is highlighted through the official projects pitching in the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum, the various partners engaging in discussions exploring animation’s sustainability, diversity, and technical excellence and the animation experts addressing critical issues facing African animation studios and creators.

Complementing the Animation@DFM programme stream, sees a special partnership with the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), in which Durban will be one of the host cities of the festival’s travelling showcase. The three-city tour kicks off in Cape Town on 2 July, heads to Durban on 20 July, and wraps up in Johannesburg on 23 August.  Audiences can expect a colourful mix of stories and styles, showcasing the depth and creativity of African animation. With its travelling showcase this July, CTIAF invites audiences to discover the richness of African animation and to celebrate the continent’s creative talent.

Leading the industry conversations on independent studio sustainability, Francis Y. Brown (AnimaxFYB Studios); Avuzwa Ntshongwana (Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct); Hamid Ibrahim (Kugali) and Claye Edou (Cledley Productions) explore practical strategies for maintaining creative and financial viability in competitive markets, in the session, How Can Smaller Animation Studios Remain Sustainable?

The panel discussion, Expanding the Frame - Building Bridges for Gender Inclusivity in Animation, presented in partnership with Triggerfish and UNESCO, takes a critical look at the animation industry and its inclusion of women, femmes and queer identifying individuals and asks what still needs to be done to amplify these voices and create a more equitable industry. Unpacking this discussion are Kumbi Chitenderu (Triggerfish), Nadia Darries (Goon Valley), Tshepo Moche (PlayNice), Tracey-Lee Rainers (Story Oasis), Vanessa Ann Sinden (Triggerfish), and Caroline Vos (Triggerfish), moderated by Anthony Silverston.

Animation SA joins forces with DFM to present "Transmedia Storytelling: Expanding Horizons Through Animation and Gaming," featuring panellists Themba Buyeye (Pheku Motion Company), Lebo Leitch (XR Native), Kesolofetse Mogale, Mxolisi Xaba (both from Native Games Publishing) and Xolile Vundla of Animation SA.

Building on DFM's tradition of world-class masterclasses, Sébastien Onomo of Special Touch Studios, Bruno Felix, the founder of Submarine and Isaac Mogajane, co-founder of Diprente Films will lead two masterclasses in which they explore the global landscape of animated content production.

These sessions provide essential networking opportunities for animation professionals, fostering connections that strengthen the African animation ecosystem while building bridges to international markets and collaborators.

Register now: durbanfilmmart.co.za

For inquiries: info@durbanfilmmart.com

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

About the Durban FilmMart Institute:

Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where film professiona

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ANIMATION@DFM 2025: CELEBRATING AFRICAN ANIMATION VOICES AND FOSTERING INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is pleased to highlight the animation programming at the 16th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM), taking place from 18 - 21 July 2025.

The 2025 DFM animation focus is highlighted through the official projects pitching in the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum, the various partners engaging in discussions exploring animation’s sustainability, diversity, and technical excellence and the animation experts addressing critical issues facing African animation studios and creators.

Complementing the Animation@DFM programme stream, sees a special partnership with the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), in which Durban will be one of the host cities of the festival’s travelling showcase. The three-city tour kicks off in Cape Town on 2 July, heads to Durban on 20 July, and wraps up in Johannesburg on 23 August.  Audiences can expect a colourful mix of stories and styles, showcasing the depth and creativity of African animation. With its travelling showcase this July, CTIAF invites audiences to discover the richness of African animation and to celebrate the continent’s creative talent.

Leading the industry conversations on independent studio sustainability, Francis Y. Brown (AnimaxFYB Studios); Avuzwa Ntshongwana (Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct); Hamid Ibrahim (Kugali) and Claye Edou (Cledley Productions) explore practical strategies for maintaining creative and financial viability in competitive markets, in the session, How Can Smaller Animation Studios Remain Sustainable?

The panel discussion, Expanding the Frame - Building Bridges for Gender Inclusivity in Animation, presented in partnership with Triggerfish and UNESCO, takes a critical look at the animation industry and its inclusion of women, femmes and queer identifying individuals and asks what still needs to be done to amplify these voices and create a more equitable industry. Unpacking this discussion are Kumbi Chitenderu (Triggerfish), Nadia Darries (Goon Valley), Tshepo Moche (PlayNice), Tracey-Lee Rainers (Story Oasis), Vanessa Ann Sinden (Triggerfish), and Caroline Vos (Triggerfish), moderated by Anthony Silverston.

Animation SA joins forces with DFM to present "Transmedia Storytelling: Expanding Horizons Through Animation and Gaming," featuring panellists Themba Buyeye (Pheku Motion Company), Lebo Leitch (XR Native), Kesolofetse Mogale, Mxolisi Xaba (both from Native Games Publishing) and Xolile Vundla of Animation SA.

Building on DFM's tradition of world-class masterclasses, Sébastien Onomo of Special Touch Studios, Bruno Felix, the founder of Submarine and Isaac Mogajane, co-founder of Diprente Films will lead two masterclasses in which they explore the global landscape of animated content production.

These sessions provide essential networking opportunities for animation professionals, fostering connections that strengthen the African animation ecosystem while building bridges to international markets and collaborators.

Register now: durbanfilmmart.co.za

For inquiries: info@durbanfilmmart.com

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

About the Durban FilmMart Institute:

Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where film professiona