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Finding the Zone

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This edifying piece of Americana involves a teenager who dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. His family's midwestern farm may not be the ideal environment for such an ambitious goal, but he does learn certain values here and people who love him are behind him all the way. He's a bit awkward, and his full potential is unclear, but he has talent. 

What he needs the most now is to believe

This idea of knowing you can do it, and that you deserve to make it, is a central part of the story. Director Elan Milkes plays with these elements of character through mystical interludes that bring cosmic importance to the action on the ground. It is as if he is suggesting you need to be in harmony with the universe to reach your full potential and find your purpose in life. But how do you know when you're in sync with something so much more vast than yourself? The dramatic question in Finding the Zone is whether professional baseball is, in fact, the young man's calling. 

You can watch the trailer here: Finding the Zone

Bentonville Film Festival Announces Winners of 11th Annual Festival

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BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL, LED BY GEENA DAVIS, ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 11TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL

 

“Rosemead” Wins Best Narrative Award

“The Librarians” Wins Best Documentary Award

 

The Bentonville Film Foundation, in collaboration with founding partner, Walmart, and presenting sponsor, Coca-Cola, announced the winners of their narrative, documentary, homegrown, short film, and episodic categories from the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival’s competition program. The 11th anniversary of the festival ran from June 16-22 in Bentonville, AR. The annual Festival is a globally recognized platform that champions the transformative power of storytelling—creating space for a world where every voice matters and every story is seen, heard, and valued.

 

“Rosemead” from Eric Lin won the award for Best Narrative Award and “The Librarians” directed by Kim A. Snyder took home the prize for Best Documentary Award. Additionally, the Rising to the Challenge Award, was presented to Lucy Liu, producer and star of “Rosemead”. The Rising to the Challenge Award has been given to a select few artists in the history of Bentonville Film Festival and honoring those who represent the true impact of supporting independent film both in front of and behind the camera. The Rising to the Challenge Award celebrates artists who put their talent, passion and experience on the line in the service of empowering stories that are otherwise underrepresented.

 

“These awards reflect the passion and drive of storytellers, whose work will continue to broaden perspectives and engage audiences throughout the year,” said Bentonville Film Festival Chair Geena Davis. “We congratulate our BFF award winners and we’re so thankful to every filmmaker here for their contributions to the success of this year’s BFF!”

 

Additional winners are as follows:

 

Best Narrative

Jury: Marie Jamora (Director; Guest Artistic Director of AFI's Directing Workshop for Women), Bomani J. Story (Director, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster)

 

Best Narrative: ROSEMEAD

(Director, Eric Lin; Writer, Marilyn Fu; Producers, Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, Lucy Liu)

Jury Statement: “Rosemead” captures the terrifying realities of motherhood in our contemporary era.  When culture, society, and healthcare break down, how can a mother protect her own child? With a powerhouse performance from the often underused Lucy Liu, you understand every choice she makes. Director Eric Lin sparks real world conversations about the society we’re living in through an intimate, unflinching film based on true events in the San Gabriel Valley. The very essence of what great cinema can do. 

 

Special Jury Mention for Directorial Vision: COLOR BOOK

(Director/Writer, David Fortune; Producers, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Autumn Bailey-Ford)

Jury Statement: David Fortune’s “Color Book” makes daring choices through form and subject matter.  In a stripped down tale of a father just trying to get his son to a baseball game, the film unearths profound themes about the world we live in with a consistent command of beautiful visuals, performances, and crisp storytelling. Fortune’s vision speaks through a confident hand like he’s done this many times before.

 

Special Jury Mention for Ensemble Cast: ADULT CHILDREN

(Director/Producer, Ric

Submit to NYC Indie Film Fest 18th edition

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Submit now to be a part of all the excitement and join our community of Filmmakers from around the world. See you this year in NYC and in 2026!!

Earlybird Deadline : August 31, 2025
Regular Deadline : November 30, 2025
Late Deadline : January 15, 2026
Extended Deadline : February 15, 2026
Notification Date : March 15, 2026 

 

SUBMIT I Website I Profile on filmfestivals.com I Facebook I Twitter I  I  

In a world divided by fear Independent Filmmakers from around the world join together in New York City for one week every year to share ideas, hopes and dreams. As the filmmaker's show their films, talk on panels and interact with fans, the world's similarities become obvious. Help the New York City Independent Film Festival provide a showcase for the best independent cinema, from New York City and around the world. The Festival offers the artisan filmmaker the potential for networking and distribution.

The New York City Independent Film Festival was just voted the second-best film festival in New York City by Secret New York https://secretnyc.co/best-nyc-film-festivals/. We are right behind the TriBeCa! With our budget being a fraction of TriBeCa’s this is a real honor. We are thrilled! We couldn’t do it without you and your films, so we thank you for your support.

New York City Independent Film Festival (NYCIndieFF) will celebrate the Independent Filmmaker, documentaries, short and feature-length films and animation. Whether a submission is comedic, dramatic, or something in between, The NYCIndieFF is eager to embrace fresh ideas and storytelling.

Home of the NYC Indie Awards the festival aims to discover the Artist Filmmaker, showcasing them to the entertainment industry and the NYC public. All NYCIndieFF screenings take place in the historic center of NYC, Time Square which is the perfect home for an event geared toward creating incredible opportunities for independent voices.

NYCIndieFF honors the Best in Category which includes Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Short Narrative, Best Super Short, Best Covid Diaries, as well as Best Director and Best Screenplay.

NYCIndieFF provides a showcase for the best in independent cinema, including short films, feature films, music videos, and animated works. With panels, parties and a week-long gathering of fellow indie filmmakers NYCIndieFF is the place to be June 2 to June 8, 2025 This dates may move to accommodate any and all government regulations.

Submit now to be a part of all the excitement and join our community of Filmmakers from around the world. See in this year in NYC and in 2026!!

Awards & Prizes

Trophies and certificates are awarded to all winners. Some of the confirmed prizes for 2026 are!

Opportunity for distribution include:

Shorts and Super Shorts Winners - ShortTV Distribution deal offers. (non Exclusive)
All accepted Shorts and Super Shorts - ShortTv US Broadcast offers. (non Exclusive)

This year we are adding a new prize to all the selected Feature films both narratives and documentaries. ANTIDOTE Sales will review the films and may offer a ditribution deal to the filmmaker for the film.

How “Hacks” Writers Jen Statsky and Lucia Aniello Shape the Show’s Iconic Characters

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By Jessica Herndon Hacks is more than just a show — it’s a masterclass in creative collaboration, both in front of and behind the camera. The hilarious and dramatic series thrives on the chemistry between its characters, which is a result of the dynamic partnership between the creators and writers, Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and […]

The post How “Hacks” Writers Jen Statsky and Lucia Aniello Shape the Show’s Iconic Characters first appeared on sundance.org.

The Red Sea Film Foundation (Red Sea FF) tonight hosted the Women in Cinema Gala

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The Red Sea Film Foundation celebrates Elham Ali, Jacqueline Fernandez, Gaya Jiji, Amina Khalil, Rungano Nyoni, Sarah Taibah, and Engfa Waraha at the Red Sea IFF Women in Cinema Gala

The Red Sea Film Foundation (Red Sea FF) tonight hosted the Women in Cinema Gala, celebrating the achievements of emerging female talent in front of and behind the camera, who are redefining the film industry in the Arab World, Africa and Asia.

During the event held alongside the 78th Cannes Film Festival at the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, the Red Sea FF spotlit the careers of a cohort of seven women making waves in the film and entertainment industries.

The Women in Cinema spotlight honourees this edition are; Elham Ali, a Saudi actress who is considered one of the most prominent figures in Gulf and Saudi television and cinema. She began her career in theatre before making a successful transition to acting, and is known for her work in both dramatic and comedic roles including The Cello (2023), The Prisoner (2023) and Bilal The Sixth (2021). Elham Ali is a talent writer and has served on the jury for several film festivals, including the Emmys, Saudi Film Festival and the Bahrain Film Festival.

 

Jacqueline Fernandez is a South Asian actress. Former Miss Universe Sri Lanka, Jacqueline transitioned into Bollywood and has been part of the industry for 15 years. She quickly rose to fame for her performances in Murder 2 (2011) and Housefull 2 (2012). She has several commercial box-office successes like Race 2 (2013) and Kick (2014). In 2022, Jacqueliene starred in the international anthology film Tell It Like a Woman, portraying the character Divya. The film's song "Applause," was nominated for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards. Jacqueliene also starred in her international debut dim Kill 'Em All 2, an action-packed sequel featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Beyond the screen, Jacqueline is a global ambassador for wellness and animal rights.

 

Gaya Jiji  is a Syrian filmmaker, born in Damascus who has directed three short films: The Haunted House (2003), created for a workshop at the University of Paris 8; The Father... too (2009), produced by the Damascus Arab Capital of Culture which received a Special Mention from the Jury at the FIFAK Festival - Tunisia 2009; and Morning, noon, evening... and morning (2011), which won the Best Short Film Award by Cinemag, and was selected for numerous festivals worldwide. Her first feature-length film, My Favorite Fabric, was selected in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2018 Festival de Cannes and was awarded the Women in Motion Young Talent Award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

 

Amina Khalil is one of the Arab world’s most distinguished actresses, acclaimed for her bold artistic choices, depth of performance, and commitment to authentic storytelling. Over nearly 15 years, she has starred in celebrated works such as Grand Hotel, Layali Eugenie, Leh Laa, Curfew, Face2Face, A Nose and Three Eyes and Shamarikh. The latter two both premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2024, further solidifying her reputation for powerful, layered performances.

 

Rungano Nyoni is a Zambian-Welsh director, screenwriter and actress, who gained recognition with her early shorts, including&nb

The American Pavilion Announces Programming for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival

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Special Guests Include Spike Lee, Richard Linklater, Vicky Krieps, Michael Angelo Covino, and many more
Arab Film & Media Gold House, Easterseals, The Impact Lounge, Institute, United for Business and Visit California, to present panels

 

Legendary filmmakers, acclaimed actors, and headline-making journalists will be among those featured during the upcoming Industry In Focus Series and In Conversation programming at The American Pavilion (AmPav) at the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival, it was announced by Julie Sisk, Founder and President of The American Pavilion (www.ampav.com). 

      

Panels and conversations will take place in the Roger Ebert Conference Center and are open exclusively to AmPav members (https://www.ampav.com/cannes/). Programming begins Wednesday, May 14, and continues through Thursday, May 22, with a packed schedule of more than 25 sessions planned.

 

“We’re excited to welcome such an extraordinary group of filmmakers, talent, and industry leaders to The American Pavilion,” said Julie Sisk, Founder and President. “From icons like Spike Lee and Richard Linklater to visionary voices shaping the future of film, these conversations offer our members, students, and Emerging Filmmaker Showcase entrants a rare opportunity to engage with the people pushing cinema forward.”

 

This year’s prestigious In Conversation series features intimate discussions with filmmakers Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing) and Michael Angelo Covino (The Climb, Splitsville)as well as actor Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread, Corsage). 

 

May 15 is California Day at The American Pavilion, presented by Visit California, California Film Commission, California Wine Commission, Love Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey Tourism Board, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism, and Visit West Hollywood.   Conversations will center around Filming In California- The Opportunities and the Misconception, and Filming Across Decades- Insights from Seasoned Storytellers.  

 

Presented by United for Business, Indiewire hosts a series of Future of Filmmaking panels which include conversations about international production, film finance, distribution, documentaries, short films, AI, and other topics.  The series features a keynote chat with the contemplative and insightful filmmaker, Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Boyhood, Dazed and Confused)

On May 18 and 19, the American Pavilion presents House Party, a two-day summit featuring bold voices and global perspectives in film. Highlights include panels from the Arab Film & Media Institute, The Impact Lounge, and a conversation hosted by Easterseals on reimagining disability inclusion in entertainment, featuring actor and filmmaker Nic Novicki. Additional sessions—Global Storytelling and Why These Stories Matter: Representation in Hollywood—will explore the power and urgency of authentic, diverse narratives. Gold House will also host a Fireside Chat with Lucky Lu director Lloyd Lee Choi and producer Nina Yang Bongiovi

TELL ME IT WASN'T FOR NOTHING | Emotional Epic Music Mix

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Dive into a powerful journey of emotion and intensity with this orchestral epic music mix. Featuring heart-stirring strings, haunting piano melodies, and cinematic soundscapes, this mix is perfect for moments of reflection, storytelling, writing, or simply feeling deeply. Whether you're seeking inspiration or healing through music, “Tell Me It Wasn’t for Nothing” delivers a dramatic blend of sorrow, hope, and resilience. ? Playlist: all music labeled by Atom Music Audio: 01. 00:00 Gates to Elysium (Alexandros Nikolaidis) 02. 03:31 Caller of the Tide (Dmitry Ustinov) 03. 07:37 When You Were Here (Martí Brugué Noguer - Infinity Music) 04. 10:03 Stronger Than Ever (Michael Sciabbarrasi) 05. 12:53 No One Left Behind (Martí Brugué Noguer - Infinity Music) 06. 15:29 We Die for Earth (Michael Sciabbarrasi, Ariel Yznardo) 07. 18:19 Daybreak (Dmitry Ustinov) 08. 20:50 Requiem (Benjamin T. Jackson) 09. 24:29 Someday (Marco Iannello, Rob Boak) 10. 26:59 Gone (Martí Brugué Noguer - Infinity Music) 11. 28:47 Our Last Hope (Michael Sciabbarrasi) 12. 32:16 Raindrops (Dmitry Ustinov) 13. 34:33 Time for Glory (Bohdan Yeremenko) 14. 37:18 The Age of Titans (Ariel Yznardo) 15. 39:43 Farewell My Love (Marco Iannello, Rob Boak, Andre Stepanian) 16. 42:15 Rain of Ash (Alexandros Nikolaidis) 17. 45:10 Moonshadow (Dmitry Ustinov) 18. 48:09 Brave (Jonathan Mayer) 19. 51:38 Just Stay (Martí Brugué Noguer - Infinity Music) 20. 53:27 Always in My Heart (Marco Iannello, Rob Boak) 21. 56:33 Afterlife (Lisa Van Hal) 22. 59:05 A New Dawn (Andrew Clark) Follow Atom Music Audio: ▸ Official website: https://www.atommusicaudio.com/ ▸ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atommusicaudio ▸ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/atommusicaudio ▸ Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/atommusicaudio ▸ Bandcamp: https://atommusicaudio.bandcamp.com/ ▸ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mdHq1PxUDKTgjuGwCn4Ps ▸ Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/10602339 ▸ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/atom-music-audio/1267707621 ▸ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B01MQDDBP7/atom-music-audio ▂ ? Image & Animation by Realtime Motion Studios ★ Image: https://www.deviantart.com/realtimemotionstudio/art/Elegy-of-the-Fallen-1188363060 ★ Buy Your Animation: https://realtimemotionstudios.sell.app/ ▂ © Copyright Info ✔ Be aware all music and 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 this .➝ Please ask the artists and NOT me for permission !!!

SIFF announces lineup for 51st annual Seattle International Film Festival

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“Our lineup reflects our two main focuses this year: international and independent voices”; 73% of the Festival’s 245 films are currently without US distribution and feature titles from 74 countries/regions around the globe communicating in 63 different languages 

SIFF announced today the lineup of films screening at the 51st Seattle International Film Festival, to be held May 15-25 at venues across the Seattle area and followed by a week of select encore screenings on the SIFF Channel May 26-June 1. This year, the Festival will screen 245 films from 74 countries/regions around the globe communicating in 63 different languages including 83 features, 122 short films in 14 different programs, 35 documentaries, three archival features, and two secret films.

“At a time when the cultural cornerstones of discovery and diversity that make art so important are being threatened, SIFF is doubling down on bringing those stories to the screen,” says SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett. “Our lineup reflects our two main focuses this year: international and independent voices. A large majority of these films are currently without distribution, and may not return to theatres. Discovery and connection are at the very core of who we are, and we hope these 10 days are an escape into new worlds and bold, audacious artistic visions. With more than 60% of films coming from new voices, you might meet your next favorite filmmaker.”

The Festival slate includes 19 world premieres, 27 North American premieres, and 13 US premieres. Nearly 51% of our filmmakers are female or nonbinary-identifying, 37% identify as a BIPOC director, and 20% identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. 60% of the feature films are from first- or second-time filmmakers, and 73% of films don’t currently have US distribution and may not screen commercially in the United States.

The Festival will open with Darren Thornton’s heartwarming Irish intergenerational comedy Four Mothers, starring James McArdle and Fionnula Flanagan. The film, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, will screen at 7:00pm at The Paramount Theatre with Thornton in attendance and be followed by the Opening Night afterparty in the theater and outdoors on Ninth Avenue. 

Closing Night will feature Eva Victor’s Barry Jenkins produced seriocomic drama Sorry, Baby from A24. The film will screen at 6:00pm at SIFF Cinema Downtown, followed by an audience Q&A with writer/director Eva Victor. After the film and Q&A, a Closing Night Party will be held at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) to celebrate the culmination of the Festival.

Additional highlights of the Festival include new restorations of The Glass Web in 3-D and Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers at SIFF Cinema Downtown; the Festival fan favorite Secret Fest, ​​which includes two confidential and unannounced screenings that require each viewer to sign an NDA prior to attending; and the 10th anniversary 4th World Media Lab, a year-long fellowship for emerging and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers.

The Festival will be a hybrid experience, with in-person screenings of all films at venues across the Seattle area, including SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Film Center, SIFF Cinema Downtown, AMC Pacific Place 11, The Paramount Theatre, and Shoreline Community College Theater. The Festival will be followed by a week of select films streaming on the SIFF Channel from May 26-June 1.

A variety of film and event passes and ticket packs are on sale now. Tickets for individual screenings go on sale to SIFF members on April 23 and to the general public on Ap

The Rising Star Program in Cannes 2025 Cohort Unveiled.

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The Rising Star Program, a full-service career accelerator, film market access, and mentorship initiative known for elevating visionary talent, proudly announces the 2025 cohort that will be present in Cannes during the film festival and market. This program is designed to spotlight the next wave of emerging filmmakers and actors at various international industry events. 

The 2025 cohort features nine Rising Stars poised to make their mark on the industry.

Maria Allred (USA) – A daring filmmaker and producer, and an instigator of process-oriented filmmaking where art and reality interweave. She’s bringing two new features in development to market.

Linjie “LJ” Huang (China & USA) – Filmmaker presenting her short “Chase Jupiter” in the official selection of the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmakers Showcase.

Andrew Davies Gans (USA) – A seasoned producer who has just completed his directorial debut, a documentary titled “VOICES: The Danny Gans Story”, about his legendary father. Available for World Rights.

Charlotte Quyao Zhi (China & USA) – Filmmaker blending surreal storytelling with emotional realism to reflect on social issues and the complexities of the human experience.

Kristina Klebe (USA & Germany) – A multihyphenate actress, writer, and filmmaker who just completed her autobiographical directorial debut feature “Noxturne”, which is available for World Rights and World Premiere.

Byron Clohessy (USA) – A prolific actor and musician who has just completed his first feature film as a producer.

Anne Giroux (Canada) – A French Canadian actress and filmmaker dedicated to artistic expression through directing, performance, and writing.

Danicah Waldo (USA) – Filmmaker presenting her short film Sally, Get the Potatoes in the official selection of the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmakers Showcase.

Mélanie Dumais (Canada) – A talented French Canadian actress known for her ability to bring gravitas, authenticity, and depth to every character she portrays.

“At the Rising Star Program, we believe that every artist with talent, purpose, and a unique voice deserves to be discovered,” says program manager and publicist Sonia Gonzalvo Pharand. “This program is about global positioning. These artists are here in Cannes not just to be seen, but to be remembered.”

 

 
 

Partner festivals calling early april

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Dear filmmakers friends do not miss these Festivals in Focus.  

 

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Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival September 2 – 7, 2025 July 1, 2025: Regular Deadline July 15, 2025: Late Deadline

The Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival is consistently recognized as one of the "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" by MovieMaker Magazine. Thank you!

Submit on Filmfreeway

The recurring theme of the annual Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival is "Other Places, Other People"; the festival's purpose is to encourage attendees to think broadly (about how huge the world of film is) and deeply (about the universal concerns and desires that unite all people). About 90% of all film selections are non-US productions, helping to fulfill the festival mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film.

International Jury Competition – 10 films will be selected from festival's worldwide entries and screened in the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival short film showcase. Jury members will select the winning film for a jury cash prize and presentation at Short Film Finalist showcase program on Saturday, September 6th.

We accept either fiction or non-fiction short films. Our festival's programming is about exploring other cultures/people in the world -- so please keep that in mind before submitting.

Jury Prize of $2000 USD cash for winning short film

 

We look forward to viewing your film /project! 

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