The heartwarming holiday film Heart Full of Hope, produced by Nicole Mendez, executive director of the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation  (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis, has just wrapped production. The latest co-production from MNITF and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions will be released on all major streaming platforms in mid-November 2025.

Taking place in the small town of Willow Creek, the film is the story of sisters Whitney and Lynette Walker, who share an unbreakable bond. Whitney, a determined woman in her 30s, refuses to let renal kidney failure stop her from earning a college degree, while her lively and devoted younger sister Lynette is always by her side. But beneath Lynette’s unwavering support, she quietly struggles with the pain of knowing she isn’t a match to be Whitney’s kidney donor.

The film stars Chelsea Rose Cook, Juliah Cheree Taylor and Sebastian Armani, is written by Tricia Aurand, and directed by Dale Fabfigar.

“We were thrilled to work with such a gifted ensemble of talented people whose contributions not only provided exceptional entertainment for audiences, but also effectively elevated awareness for this important cause," says Nicole Mendez.

Last year's production of The Christmas Chain was a major streaming success. A special ‘Christmas in July’ social media campaign designed to promote kidney disease awareness will be launched this July.  A Heart Full of Hope will be released in mid-November.  

MNITF will hold its annual star-studded holiday gala fundraiser on November 2nd in Beverly Hills, California. 

Recently, the film's official music video by ZupaNova featuring Young Retro was unveiled.  https://youtu.be/5J1UxAgxDjs

The Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) is a public nonprofit dedicated to the mission of advancing the science and practice of organ transplantation and end-stage organ disease therapies through research, education, and innovation. http://mnitf.org

Photos Courtesy of Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions.

Hege Wik and Odin appear in “FOLKTALES” by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Lars Erlend Tubaas Øymo. By Lucy Spicer School may be out for the kids, but part of growing up is realizing it’s never too late to […]

The post Release Rundown: What to Watch in July, From “FOLKTALES” to “Oh, Hi!” first appeared on sundance.org.

Experience the most documented exorcism in history at home on Digital NOW Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen

Altitude has announced that the real life exorcism horror, The Ritual, is available to watch at home now on digital platforms. After a wide theatrical release on 30th May, the film will now be available to watch at home.

Based on True Events. The harrowing true story of the exorcism of Emma Schmidt, and the two priests who went to war with Satan to save her soul.

The Ritual stars Academy Award-winner Al Pacino (The Godfather trilogy), and Dan Stevens (Abigail), with Ashley Greene (The Twilight Saga) and Abigail Cowen (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) rounding out the cast. The film was directed by David Midell (The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain), who co-wrote the film with Enrico Natale (Catalyst).

Using extensive notes taken at the time by Father Steiger, portrayed by Dan Stevens, The Ritual is a faithful and terrifying depiction of the case of Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen), also known as Anna Ecklund. With her first episode having been documented at age fourteen, Emma Schmidt’s alleged decades of demonic possession culminated in a series of exorcisms in 1928. Her case was taken on by Father Theophilus Riesinger, portrayed in the film by Academy Award-winner Al Pacino.

The production was filmed in a real parish. The local priest, Father Aaron Williams, consulted about exorcisms and the struggles of witnessing such rituals, as well as the effects on the sufferers.

Check out the trailer below:

Read more Winners of Fest Anča International Animation Festival 2025 Winners of Fest Anča International Animation Festival 2025 Rick W / Tuesday, July 1, 2025 0 3 photo: Šimon Lupták The 18th Fest Anča International Animation Festival has announced its award-winning films and directors. The Anča Award for Best Animated Short went to I Died in Irpin, while the Best Slovak Animated Short was awarded to Overture. These winning titles are now one step closer to the Oscar® Award, as Fest Anča remains the only Academy Awards® qualifying festival in Slovakia. This year’s international jury recognized films that reflect the disintegrating times we live in that resonate with the festival’s 2025 theme – OUR BODIES. Best Animated Short The main award went to I Died in Irpin, directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Anastasiia Falileieva. This Czech-Slovak-Ukrainian co-production tells the story of the protagonist and her partner fleeing Kyiv for Irpin during the events of February 24, 2022. The international jury – Sara Koppel, Raman Djafari, and Aneta Ozorek – praised the film’s powerful connection between the global and the personal: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine – which has destroyed communities and killed thousands – is ongoing. In the midst of this horror, a young woman is trapped in a house with her unfaithful boyfriend and his parents. This film shows how the political and the personal intertwine, painting a vibrant and emotionally rich document of the lived experience of a survivor. In all its pain, it leaves the viewer with hope and a belief in resilience and resistance.”   The jury awarded the Special Mention to the French film Exploding Girl, directed by the duo Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel. The film follows the story of Candice, a girl who explodes two or three times a day. “Living in this moment means living in an age of genocide, oppression, rising authoritarianism and climate catastrophe. What anchors many of us are the people we love – the people who make us feel like we belong. This powerful film gives voice to the painful feeling of losing that love amidst the horrors of our times. It is a warning message: If we don’t change things now, this will not end well,” said the jury. Best Student Animated Short The same jury awarded the Anča Award for Best Student Animated Short to Mother’s Child by director Naomi Noir. This Dutch film explores the fusion of motherhood being a full-time carer for her disabled son. The jury praised the film for telling a story with sensitiveness and bringing dignity to the conversation about society’s most vulnerable members.   The Special Mention was awarded to a film that portrays the world of a small child facing loss and finding comfort in loving imagination. This recognition goes to the German film Pear Garden by Shadab Shayegan, an author originally from Iran. Best Slovak Animated Short The student film Overture by Jakub Hronský from UMPRUM – the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague – won the Slovak competition. The film depicts humanoid insects whose presence and actions continuously alter and transform the surrounding world of a Bratislava housing estate. The jury – Sawako Kabuki, Lea Vidaković and João Gonzalez – praised the film's striking visuals and "Kafkaesque" atmosphere The Special Mention went to Boiling Shapes by Samuel Read more 2025 Annual Awards Interviews: Romain Meurquin, director of “Don’t Worry Grandma” 2025 Annual Awards Interviews: Romain Meurquin, director of “Don’t Worry Grandma” Rick W / Tuesday, July 1, 2025 0 2 Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for an exclusive interview with French filmmaker Romain Meurquin, director of Don’t Worry Grandma. Recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed) during the IndieX Film Fest 2025 Annual Awards at Regal LA Live, Los Angeles. Written, directed, and produced by Romain Meurquin, Don’t Worry Grandma has its world premiere during the event […] Read more 2025 Annual Awards Interviews: The Team Behind “Wish” 2025 Annual Awards Interviews: The Team Behind “Wish” Rick W / Tuesday, July 1, 2025 0 2 Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for exclusive interviews with India Darling and Emiliana Jasper, lead actresses of Wish, along with director Janelle Christa and composer Anna Sacks. Recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed) during the IndieX Film Fest 2025 Annual Awards at Regal LA Live, Los Angeles. Written, directed, and produced by IndieX Annual Award-winning alumna […] Read more IFMCA, World Soundtrack Awards, collaborate on 2025 WSA Public Choice Award IFMCA, World Soundtrack Awards, collaborate on 2025 WSA Public Choice Award Rick W / Tuesday, July 1, 2025 0 2 The International Film Music Critics Association is delighted to announce its continued partnership with Film Fest Gent and the World Soundtrack Awards.  As has been the case since 2016, the IFMCA was again asked to create the shortlist for the WSA Public Choice Award, the winner of which will be revealed at the 25th World […] Read more Distributor Monday #4: A24 / Bugonia Has a Teaser / Tidbits: Hedda, It Was Just and Accident, Two Prosecutors Distributor Monday #4: A24 / Bugonia Has a Teaser / Tidbits: Hedda, It Was Just and Accident, Two Prosecutors Rick W / Tuesday, July 1, 2025 0 2  DISTRIBUTOR MONDAY #4: A24 We continue to look at film distribution outlets that have historically had a strong presence at the Telluride Film Festival to see what films they might be proffering to TFF for the 2025 edition.  Today's company is A24.  A24 first landed at Telluride in 2012 with Ginger and Rosa and followed the next year with Jonathan Glazer's Under the Skin which made quite the splash.  Since then A24 has been an almost constant presence at TFF.  Since their debut at T-ride in 2012, A24 has only missed three times: 2014, 2018 and last year.  Last year's absence ended a four year run of A24 having multiple films at the fest including 2023 when it had four: Janet Planet, Occupied City, Tuesday and The Zone of Interest. So, where does that put A24 on the possibility of being back at TFF in 2025? The odds suggest that they will be back but...I'm not so sure.  A24 has two pretty big films set to come out this fall season.  Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme (Dec. 25th)  and Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine (Oct. 3rd).  Pretty clearly with its Christmas Day release, A24 thinks that Marty Supreme is prime awards season catnip.  With Timothee Chalamet in the lead, they're probably right.   The Smashing Machine is intriguing.  As attested to by what we've seen from photos from the set, Dwayne Johnson has managed a significant makeover.  I get the sense that this is Johnson's play for a prestige picture. Trying to divine A24's release strategy for these and additionally any fall festival strategy is tough to do.  There are credible reports that The Smashing Machine will play Venice.  Not so much as regards Marty Supreme. It's worth noting that the Safdie Brothers and A24 debuted Uncut Gems at Telluride in 2019.  It subsequently played Toronto, New York and London before opening in limited release on Dec. 13th followed by going wide on Christmas Day. A24 also has a couple of other possibilities.  Here's the rundown for each listed in alphabetical order.  All participants who have attended TFF in the past are indicated with *. Eternity.  Director: David Freyne.  Stars: Miles Teller*, Elizabeth Olsen, DaVine Joy Randolph. Release date: TBD.  IMDb description: After death, everybody gets one week to choose where to spend eternity. For Joan, Larry, and Luke, it's really a question of who to spend it with. This film is a true wild card from A24 at this point. Marty Supreme.  Director: Josh Safdie*.  Stars: Timothee Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion.  Release date: Dec. 25th.  IMDb description: Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. Marty probably is A24's best shot at an awards season Read more July Screening | MARLEE MATLIN Rick W / Tuesday, July 1, 2025 0 8 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… Source Read more WHEN EVERYTHING IS LOST, YOU'LL RISE AGAIN | Emotional Epic Orchestral Music Mix WHEN EVERYTHING IS LOST, YOU'LL RISE AGAIN | Emotional Epic Orchestral Music Mix Rick W / Monday, June 30, 2025 0 8 When the world crumbles… when all that mattered is gone… That’s when heroes rise from the ashes.' "WHEN EVERYTHING IS LOST, YOU'LL RISE AGAIN" is an emotional epic orchestral music mix crafted for those moments when you feel broken — yet refuse to fall. Let these cinematic melodies guide your pain, your memories, and your rise. ? This mix features: • Epic emotional orchestral tracks • Haunting strings, powerful choirs, and atmospheric soundscapes • A soundtrack of tragedy, sacrifice, and rebirth ? Perfect for: • Storytelling, writing, and cinematic projects • Emotional reflection or motivation • Fantasy world-building and gaming • Epic background music for trailers or visual art ? If you're drawn to the sounds of: Two Steps From Hell, Audiomachine, Thomas Bergersen, Ivan Torrent, Jo Blankenburg — this is your soundtrack for resilience. ? Everyone falls… the brave rise again. If this mix speaks to your soul, LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more emotional epic soundtracks. ? Hashtags to boost discovery: #EmotionalEpicMusic #EpicOrchestralMix #RiseAgain #CinematicMusic #EmotionalSoundtrack #EpicMusic2025 #WhenEverythingIsLost #OrchestralMusicMix #EpicMotivation #EpicSadMusic? Playlist: 01. 00:00:00 Twelve Titans Music - We Stand In Silence 02. 00:03:22 Scott Buckley - Echoes 03. 00:09:19 Shaheen Fahmy & Phoenix Music - Wrath (Epic Music World) 04. 00:12:52 Ben Berkenbosch - Identity 05. 00:16:53 Twelve Titans Music - Weightless 06. 00:20:12 Mighty Pixel - Epiphany 07. 00:22:35 Sami J. Laine - Remembrance 08. 00:25:09 Twelve Titans Music - The Evening Fog 09. 00:28:17 Twelve Titans Music - Coda 10. 00:31:42 Christian Post - Where Heroes Fall 11. 00:35:23 Mufaya - Carry My Warmth 12. 00:40:57 Ben Berkenbosch - For A Broken Dream 13. 00:49:21 Ben Berkenbosch - Fears And Feelings 14. 00:53:30 David Chappell - Arrow of Time 15. 00:58:19 Andreas Kübler - For The Fallen (IMAscore) 16. 01:01:13 Emil Nilsson - Leaving 17. 01:05:19 Rachel Nusbaumer - Fragile as Life 18. 01:07:24 Apollon de Moura - Final Salute (IMAscore) 19. 01:10:17 MattNG - Moving On 20. 01:12:47 Maves - Above The Clouds 21. 01:15:22 David Chappell - Live To See Tomorrow 22. 01:19:36 Ben Berkenbosch - Lost 23. 01:22:20 Adrian Gucze - Forsaken Hearts (IMAscore) 24. 01:24:51 MattNG - In Memorys Lane 25. 01:28:44 Brian Delgado - Forgotten 26. 01:31:07 Dan Thiessen - Who Will Help Me Carry Him (Epic Music World) 27. 01:35:28 Amadeus Indetzki - We Will Find A Way 28. 01:36:22 Amadeus Indetzki - Stones 29. 01:37:55 Max Grigoryev - The Fallen 30. 01:40:56 Ben Berkenbosch - Waiting For A Falling Star 31. 01:43:23 Brian Delgado - Remember ?This Mix features Music from: https://pastebin.com/2EqpYrdD ▂ ? Image & Animation by Realtime Motion Studios ★ Image: https://www.deviantart.com/realtimemotionstudio/art/1210401036 ★ Buy Your Animation: https://realtimemotionstudios.sell.app/ ▂ © Copyright Info ✔ Be aware nearly all music and the pictures belongs to the original artists. ✔ This video was given a special license directly from the artists. ✖ I am in no position to give anyone permission to use the music which is not marked as "Label: Epic Music World" Read more RSS Load next 10 article(s) (4611 left)Loading...