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
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 !!!
“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, 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.”
The Bulletin Board
ANNOUNCEMENTS / CALL FOR ENTRIES recommended by filmfestivals.com:
Dear filmmakers friends do not miss these Festivals in Focus.
Bruno Chatelin and the Filmfestivals.com Team wish you much success on the festival circuit
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!
Website I
Read more
Filmmakers Norm Coyne, Kate Kroll, and acclaimed actor Edward James Olmos have teamed up to bring Good to Be Seen to life—a powerful documentary about Battlestar Galactica star Michael Hogan’s remarkable journey back to the stage after a life-altering accident left him brain-injured, paralyzed, and partially blind.
The inspiring story of actor and Battlestar Galactica star Michael Hogan is set to begin filming in 2025. The documentary chronicles his journey to return to acting after suffering a debilitating brain injury and has already piqued the interest of Accessible MediaInc., along with support from the Disability Screen Office.
Filmmakers and co-producers Norm Coyne (Barker Street Cinema) and Kate Kroll (Black Moon Media) have teamed up with actor Edward James Olmos to bring the feature-length to life. Good to Be Seen tells the story of Hogan and his wife Susan as he attempts his return to the stage after the accident that left him brain-injured, paralyzed and partially blind.
“Hogan is the kind of actor that commands attention on screen. His current journey is beyond inspirational.”- Norm Coyne, Co-Producer, Good to Be Seen Michael Hogan is a Canadian screen acting legend with prominent roles in series like Teen Wolf, Battlestar Galactica, and Fargo. This documentary will combine archival footage and performances, with interviews from Hogan’s co-stars, including Oscar nominees Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene and Edward James Olmos, who is also an executive producer on the film.
“This is more than your classic comeback story. It’s a beautiful love story and a moving portrayal of the family support that accompanies Hogan as he faces a challenging future/ way of life post-accident.”- Kate Kroll, Co-Producer, Good to Be Seen The production comes at a time when other documentaries highlighting life with a disability, such as Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story which recently won a BAFTA award and Michael J. Fox’s Still, have hit the screens and helped drive conversation around the topic.
Good to Be Seen will be shooting throughout 2025. Telefilm Canada has provided development support.
Background
Kroll was the recipient of the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award for her work on the dramatic comedy Portraits from a Fire (Crave/Photon Films), which had a theatrical release on 33 screens across Canada, as well as for the documentary Lunatic (Telefilm/Ted Rogers/Raven Banner). Coyne executive produced an adaptation of Stephen King’s Sherlock Holmes story The Doctor’s Case and was also a past nominee of the CMPA Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award, recognized for his work in developing rural shooting locations.
Coyne and Kroll had previously worked together on the sci-fi short Conquest which world premiered at Fantasia International Film Festival. The film was shot entirely on location at Northern FanCon, the same event where Coyne first met Michael Hogan.
Conquest was later adapted into a feature film with support from the Rogers Indigenous Film Fund. The success of this project laid the foundation for their ongoing partnership, including their current documentary in development.
Congratulations to the Rockie Awards International Program Competition nominees
We are pleased to announce 152 incredible programs, representing 22 countries and selected from entries submitted from 45 countries, are vying for this year's top honours across 30 categories in BANFF's flagship competition recognizing excellence in global screen content.
|
Screen clips from all nominated shows HERE and meet the nominees at the Banff World Media Festival this June.
This year, for the first time, the prestigious BANFF Gala Awards and the Rockie Awards International Program Competition will unite in a single, must-attend event.
“This will be a spectacular night celebrating the industry’s most influential leaders alongside the world’s top creative talent — all in one room, under one roof." said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival.
Join us live at BANFF on Monday, June 9th at 5:30pm MT (4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET) for a special night of industry recognition and inspiration.
|
|
|
Aamir turns 60, celebrates birthday with media
It was producer Tahir Hussain’s residence on Pali Hill, Bandra, where I first saw his cute son Aamir. Aged about seven, he was sitting on a chair and apparently studying or doing his home-work. The year was 1972, and Tahir Hussain wanted me to help him get permission to shoot his new film Anamika’s first scene in my college, National College, which is situated on Linking Road. I had been a student of that college, and had held many posts, including Secretary of the Dramatics Society, so I could convince the college’s principal and Board to grant permission for the shooting. Tahir Hussain’s nephew, his sister’s son, Tariq, was also a student of the same college and a friend. It was he who took me to meet Tahir Hussain. He also offered me a bit role as the college’s Hindi Association Secretary, who receives acclaimed writer Sanjeev Kumar as a visiting invitee, to talk about his novels, and Asrani. Asrani was playing his secretary. TahirSaahab and I were talking about locations, scenes, dialogue, costume, etc.
After a few minutes, Tahir noticed that Aamir was keenly listening to our conversation and not doing any school-work. He chastises Aamir, and told him to concentrate on his studies, and not eavesdrop on filmy talk, otherwise he would be sent to the inner room. Little must Tahir have known that his little boy will become one of the topmost stars of the Indian film industry. The shooting was arranged, and my bit role as Lakshman Singh, shot almost exactly where I would have normally hung out with college-mates. You can see it in the released version. In fact, the titles were superimposed on Sanjeev Kumar, Asrani, me and others, sitting on the dais.
During 1972-1980, I contributed a lot to the two banners, Tahir Hussain’s TV Films’ Zakhmee and Dulha Bikta Hai, and elder brother Nasir Hussain’s Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Hum Kisise Kum Naheen. I turned down the itsy-bitsy role offered to me in Zakhmee, did the noticeable part in Dulha Bikta hai and made a solid contribution to the song-dance numbers in Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Hum Kisise Kum Naheen. These numbers turned out to be among highlights of the films. Nasir’s son Mansoor was directing Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT). He had seen how I and a group of up to 1000 boys and girls had added to the merits of the films. So, he asked his Dad to call me, to arrange the same, for QSQT’s song ‘Papa kehtey haen badaa naam karega.’
I met father and son at their Hill Road, Bandra office, and was briefed about the requirements. Since this sort of activity was not my mainstay, I had helped out Tariq and Nasir for free in Yaadon Ki Baaraat and for a token fee in Hum Kisise Kum Naheen. This time, I wanted to be paid, a decent, substantial sum. After all, the producer was minting money, and it was only fair to ask for a fee, for my services. Nasir was not willing to spend even half of what I had quoted. Mansoor was distraught and insistent, “Dad, Siraj’s boys and girls will add greatly to the impact of the song. I need them”. But Nasir had the last word, “The film is already over-budget. I cannot arrange more funds.” I left, with Mansoor still trying to convince his father, and Nasir remaining steadfast on his decision. The song still stands o
THE PUZZLE PALACE
“Amassing the world’s largest puzzle collection is a labor of love for one inseparable couple.”
“The Puzzle Palace” (2024) is a short documentary film about the unique love story of George and Roxanne Miller, their life living in the suburbs of Boca Raton, Florida and their mutual passion for puzzles, proud owners of one of the world’s largest puzzle collections. The film was produced and directed by Jenny Schweitzer Bell and Brian Bell and held its world premiere at SXSW.
In an interview with filmmakers Jenny Schweitzer Bell and Brian Bell about their film, here is what they had to say:
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to filmmaking?
JENNY & BRIAN: Jenny has embraced visual storytelling since adolescence, starting as a street and portrait photographer in her high school years. After college she spent fifteen years working in production, coordinating and eventually line producing narrative feature films. Brian, a natural storyteller, transitioned from radio dramas in college to screenwriting at NYU, ultimately finding his niche in producing.
How did your working relationship begin?
JENNY & BRIAN: Our paths crossed in an indie film's production office in NYC in the early 2000’s, where Jenny coordinated, and Brian assisted the producers. Marriage and family followed, and Jenny shifted to creating short documentaries while Brian continued with feature films. “The Puzzle Palace” marks our first documentary collaboration.
What do you love about documentary films that features cannot achieve?
JENNY & BRIAN: Documentaries offer a raw, unfiltered reality that scripted narratives seldom match. “The Puzzle Palace” showcases this authenticity, capturing an unscripted, unpredictable journey that outstrips fictional storytelling.
Can you share the genesis of “The Puzzle Palace” and its transformation into a film?
JENNY & BRIAN: Inspired by her father's interest in mechanical puzzles, Jenny delved into the niche world of puzzle enthusiasts, discovering the captivating Millers on YouTube. With our children away, we seized the opportunity to fly down to Boca with our cameras where we embedded ourselves in the Puzzle Palace and became fast friends with the Millers.
What message do you hope audiences derive from your film?
JENNY & BRIAN: Embrace individuality and live boldly—this film champions the spirit of uniqueness and living life to its fullest.
What was a standout puzzle during filming, and why?
JENNY & BRIAN: That’s easy. It was the life-sized replica sculpture of The Millers (they appropriately titled “The Lovers”) in an embrace with a rope belt that needed to be untied from around their waist. It epitomized the theme of the film and became the focal point.
How do puzzles enhance life quality, in your view?
JENNY & BRIAN: Puzzles mirror life's complexity and the satisfaction of problem-solving. They’re complicated and sometimes seemingly impossible to solve. But solving can ultimately bring great joy and fulfillment in one