WorldFest was founded over 53 years ago as Cinema Arts, an International Film Society in August, 1961. WorldFest became the third competitive international film festival in North America, following San Francisco and New York. WorldFest is the oldest Independent Film & Video Festival in the Whole Wide World. It evolved into a competitive International Film Festival in April, 1968.

WorldFest was founded by award-winning producer/director Hunter Todd to present a quality film festival for the Independent filmmakers. Hunter Todd has been honored with more than 115 international awards for creative excellence in film production, and he has been the producer, director, writer and/or cameraman on more than 300 motion picture and video productions. He has served as the member of the International Jury on more than 25 world-wide film festivals, from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Korea, Ireland and Bulgaria. He is the longest running Film Festival Director in the whole wide world! The mission/vision statement of WorldFest is ~ To recognize and honor outstanding creative excellence in film & video, to validate brilliant abilities and to promote cultural tourism for Houston, to develop film production in the region and to add to the rich cultural fabric of the city of Houston. All members of the WorldFest staff are filmmakers.

WorldFest is one of the oldest and largest film & video competitions in the world, with more than 4,574 category entries received from 74 nations in 2020. Actually WorldFest is 10 Major film & video competitions in one event, unlike Cannes, Sundance and Toronto, which are just 2 competitions for shorts and features only.

WorldFest was founded over 53 years ago as Cinema Arts, an International Film Society in August, 1961. WorldFest became the third competitive international film festival in North America, following San Francisco and New York. WorldFest is the oldest Independent Film & Video Festival in the Whole Wide World. It evolved into a competitive International Film Festival in April, 1968.

WorldFest was founded by award-winning producer/director Hunter Todd to present a quality film festival for the Independent filmmakers. Hunter Todd has been honored with more than 115 international awards for creative excellence in film production, and he has been the producer, director, writer and/or cameraman on more than 300 motion picture and video productions. He has served as the member of the International Jury on more than 25 world-wide film festivals, from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Korea, Ireland and Bulgaria. He is the longest running Film Festival Director in the whole wide world! The mission/vision statement of WorldFest is ~ To recognize and honor outstanding creative excellence in film & video, to validate brilliant abilities and to promote cultural tourism for Houston, to develop film production in the region and to add to the rich cultural fabric of the city of Houston. All members of the WorldFest staff are filmmakers.

WorldFest is one of the oldest and largest film & video competitions in the world, with more than 4,574 category entries received from 74 nations in 2020. Actually WorldFest is 10 Major film & video competitions in one event, unlike Cannes, Sundance and Toronto, which are just 2 competitions for shorts and features only.

23rd BROOKLYN FILM FESTIVAL (May 29 – June 7, 2020) WINNERS:

INTO THE STORM Wins The Grand Chameleon Award and Best Documentary Feature

Best Narrative Feature – OUR OWN

Brooklyn Film Festival’s 23rd edition: TURNING POINT (aka Relearn How to be Human), which in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic began showing films for free online on Friday, May 29th and wrapped up Sunday, June 7th, announced the winners of the festival’s awards over the course of the day on Saturday, June 6th, with the Audience Awards and The Grand Chameleon Award announced on Sunday afternoon, bestowing a total of 30 awards to this year’s festival filmmakers.

Through the resources of industry-related sponsors, selected filmmakers will be sharing a total of $50,000 in cash, products and services. Award packages include prizes from Sobre Vista Resort, AbelCine, Xeno Lights, Be Electric, WNET, MPE, Final Draft, Lentini Communications, Media Services, Noble Jewelry, The Pod Hotel, Papapietro Perry Winery and Brooklyn Film Society.

And the winners are:

GRAND CHAMELEON AWARD– Dir. Adam Brown for the Documentary Feature INTO THE STORM [EN LA TORMENTA]

Best Narrative Feature– Dir. Jeanne Leblanc for the film OUR OWN

Jury Statement:In this category’s strong competition, the jury found that OUR OWN distinguished itself with its unwavering gaze at difficult issues and its formal control. Director Jeanne Leblanc captures the disconnect between the apparently ordinary households of a suburban neighborhood and the ugliness beneath the surface, problems that extend well beyond the film’s original sin. Its admirable qualities include courageous performances and a refusal to resolve itself in a conventionally reassuring way.

Best Documentary Feature– Dir. Adam Brown for the film INTO THE STORM [EN LA TORMENTA]

Jury Statement:The judges were thoroughly inspired by Jhonny’s story in INTO THE STORM. Thanks to the filmmakers’ excellent access, we felt that we were right there alongside him, experiencing the various ups and downs inherent to an athlete’s journey. We also applaud the excellent cinematography which superbly caught both Jhonny’s moves on the surfboard and stunning views of the ocean.

Best Narrative Short– Dir. Georgi M. Unkovski for the film STICKER

Jury Statement:STICKER is a rare achievement. One in which the filmmakers manage to perfectly balance humor and humanity, parental love and outlaw determination, inside a masterfully made film. It infuses us with joy as it impresses us with its technical skill.

Best Documentary Short– Dir. Malcolm Rizzuto and and Spencer Garrison for the film EAT WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY

Jury Statement:The Jury found EAT WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY extremely creative and strikingly funny. As an autobiographical tale on the immigrant experience from a unique perspective, it felt fresh and innovative. Presented through lively animation that details the complex – but also loving – story behind the relationship between a young man and his grandmother, we thoroughly enjoyed this film and encourage the filmmakers to keep creating.

Best Animation– Dir. Zige Zhang for the film KING OF THE HOUSE

Jury Statement:The Animation we selected as winner of the category is KING OF THE HOUSE. Zige Zhang’s exquisitely illustrated and pacy tale shines the spotlight on inequality. She nudges us to see that our shared humanity holds the key.

Best Experimental– Dir. Garry Stewart for the film THE CIRCADIAN CYCLE

Jury Statement:The jury is pleased to name THE CIRCADIAN CYCLE as the BFF 2020 winner for Best Experimental Short for its combination of striking cinematography, intriguing choreography, resonant score and conceptual depth. As the film shifts from vast wild landscapes to intimate explorations of the human form, it unites dance and the natural world in an eloquent expression of life’s rhythms.

Best New Director

HIGHER LOVE by HASAN OSWALD

Best Brooklyn Project

SUMMER IN THE CITY by MOJO LORWIN

Spirit Awards

Feature Narrative

SUFFOCATION by KENYA MÁRQUEZ

Feature Documentary

HIGHER LOVE by HASAN OSWALD

Short Documentary

SUNDAYS AT THE TRIPLE NICKEL by JESSICA COLQUHOUN

Short Narrative

IDOL by ALEX WU

Experimental

SUITE AFTER THE FURIES by KEVIN MCGLOUGHLIN

Animation

PITCH BLACK PANACEA by TOM HARDIMAN

Audience Awards

Feature Narrative

MACABRE by MARCOS PRADO

Feature Documentary

INTO THE STORM [EN LA TORMENTA] by ADAM BROWN

Short Documentary

THEY by LOUISA RECHENBACH

Short Narrative

THE PRESENT by FARAH NABULSI

Experimental

INHUMAN LOVE by ADAM HAYES and NICK HAYES

Animation

WADE by UPAMANYU BHATTACHARYYA and KALP SANGHVI

KidsFilmFest

CRAMMING by DAN PERLMAN

Certificates of Outstanding Achievement

Producer

RODRIGO RÍOS LEGASPI for BEFORE OBLIVION

Screenplay

MORGAN INGARI for MILKWATER

Cinematography

VINCENT BIRON for I’LL END UP IN JAIL

Editing

MACIEJ DRUNO SOSNOWSKI for ROTTEN EARS

Style

ASHLEY EAKIN for SINGLE

Original Score

XIAO ZHUANG MA for THE JOURNEY OF MURDER

Actor Female

SUSANA ALCANTARA for WOMAN WITHOUT A CHILD

Actor Male

KYLE CHEN for IDOL

Brooklyn Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As we’re offering the 2020 festival online for free, please consider making a donation to BFF.

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS

The 67^th Sydney Film Festival tonight awarded Descent by Nays Baghai the prestigious Documentary Australia Film Foundation Award for Best Australian Documentary, out of a selection of 10 films. 

The $10,000 cash prize was awarded to Nays Baghai at the Festival’s Virtual Edition Awards Presentation.

Accepting the award, Nays Baghai said: “Wow! I cannot describe how honoured, grateful and ecstatic I feel having received this amazing award. Just being nominated was already a huge honour for me, and I would like to say thank you so much to the Sydney Film Festival team and judges, as well as everyone who was a part of this film. That includes my friends and family, and I owe a lot to their support and encouragement.”

Alex Wu won the $7000 cash prize for the Dendy Live Action Short Award for Idol. The $7000 Rouben Mamoulian Award for Best Director in the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films was awarded to Eliza Scanlen for Mukbang. The $5000 Yoram Gross Animation Award went to Sara Hirner and Rosemary Vasquez-Brown for GNT.

Dendy Live Action Short Award winner, Alex Wu said: “I am absolutely stunned by this massive honour. I still remember volunteering at the Sydney Film Festival when I was 18 years old; to not only be a part of the festival, but to also be awarded the Dendy Award for Best Live-Action Short, is nothing short of a dream come true. Thank you so much to Dendy and the Sydney Film Festival, I am forever grateful.”

Accepting the Rouben Mamoulian Award, Eliza Scanlen said: "It is such an honour to have our film in this year’s Sydney Film Festival and to receive the Rouben Mamoulian award for Mukbang. During this time, the world has been reminded of just how important cinema is in its ability to enlighten and help us understand one another more deeply."

"Creating Mukbang was a labour of love; it gave me the opportunity to collaborate with so many inspiring and talented young filmmakers. I can’t wait to see what our generation will continue to create and how the film industry will open doors to allow more opportunities like this come to life.  Thank you to the Sydney Film Festival for all of your support."

Yoram Gross Animation Award winners, Sara Hirner and Rosemary Vasquez- Brown jointly said: “GNT winning the animation prize is such an honour. We are from Sydney and watch the festival every year, so it’s really a moment to cherish. Thank you so much for all the positive feedback, we hope it gives everyone a little giggle at this time.”

 Sydney Film Festival CEO Leigh Small said: “There is one more weekend to view films before the Festival closes. Already over 25,000 views have been purchased with 20% interstate." 

Head of Screen NSW, Grainne Brunsdon said: “Screen NSW congratulates the Sydney Film Festival for delivering a thought-provoking virtual Festival in unprecedented circumstances. Starting conversations across the nation at a time when we’ve craved connection to the stories and experiences of other people more than ever – rewarding curiosity, and pulling into focus the diversity and talent of our NSW industry.”

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said: “The arts community was one of the first to be hit by the pandemic and one of the hardest hit sectors, but it’s typical of the resilience and the vitality of the Sydney arts community and of our Sydney Film Festival that they’ve risen to the challenge with energy and imagination.”

Sydney Film FestivalDirectorNashen Moodley said: “Since its inception 67 years ago, Sydney Film Festival has been able to inspire and connect audiences through powerful stories, acting as a platform for discussion and a catalyst for change. Returning this year under unprecedented circumstances, the Festival’s role as a cultural touchstone has never been more vital or resonant.”

“This year’s Festival celebrated Australian filmmakers and the industry at large, presenting a diverse selection of films. Across 12 days we’ve been able to bring thoughtful panel discussions and superb stories to audiences across all corners of Australia. We look forward to returning to cinemas in 2021, where audiences will once again come together to experience the rich connected experience of the Festival. We are very grateful to all the filmmakers, government funders, partners, donors and the audience for making our Virtual Edition possible and successful.”

THE DOCUMENTARY AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BEST AUSTRALIAN DOCUMENTARY

The Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Best Australian Documentary was awarded to Descent from filmmaker Nays Baghai. The Jury comprising director Kriv Stenders, director Lauren Greenfield and producer Sally Neighbour in a joint statement said:                                   

“As a jury we all agreed that Descent was not only a visually stunning and beautifully crafted film, but that it was also an extraordinary story about overcoming trauma and finding healing and strength at the edges of human endurance. We felt that Kiki Bosch’s story and her free-diving journey through the world’s coldest lakes and oceans is a thrilling and inspiring adventure that ultimately encourages all of us to harness the power within ourselves.”

2020 marks the eleventh year of the competition, and the seventh year the prize has been supported by the Foundation. The winning film is Academy Award-eligible.

Previous winners include: She Who Must Be Obeyed Loved (2019), Ghosthunter (2018), The Pink House (2017), In the Shadow of the Hill (2016); Only the Dead (2015); 35 Letters (2014); Buckskin (2013); Killing Anna (2012); Life in Movement (2011); and The Snowman (2010). In 2009 the inaugural prize was shared between Contact and A Good Man, and each film received a $10,000 cash prize.

The 10 finalists for the 2020 Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Best Australian Documentary are listed HERE.

THE DENDY AWARDS FOR AUSTRALIAN SHORT FILMS

The Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films were awarded to Alex Wu for Idol (Dendy Live Action Short Award), Eliza Scanlen for Mukbang (Rouben Mamoulian Award for Best Director) and Sara Hirner and Rosemary Vasquez-Brown for GNT (Yoram Gross Animation Award).

The Jury comprising director George Miller, actor/producer Bryan Brown and director/producer Sophie Hyde in a joint statement said:

“Best Animation award winner GNT is a disarming and fearless film that showcases the talent of its makers who control the anarchic tone with strength and humour.” 

“In a very minimalist way, Alex Wu’s Idol reveals an unexpected story and we were surprisingly moved by the plight of the central character. The use of a single contained shot balanced by the strength of the writing and performance of both actors created a striking film.”

“For a unique perspective, we give The Rouben Mamoulian Award for Best Direction to Eliza Scanlen who guided a very strong central performance toward a surprisingly warm ending, to reveal themselves as a director with a fresh voice.”

The Festival’s short-film competition celebrates its 51^st year in 2020; and has been sponsored by Dendy Cinemas for over 30 years. Winners of the Best Live Action Short Film award and the Yoram Gross Animation award, sponsored by Yoram Gross Films, are Academy Award-eligible, opening new pathways for many Australian filmmakers.

These ground-breaking awards have kick-started the careers of many prominent filmmakers, with past competitors Warwick Thornton, Ariel Kleiman, Cate Shortland, Jane Campion, Phillip Noyce and Ivan Sen among Dendy Awards alumni.   

The 10 finalists for the 2020 Dendy Awards for Australian Short Film are listed HERE.

The full Sydney Film Festival 2020 program and events line-up can be found online at sff.org.au.

Sydney Film Festival runs 10-21 June 2020.

Tickets for Sydney Film Festival 2020 are on sale now. Please call 1300 733 733 or visit sff.org.au for more information.

FIFOG’S TEAM SUCCESSFULLY HELD THE FIGOG 2020 ONLINE EDITION 

2020 ROCKIE AWARDS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is proud to announce the winners of the 2020 Rockie Awards International Program Competition. Hosted by Aurora Browne, Carolyn Taylor and Jennifer Whalen of the award-winning Canadian sketch comedy Baroness von Sketch Show, the virtual edition of the Rockie Awards International Program Competition was streamed live celebrating excellence in television and digital media content from around the world. 

One of the largest awards programs of its kind and juried by an esteemed panel of 150 international industry professionals, the Rockie Awards International Program Competition presented awards in twenty-six (26) categories spanning Documentary & Factual, Arts & Entertainment, Children & Youth, Scripted and Podcast. In addition, special gala awards were presented including Innovative Producer Award, A+E Inclusion Award, Canadian Award of Distinction, Francophone Prize, $25,000 Rogers Prize for Excellence in Canadian Content and the Grand Jury Prize. 

The competition featured 128 nominations from 35 countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, China and Switzerland.

Countries taking home top Rockies honours include:
UK: 14 awards
USA: 11 awards
Canada: 7 awards
France: 3 awards
Australia & Belgium: 2 awards each

International Program Competition winners include:
Drama Series: English Language
Gentleman Jack
BBC, HBO, Lookout Point
UK, USA

Comedy Series: English Language
Fleabag
all3media, BBC Three, Two Brothers Pictures
UK

Limited Series
Chernobyl
HBO, Sister, Sky Atlantic, The Mighty Mint, Word Games
Lithuania, UK, Ukraine, USA

Drama Series: Non-English Language
Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame)
BBC Two, Netflix, Sister
Japan, UK

Comedy Series: Non-English Language 
Mytho
ARTE France, Netflix
France

Children & Youth Fiction Series
Hardball
ABC iview, ABC ME, Australian Children’s Foundation, Northern Pictures
Australia, UK

Lifestyle Program
Employable Me
Accessible Media Inc., all3media, Thomas Howe Associates Inc.
Canada

Comedy & Variety Program
Baroness von Sketch Show
CBC, Frantic Films
Canada

Science & Technology Program 
Science Fair
Muck Media, National Geographic, Univision
USA

History & Biography Program 
Free Solo
Image Nation, Itinerant Media, Little Monster Films, National Geographic, Parkes+MacDonald
USA

Docusoap & Docuseries
Who Are You Calling Fat?
BBC, Love Productions
UK

Sci-Fi & Genre-Based Series
His Dark Materials
Bad Wolf, BBC, HBO
Canada, UK, USA 

Podcast of the Year
This Sounds Serious
Castbox, Kelly&Kelly
Canada, USA

Innovative Producer Award
Winner: Wattpad Studios
The Innovative Producer Award recognizes the entrepreneurial excellence and achievements of an independent producer in TV/digital media.

A+ E Inclusion Award
Winner: Niecy Nash
The A+E Inclusion Award is presented in recognition of visionary work in media that champions and reflects the diversity of the world in which we live.

Canadian Award of Distinction
Winner: Aurora Browne, Carolyn Taylor, Jennifer Whalen & Meredith MacNeill of Baroness von Sketch Show
For the first time, this year the award is presented to a group whose body of work exemplifies outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry.

Francophone Prize
Winner: MAMMOUTH 2019
The Francophone Prize is awarded to the jury’s highest-scoring French-language video submission.

Rogers Prize for Excellence in Canadian Content
Winner: Baroness von Sketch Show 
The $25,000 Rogers Prize is awarded to the highest-scoring Canadian program or property in the Rockies International Program Competition across two rounds of independent jury review. 

Grand Jury Prize 
Winner: Fleabag
The Grand Jury Prize recognizes the “best in show” from all Rockies International Program Competition winning entries.

Kyiv Film Festival®

Event date: June 26-27, 2020

Event address: Henerala Vatutina Ave, 2 2 Henerala Vatutina Avenue Kyiv, Kyiv city Ukraine

The goal of Kyiv Film Festival is to encourage emerging movie makers for new film making by appreciating their work.

We accept all genres of films from all over the world.

Our mission is to support filmmakers, recognize their hard work, and Award them so that they are more inspired to keep telling amazing stories.

Friday we will hosting the Zoom awards ceremony live from Marche du Film Online at 2 pm and 7 pm UK time via zoom virtual conference. With a few words from the esteemed jury members. 

Humanitarian smart phone films and smart phone films highlighting "COVID - 19"  will have a voice during Marché du Film through a United Nations supported organization for the second year 

New Generation In Action’s AFI World Peace Initiative, a not for profit 501c3 Non Government Organization which holds ECOSOC status at the United Nations, is scheduled to host the second annual “Karl Bardosh Cell Phone Cinema Humanitarian Award," to take place during Marche du Film Cannes from June 22-26, 2020. 

The films will be a part of a feature length compilation entitled "Best of Humanitarian Cell Phone Cinema 2020" and made available through the company “line up,”  during Marché du Film through Greta Joanne Entertainment (boutique production, sales agency, VOD)  from June 22-26, 2020. "Best of Humanitarian Cell Phone Cinema 2020" are selected smart phone films from around the world and three films will be awarded the "Karl Bardosh Cell Phone Cinema Humanitarian award" named after Mobile Filmmaking pioneer, Professor Karl Bardosh.    

This is the second year the "Cell Phone Cinema Humanitarian Program" has been involved in the Marche du Film. Last year  "Best of Cell Phone Cinema" was listed in the company line-up (under AFI World Peace Initiative) and screenings took place at a VIP location during the "World Peace & Tolerance Royal Gala," on May 22nd, 2019 followed by an awards presentation on May 23, 2019   "World Peace & Tolerance Brunch" 2019 at prestigious American Pavilion.   This was the first time humanitarian cell phones were screened during Festival de Cannes and had a presence in Marché du Film which also included a top tier acclaimed jury.  Due to "COVID-19", Festival de Cannes was postponed, originally scheduled for May 12-23 of this year. However, Marche du Film will continue and this year will be a virtual event. 

The concept to add to the organization and facilitate a cell phone cinema and humanitarian award in 2019 was facilitated by Greta Joanne Entertainment's and New Generation In Action's AFI World Peace Initiative's Founder award winning multi-media talent (HRH Princess) Angelique "Ademiposi" Monet, of Remo-Aquitaine, Anoko Royal House to honor Professor Karl Bardosh who is the pioneer of creating films on cell phone. 

"We are pleased Marche du Film will continue in the midst of trying times. I personally would like to thank Mr. Jerome Paillard and his staff for all their hard work. Seeing we have hosted screenings in the Marche du Film with “films of purpose” for nine years, it is essential to highlight and ensure innovative and futuristic approaches to filmmaking that is specific to ensuring the underserved and under-represented have a voice internationally within a major marketplace.  Certainly "COVID-19" has shown an increasing demand for short content and consumer based platforms such as smart phone cinema. I am also excited to see a shift from long form content focal points within Marché du Film. The humanitarian cell phone cinema program was received well last year and we are proud of our submissions from all around the world, including our “COVID-19 Smart Stories.”  With a stellar jury, and innovative platform, I am confident we will continue to fulfill our United Nations mission of sustainable goals. It is also my priority to ensure the smart phone films within our line up will be seen globally by day end consumers,” stated award winning talent HRH Princess Angelique "Ademiposi" Monet.    

This year the awards presentation will take place virtually on June 26, 2020 (Eastern Standard Time 12 p.m, BST 5:00 p.m., GMT 6:00 p.m., GMT 10:00 p.m. to coincide with the conclusion of Marché du Film. Filmmakers will receive laurels, an on-line certificate for "Official Selection," inclusion in post press and the lucky winners will have their film screened in the virtual "World Peace & Tolerance Gala" scheduled for June 27th. 

“The Coronavirus crisis sadly damaged film production around the World but also proved how indispensable Cell Phones are for human communication and even  as substitute Production Tools. You may shoot and edit with Cell Phones even when You are confined to Your home.

To express our unparalelled experience of being quarantined worldwide, we have selected “The Coronavirus as Personal Experience” as the Main Topic of our Humanitarian Cell Phone Cinema Awards this year for the Virtual Marche du Film.

Thanks to Princess Angelique Monet’s mission at Cannes for many years the tradition of  Humanitarian Films of Purpose will continue!”

The jury line up includes  

President of Jury & Artistic Director 

Professor Karl Bardosh (Award winning filmmaker, Professor, Cell Phone Cinema Pioneer) United States of America, Hungary 

President of the Jury 

Lawrence David Foldes (Critically Acclaimed Director, serves on the Student Academy Executive Committee) United States of America 

Co-President 

Sandeep Marwah (Media, Film, and Pioneer of Cell Phone Cinema) India 

Jury Members 

Bruno Chatelin (Veteran expert in Film Communication and Festival Circuit, Filmfestivals.com co-founder, former head of Sony and Fox theatrical in France)  France 

Her Royal Highness Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin (Television Personality, Nollywood Pioneer, Yoruba Princess, Pan-African Royal, Actress, Producer) United Kingdom, Nigeria

Peter Ferris (Award winning filmmaker, Ring of Peace Co-Founder, maverick entrepreneur in film,tv, the music industry, top 50 teacher in the Varkey Foundation’s Teachers prize) United Kingdom

Luba Balagova (President & Founder Sochi International Film Festival & Awards)  United Kingdom, Russia 

Gulrukh Khan (Award winning filmmaker, Writer, Holistic Specislist) United Kingdom  

Petra Terzi :( Award winning filmmaker, Founder of Cultural International Festivals Cyprus & Greece Greece, USA cineartfestival.eu and Inspire-TV.com )

Dr. Zlatina Filipova (Award winning filmmaker & Arts Philanthropist)  Bulgaria

Yuan Yuan Chen (Executive, China-Hollywood co-production) China

ABOUT NEW GENERATION IN ACTION'S AFI WORLD PEACE INITIATIVE 

The New Generation In Action (NGIA) is an Non Governmental Organization that is recognized with Special Consultative Status by the United Nations. The NGIA has been utilizing the diversity of media platforms to promote RESPECT and DIGNITY across the broad spectrum of global society regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. With its AFI World Peace Initiative, the NGIA has chosen film as an impactful means to educate, enligten and inform audiences of all ages around the world, with a better understanding of the existential issues facing us all today. Through its multi-media initiatives, including film screenings, and distribution to schools, universities, museums, and libraries, the NGIA has been able to engage audiences in the Middle East, Africa, India and the Far East, as well as the Americas, Europe and Oceania regions.

Brought to you by: Greta Joanne Entertainment, 

AM One TV - www.amonetv.com

Media Partnerships: FilmFestivals.com, AM One TV (News), Nothing On Television TV,

Supporters: Queen of Sheba Foundation, Vision of Peace Initiative, League of Pan African Royals, 

Partners: Greta Joanne Entertainment, The Ring Of Peace, FilmFreeway, Filmfestivals.com, Center for SDG Global Education 

Social Media Page: https://www.facebook.com/AFIWorldPeaceInitiative/

For media, sponsorship or general inquiries please email Mark Mitchell at afi.world.peace@gmail.com

The North American actor will present ‘Falling’, his directorial debut, at the Festival’s 68th edition

The actor and filmmaker Viggo Mortensen will receive a Donostia Award in recognition of his career at the 68th edition of the San Sebastian Festival, where the North American star will present the film Falling, his directorial debut.

The movie, which closed the Sundance Festival and is one of those selected for the Festival de Cannes, will have its European premiere at San Sebastian. Falling stars the veteran Lance Henriksen and Mortensen himself, who also penned the screenplay. The two embody a father and son whose different worlds collide in this family drama produced by the actor's label, Perceval Pictures, together with Ingenious, Hanway Films, Scythia Films and Zephyr Films. Its release is scheduled for October 2 in Spain, where the film will be distributed by Caramel Films and Youplanet Pictures.

In the last 35 years, Viggo Mortensen has participated in around fifty films by filmmakers including David Cronenberg, Peter Weir, Jane Campion, Peter Jackson, Gus Van Sant, Brian de Palma, Agustín Díaz Yanes, Ana Piterbarg, Lisandro Alonso, David Oelhoffen, Peter Farrelly and Matt Ross. He has left his stamp on all of them, no matter what the genre. Not only was he part of the cast of the fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings, where he played the immortal Aragorn, but he has also landed three Academy Award nominations for Eastern Promises (David Cronenberg, 2007), Captain Fantastic (Matt Ross, 2016) and Green Book (Peter Farrelly, 2018). 

BIO-FILMOGRAPHY

Born in New York in 1958 to a Danish father and North American mother, Viggo Mortensen spent a large part of his childhood in Argentina where, among other things, he learned Spanish, one of the many languages he speaks. On return to his native country, he studied drama and worked in theatre. His first movie role was with Harrison Ford in Witness (Peter Weir, 1985), a crime thriller in which he played an Amish farmer.

In his early days he cultivated genre cinema, appearing in sequels such as Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (Jeff Burr, 1989), where he was the brother to the legendary cannibal, and the western Young Guns (Geoff Murphy, 1990). He soon started landing his first starring parts, as the mysterious inmate of Prison (Renny Harlin, 1987), as the elder brother in the disturbing cult movie The Reflecting Skin (Philip Ridley, 1990) and as the Vietnam veteran in The Indian Runner (1991), Sean Penn's debut as a director.

In the decade of the '90s he worked for filmmakers such as Brian de Palma (Carlito's Way, 1993), Tony Scott (Crimson Tide, 1995), Jane Campion (The Portrait of a Lady, 1996) and Ridley Scott (G.I. Jane, 1997). Shortly after making his first appearances in Spanish productions, including Gimlet (José Luis Acosta, Zabaltegi-New Directors, 1995) and La pistola de mi hermano (Ray Loriga, 1996), he played in two Alfred Hitchcock remakes by Andrew Davis (A Perfect Murder, 1998) and Gus Van Sant (Psycho, 1998).

It was with the change of millennium that Mortensen saw his figure shoot to stardom thanks to the adaptation of the fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings, directed by Peter Jackson, based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien. A huge success with the public, the actor brought life to the character of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). He subsequently continued to brandish a sword, this time as the intrepid captain of the Spanish Golden Age, in Alatriste (2006), the super-production directed by Agustín Díaz Yanes.

He was also an everyman hounded by a dark past in A History of Violence (2005), the first of his three collaborations with David Cronenberg, under whose orders he once again became a Russian mobster employee in Eastern Promises (2007), opening film with his presence of the Official Selection at the San Sebastian Festival and which landed him his first Academy Award nomination, and then played the self-same Sigmund Freud in A Dangerous Method (2011).

In the last decade he has participated in other literary adaptations such as The Road (John Hillcoat, 2008) and On The Road (Walter Salles, 2011), based on the books by Cormac McCarthy and Jack Kerouac, respectively. As an actor and producer he has lent his talent to Argentine films like Todos tenemos un plan (Ana Piterbarg, 2012) and Jauja (Lisandro Alonso, Horizontes Latinos, 2014), with which he returned to San Sebastian. His last two Academy Award nominations were for Captain Fantastic (Matt Ross, 2016), in which he plays the part of a widowed father raising his six children in the wilderness, and for his work in the Best Film Oscar winner, Green Book (Peter Farrelly, 2018), in which he was the chauffeur for the Afro-American pianist, Don Shirley.

As well as acting in, writing, producing and directing films, Mortensen also cultivates other arts such as painting, music, photography and literature. He is also the founder of Perceval Press, an independent publishing house specialising in art, critical writing and poetry.

The International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA) In Collaboration For The Second Year With The Marché Du Film Presents A 10,000€ Prize For Documentary Works-In-Progress At The Marché’s Virtual Doc Corner

Prize Awarded ToHOLY CRAFT

Directed by: Joseph Mangat

Presented as part of the Showcase PHILIPPINES

The Monaco-based International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA), in the second year of its Docs-In-Progress collaboration with the Marché du Film, presented an award of 10,000€ with professional long-term project follow-up to the film Holy Craft, Directed by Joseph Mangat, and Produced by Alemberg ANG (vy/ac Productions, Philippines). Holy Craft was a part of the Philippines Showcase. The Award was presented by the three members of the Docs-In-Progress jury on Friday, June 26 at the online ‘Cannes Docs 2020 Closing Get Together.’

Holy Craft examines the peculiarities of religion, labor, capital and gender all intersecting at a Catholic figurines factory in the Philippines, where devout LGBTQ workers and outcasts pray to the same items they make. The film goes beyond the critique of the business of religion by focusing on the people behind the scenes and how they live and work within the absurdity of it all. https://www.marchedufilm.com/projects/holy-craft/

Jurors for the 2020 Docs-in-Progress competition include Zane Balčus, the head of the Baltic Sea Forum for Documentaries in Riga, Latvia; Lea Maria Strandbæk Sørensen, the Impact & Workshop Manager of Nordisk Panorama’s Impact and Doc Forward Talent Workshops; and Lina Soualem, a French-Palestinian-Algerian filmmaker and actress who was the winner of last year’s IEFTA supported Docs-in-Progress Award for her film Their Algeria.

Additional Awards presented were the Impact Award, to BEAUTY OF THE BEAST, in partnership with Nordisk Panorama, providing a 2 hour consultation on the film’s impact and outreach strategy; the Cineli Digital Award, to THE FREE ONES, endowed with a professional DCP offered by Cineli Digital, Paris, France; and the VOSTAO Award, to ANHELL69, endowed with French and/or English subtitles offered by VOSTAO, Paris, France. https://www.marchedufilm.com/programs/cannes-docs/projects/

For this year’s special virtual edition of the Marché du Film online there were presentations of 32 docs-in-progress from 8 countries. The list of countries/partners participating in the 2020 Docs-in-Progress program include: Showcase CIRCLE, CIRCLE WOMEN DOC ACCELERATOR; Showcase Italy, FESTIVAL DEI POPOLI + TORINO FILM FESTIVAL, Toscana Film Commission + Film Commission Torino Piemonte; Showcase FIDBA, FIDBA Festival Internacional de Cine Documental de Buenos Aires; Showcase Philippines, FILM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES; Showcase New Zealand, NEW ZEALAND FILM COMMISSION; Showcase Paris DOC; PARISDOC, Cinéma du reel; Showcase Canada, TELEFILM CANADA; Showcase Ukraine, DOCUDAYS UA, UKRAINIAN INSTITUTE. 

“IEFTA is proud to continue supporting documentary filmmakers through the Marché DU Films Docs-In-Progress award under its collaboration with Cannes Docs.” states IEFTA President Marco Orsini. “We are honored to help provide invaluable recognition and concrete support for the filmmakers eager to finish their projects”.

IEFTA is a Monaco based non-governmental organization founded with the purpose of discovering and developing film talent from emerging regions, globally. We connect film makers to established industry professionals, engage cultural diversity and foster relationships that are; mentoring, inspiring and educational. This year marks the 14^th anniversary of IEFTA-supported initiatives. https://www.iefta.org

Contact IEFTA: Gary Springer, gary@springerassociatespr.com, +1.914.659.4802 (international)

Contact Marché / Doc Corner: Pierre-Alexis Chevit, pachevit@festival-cannes.fr, +33 684 784 126

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is proud to announce commitments from 19 partner companies in its fourth year of Academy Gold, an entertainment industry internship enhancement and mentorship program for students and young professionals from underrepresented communities.  Participating partners include AMC Networks, Bron Studios, Circle of Confusion, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Walt Disney Company, Dolby Laboratories, DTS (part of Xperi Corporation), FotoKem, HBO, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund, Moving Picture Institute, Panavision/Light Iron, Paradigm Talent Agency, Paramount Pictures, Participant Media, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Telsey + Company, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Warner Bros.  The summer program will be virtual due to the on-going global COVID-19 pandemic, and there will be an extension program in the fall for those students whose summer internships were put on hold due to the health crisis.  

“We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” said Academy governor and Education and Outreach Committee chair Nancy Utley.  “Their support is integral to the success of Academy Gold, and we commend them on finding innovative ways to continue their internship programs during this challenging and uncertain time.”

“In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear,” said Academy COO Christine Simmons.  “Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19.  The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these students and young professionals that will change their trajectory in our industry.”

Each of the partners will sponsor up to three of their interns for the program, which kicks off today (6/17) with a two-day orientation that includes Academy governors, members and other industry speakers, studio and agency panels, and virtual tours of the Academy’s Film Archive, Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

This summer, 74 students (including 19 interns placed within the Academy) from across the United States and abroad will participate in Academy Gold.  The eight-week program, which concludes with a graduation ceremony on August 8, offers participants networking opportunities with Academy members and industry professionals, a variety of panel discussions on every aspect of filmmaking, and career preparation sessions.
 
The program also has a production track with online technical workshops and masterclasses for students interested in cinematography, costume design, production design, film editing and sound.  In the fall, once production in Los Angeles has resumed and guidelines permit, these 30 students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience shooting scenes on a soundstage and spend time on active productions shadowing various departments.  Participants include students from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Pasadena Community College, Santa Monica College, Los Angeles Film School, New York Film Academy, Exceptional Minds and the Ruderman Family Foundation. 

Academy members and industry professionals will participate in panels discussing their crafts, including Stephanie Allain (producer); Victoria Alonso (EVP, Production, Marvel Studios); Annie Chang (VP, Creative Technologies, Universal Pictures); Matthew Cherry (writer-director); Jon M. Chu (director); Julie Ann Crommett (VP, Multicultural Audience Engagement, The Walt Disney Studios); Michael Goi (cinematographer); Tiffany Haddish (actor); Reginald Hudlin (producer-director); Franklin Leonard (founder and CEO, The Black List); Patrushkha Mierzwa (sound technician); Rachel Morrison (cinematographer); Daryn Okada (cinematographer); Academy President David Rubin (casting director); Kimberly Snyder (CEO, Panavision); Wynn P. Thomas (production designer); Karen Rupert Toliver (EVP, Creative, Sony Pictures Animation); Mark Ulano (sound mixer); and Mary Vogt (costume designer), among others. 

Upon completion of the program, all Gold interns will be paired with an Academy member for an eight-month mentorship.  This past year, members from every branch volunteered their time and support to the program, including such mentors as Bobbi Banks, Sterling K. Brown, Bruce Cohen, Joyce Cox, Michael Goi, Jane Jenkins, Eric Roth, Taura Stinson and Virgil Williams.

Academy Gold affords top film entertainment, technology, production services and digital media companies an opportunity to recruit and educate a nationwide pool of diverse talent.  To date, there are nearly 300 past Academy Gold program participants, more than 85% of whom have moved into positions within the industry, with 27% in positions higher than entry level, and represent 74% people of color, 64% women, 30% LGBTQ+ and 6% with disability.

An alumni program has been established to provide a continuum of support for all participants in the Academy’s talent development programs, including the Academy Gold internship program, Student Academy Awards, Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, and the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women.  The Gold Alumni Program will provide networking opportunities, access and career advancement services and offer affinity groups for Black and African American, Latinx, Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+ and women alumni to network with others who share similar identities, backgrounds and experiences.  The program will also track participants’ career progression and successes through a database, offering a diverse talent pipeline for the industry.

The Academy Gold Production Track is made possible in part by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.  Additional support for Academy Gold is provided by The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., Ruderman Family Foundation, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Leon Silverman, and Charles de Limur. 

For more information about the Academy Gold program, visit oscars.org/AcademyGoldProgram.

LORIK is the winner of the Grand Prize - Award Winners Announced by SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival NY 2020 - ONLINE

-- Narrative Feature Grand Prize goes to International Jury favorite 'Lorik' -
-- 'A Call for Peace', Juan C. Borrero and Melodie Carli production on the Colombian peace process, wins best documentary
-- 'Mother, Daughter, Sister' wins Vanya Exerjian- Empowering Women & Girls Award

 SR Socially Relevant Film Festival 2020 (#SRFF 2020) wrapped up its virtual Seventh Edition today, revealing the winners of its various competition categories. Stand-out awards were the Empowering Women and Girls Award, given to Jeanne Marie Hallacy for her documentary short, Mother, Daughter, Sister. The USA, Bangladesh, and Myanmar production calls for an end to sexual violence in conflict and was picked by the festival for the award named in the memory of festival founder Nora Armani's cousin, Vanya Exerjian who was victim to a violent hate crime in 2004. The Grand Prize Narrative Feature Award went to Lorik, directed by Alexey Zlobin starring Armenian actor Michael Poghosian.

The awards are comprised of the following categories: Vanya Exerjian - Empowering Women and Girls Award, Grand Prize Narrative Feature, Grand Prize Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) Award, two runner up finalist scripts for the scriptwriting competition with a first place winner. There were a number of jury special meanions, one ensemble acting award and prizes.

The narrative films slate, the documentary features, and the shorts complete the roster of 38 selected films this year. "Meet the Filmmakers" live sessions, industry insights, and networking opportunities made SRFF 2020 "online" another unforgettable year. Visit www.ratedsrfilms.org for information on all the films, filmmakers, live chats, and more.

GRAND PRIZE NARRATIVE FEATURE:
Lorik by Alexey Zlobin - Armenia
GRAND PRIZE DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
A Call for Peace by Juan C Borrero, Melodie Carli - USA
--The Vanya Exerjian Empowering Women & Girls Award: Mother, Daughter, Sister by Jeanne Marie Hallacy.
--Special Jury Mention (Narrative Feature): Transference by Raffaello Degruttola and Good Morning by Bahij Hojeij
--SRFF Circle Award (Narrative Feature): Butter by Paul A. Kaufman
--Grand Prize Documentary: A Call for Peace by Juan C Borrero and Melodie Carli
--Jury Mention (Documentary): Inside/Outside by Nandini Sikand and Tell My Story by David Freid
--Best Documentary Short: Brewed in Palestine by Emma Schwartz
--Jury mention (Documentary Short): Voices on the Road by Bethan John and Eilidh Munro
--Best Narrative Short: Unsafe by Adria Dawn and David Tarleton
--Acting Ensemble award to the schoolchildren in Unsafe by Adria Dawn and David Tarleton
--Special jury mention (Narrative Short): Detained by Khushnuda Shukurova
--Scriptwriting Competition - Winner: Ziggy and Rachel
--Scriptwriting Competition - 2nd place: Rose from Concrete, 3rd Place: North River
--The Women Film Critics Circle Award: Detained by Khushnuda Shukurova

Nora Armani, Founding Artistic Director of SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival said,
"In our seventh year, SRFF continued despite the many challenges of this unordinary time. We thank all the filmmakers who came together with us to create an online program that was as enriching as a week, at the theater, and maybe even more far-reaching. With online "Meet the Filmmakers" live sessions, SRFF2020 persevered despite the ongoing circumstances with COVID-19. Stay safe, wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep on fighting for the causes you believe in. The most important ingredients for a successful festival are impactful films and a faithful audience of followers. SRFF is proud to see both these ingredients present and thriving annually."

SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival New York is a 501(c)3 non-profit film festival founded by actress Nora Armani. The Mission of the SR Film Festival is to shine the spotlight on filmmakers who tell compelling, socially relevant™, human interest stories, across a broad range of social issues. The festival was created as a response to the proliferation of violence and violent forms of storytelling in media and entertainment. SR™ believes in the power of cinema in raising awareness of social issues and promoting positive social change. During its first seven years, the festival showcased close to 400 films from 35 countries. Submissions for SRFF 2021 are now open and received from all over the world.

Spokespersons and guests of SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival NY include Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Erin Brockovich, Martin Sheen, Pulitzer Prize, and Tony award-winning writer Robert Schenkkan, prolific and best-selling French novelist Marc Levy, Academy Award Nominee and Emmy Award Winner Guy Davidi, American TV commentator and author Gretchen Carlson, and Liaison Officer of Tibet and the Dalai Lama, Kunga Tashi.
 

• "SR is sure to appeal to cinema fans of all interests. So come on and support New York’s latest festival.” Catherine Fisher: Tribecafilm
• "..an important program of films” Peter Belsito: IndieWire: Sydney’s Buzz
• “..it would be very good if it became a permanent feature of New York’s rich cultural and political tapestry”  Louis Proyect: The Unrepentant Marxist
• "Amy Goodman provided a rousing keynote address" Chris Atamian: The Huffington Post

SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival New York - 7th edition - Online June 18-28

SRFF was founded in 2013 by actress/filmmaker Nora Armani in a response to the proliferation of violence and violent forms of storytelling. SRFF is a non-profit 501(c)3 film festival whose mission is the promotion of filmmakers who produce socially relevant™ film content. Close to 350 films from 35 countries have been screened to date. Spokespersons of SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival NY include Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Erin Brockovich, Martin Sheen, Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winner Robert Schenkkan, best-selling French novelist Marc Levy, Academy Award Nominee and Emmy Award Winner Guy Davidi, American TV person and author Gretchen Carlson.  http://www.ratedsrfilms.org/

Breaking record numbers of viewers, the 7th The Americas Film Festival NY Announced The Americas Award Winners in Its First Ever Virtual Closing Night Ceremony, followed by the online Premiere of Powerful Documentary SISTERS RISING, in Partnership with the National Museum of the American Indian 

Directors Willow O’Feral and Brad Heck, and Producer Jaida Grey Eagle in Digital Attendance to the audience via Livestream after the Screening  

Best Experimental: CAMBIA TUTTO (USA / Italy)
Best Animation: IAN, UNA HISTORIA QUE NOS MOVILIZARÁ (Argentina)
Best Documentary: ESPERÁBAMOS A QUE ANOCHECIERA (Dominican Republic)
Best Fiction: HAY COCA (Argentina)

Thousands tuned in June 25-29, 2020 for the 7th annual The Americas Film Festival New York (www.TAFFNY.com), as it took the stories of Americas online in its first ever virtual festival. In addition to digital screenings of major feature films and documentaries, TAFFNY’s Virtual Cinema presented 28 short films, selected from over 200 submissions from independent filmmakers and top film schools of the Americas, to compete in its Americas Film Festival Short Films Competition. On Sunday, June 28, TAFFNY announced The Americas Award Winners in a virtual Closing Night Ceremony that broke record numbers in attendance.

Special thanks go to the exceptional members of our Jury; in the documentary and animation categories: Marisol Gonzalez and Alvaro Baquero. In Fiction and Experimental: Carlos Velasquez, Marina Fernandez and Federico Guaracio.

CAMBIA TUTTO  by Ana Mouyis (USA / Italy)  won The Americas Award for Best Short Experimental for “It’s ability to make a wise use of the cinematographic medium, capable of poetically summarizing the beauty of a magical land like Italy where everything changes while remaining crystallized in an eternal present.”

Best Short Animation was awarded to Argentine film IAN, UNA HISTORIA QUE NOS MOVILIZARÁ (IAN A MOVING STORY) Abel Goldfarb "for the way its layered and impactful messages are delivered through expert animation and storytelling, and the importance of sharing these messages of diversity and inclusion in the cannon of Latin American children's film."

A Special Jury Mention was awarded to the short animated film GIRASOL by Maria Victoria Sánchez (Venezuela) and to the short fiction film AFTER THE BEEP by Florian Bison (Germany / USA).

TAFFNY Closing Night was presented in partnership with the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), and following The Americas Award Ceremony was the NY Premiere of SISTERS RISING, a powerful documentary that tells the story of  six Native American women fighting to restore personal and tribal sovereignty in the face of ongoing sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States. Directors Willow O’Feral and Brad Heck, and producer Jaida Grey Eagle answered audience questions after the film in a live-streamed Q&A moderated by Justin Mugits, Program Specialist at NMAI.

The seventh edition of The Americas Film Festival New York gave its audience the opportunity to enjoy and celebrate the rich diversity of the stories, languages, and cultures of the Americas from the comfort of their room. Its Virtual Cinema ran June 25-29, 2020, and the Festival presented six feature films and 28 short films of exceptional quality online and free of charge. TAFFNY is a cultural initiative of the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies at the Center for Worker Education of the City College of New York (CCNY) and the collaboration of prestigious institutions such as the NY Cervantes Institute, the National Museum of the American Indian and media sponsor Telemundo 47, with the purpose of creating a cinematographic appreciation space focused on multiculturalism, diversity and new societies around Las Americas, as well as to encourage the work of new film directors. TAFFNY’s Executive Director is CCNY-CWE’s Dean Juan Carlos Mercado and its Artistic Director is film programmer and producer Diana Vargas. 

Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has announced the winners of My Kenya My Story mobile phone film competition. For the second year in a row, David Waronja scooped the top prize of Ksh 200,000 courtesy of his film Automedic. The film 2024 by Mandela Midamba emerged second winning a cash prize of Ksh 150,000 while Mmoja by Omar Hamza Hassan was third and got a cash prize of Ksh 100,000.

Muzzled by Sammy Mwaura and Covid 19 by Paul Gaturu scooped Ksh 25,000 each as Jury Special Mentions; Muzzled highlighted a present struggle of People Living With Disability whereas Covid 19 (by Paul Gaturu) made a commendable attempt at an action film. Besides these 5 films, the remaining 15 shortlisted films will each get a token of Ksh 5,000 from the Commission.

Mr Joe Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs graced the event as Chief Guest, accompanied by Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Ms. Maureen Mbaka. In his remarks, Mr Mucheru pledged his continuous support and that of H.E. the President in assisting filmmakers in telling the Kenyan story. He urged filmmakers to embrace the mobile phone in telling transformational Kenyan stories.

“This year’s theme of the competition - Covid 19: Staying at Home and Social Distancing - highlighted a wide spectrum of perspectives as expressed by over 250 filmmakers from various Counties who submitted their films. Additionally, many films made good use of accessories to ensure stable shots, good lighting and audio”, noted Ms Nice Githinji. Ms. Githinji, a renowned film and TV actor, was the Jury Chairperson for this edition.

Kenya Film Commission CEO Mr. Timothy Owase notes that: “My Kenya My Story competition is one activity within the Commission’s commitment of growing Kenya’s film industry, focussing on application of affordable technology in telling stories. The competition is aimed at powering the growth of the local film industry countrywide with the affordability of a smart phone over high-end equipment”.

In this third edition of My Kenya My Story competition, KFC partnered with various organizations through which the winners will receive complimentary giveaways in addition to the cash prizes. This year’s sponsors are:

• TECNO Mobile Limited giving a Tecno Camon 15 phone to the winner; the first and second runners up will receive a Tecno Spark 5 phone each.
• CDI Gadgets awarding the top three winners with camera accessories ranging from tripods, phone rigs, microphones and lenses.
• Multichoice Kenya giving the 20 nominees a six months’ subscription of Showmax. In addition, the second runners up will get a DStv HD Zappa Fullkit (Decoder, Installation, Cabling) with one month Premium subscription; the winner and first runners up will each get a DStv HD Explora Fullkit (Decoder, Installation, Cabling) with one month Premium subscription.
• Kenya Scriptwriters Guild will give a free annual membership to the 20 nominees with an open invitation to all of the Guild’s activities within one year.

All the 20 shortlisted films are available on the Kenya Film Commission Youtube page.
The Kenya Film Commission is a State Corporation mandated to develop a vibrant local Film and TV industry, and market Kenya as a preferred filming destination for sustainable wealth and job creation.

His We Are Living Things is
a China/US/Italy co-production.

Press release for 3 July 2020
For immediate publication/release

UDINE – The fifth edition of FOCUS ASIA, the industry section of the Far East Film Festival, concluded this year with a rigorously virtual awards ceremony. Thanks to its collaboration with 108 MEDIA, it offered a prize of $20,000 in international distribution this year to the best project selected in the new Far East in Progress section. Competing for the award were seven teams from seven different countries who over the past three days have been screening previews of scenes from their seven films, all still in post-production. And the winner of the 2020 edition is China/US/Italy co-production We Are Living Things by director Antonio Tibaldi.

Tibaldi is "thrilled to receive this award, during this unprecedented time, for this unconventional story that resonates with the current national and global controversies over migration, protectionism, and border patrols". "In this crazy year it's great to have such an important boost from FOCUS ASIA and 108 Media for the distribution of the film" say the producers Fan He (Enmaze Productions, China), Andrew K. Li (Usa), Stefano Mutolo (Berta Film, Italy) and Haider Rashid (Radical Plans, Italy).

The film represents the perfect synthesis of the work done by FOCUS ASIA in recent years to foster dialogue between different cultures and different skillsets and place Italy at the centre of a series of artistic and production exchanges.

In addition to this new section's work to seek out the best upcoming films, this year's programme also allowed the nine projects selected for the All Genre Project Market to identify possible partners and collaborations, and offered the 18 sales companies engaged in the export of European and Asian cinema the opportunity to promote their new films to the more than 30 buyers involved in the Get Ready For the Future section.

Not only did the transfer of the entire event online not compromise the high quality of the selected projects in the least nor the participation of important key figures from the sector, it also made possible over 800 requests for individual meetings over the space of just three days, confirming FOCUS ASIA’s vocation, both in a real and virtual guise, as the ideal place to bring together Asian and European stories, professionals and publics.

But alongside the business opportunities offered to all accredited participants, FOCUS ASIA 2020 aimed to provide space for looking at the challenges that the world film industry has faced in recent months, organizing a series of webinars and round tables on the future of production and festivals in Asia and Europe in collaboration with Ties That Bind, the main workshop for co-production between the two continents.

An extremely positive outcome, therefore, for this online edition of the Far East Film Festival market, which on the one hand highlights the surprising success of the creation of a virtual meeting space and on the other confirms the vital need to get to know each other in person, hopefully in Udine in April 2021.

Let's not forget that FOCUS ASIA is organized by the Centro Espressioni Cinematografiche/Far East Film Festival di Udine with the collaboration of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Audiovisual Fund and the MiBACT General Directorate for Cinema.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is proud to announce the winners of its first-ever online student film festival showcasing the work of local high school and college students.
 
The event was created to address the fact that area student filmmakers were going to miss out on screening their films publicly due to the coronavirus pandemic, and to give these students a platform to do just that.
 
“We are thrilled with how our first online student film festival turned out,” said SBIFF Education Coordinator Claire Waterhouse. “The quality of the films we received was really impressive, and the community turned out in big numbers to watch them and cast their votes. Mostly, we are so happy to have been able to support these students by offering them a way to screen their works for a wide and enthusiastic audience.”
 
The winners are:
 
JURY AWARDS:
High School Winner
"Left on Read"
Joshua Kazali, Santa Ynez Valley High School
 
College Winner
"Nomad"
Lyndall Stephenson, Westmont College
 
AUDIENCE AWARDS:
High School Winner
"Beer to Bread"
Grace Miller, Santa Barbara High School
 
College Winner
"EL CANTANTE: A Salsa Film"
Daniel Blanco, UCSB
 
The films are still available for viewing at sbiff.org, and all entrants are allowed to submit their films for consideration in SBIFF 2021 as well. Each winner will receive a Cinema Pass and pair of tribute tickets to SBIFF 2021. 

Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood came together with the UNESCO Center for Peace to endorse the 2nd annual Karl Bardosh Humanitarian Cellphone Cinema Awards at Marche du Film and congratulate Founder (HRH Princess) Angelique Monet for hosting the event and supporting the worldwide movement of mobile phone filmmaking

New Generation In Action's AFI World Peace Initiative, a not for profit 501(c)(3) Non Government Organization which holds Consultative Status to the United Nations main division AFI World Peace Initiative hosted the 2nd Annual  "Karl Bardosh Cell Phone Cinema Humanitarian Awards,"during Marche du Film via Zoom on June 26th 2020. 

Hollywood director and Chairman of the Student Oscars Committee, Lawrence David Folded served as the President of the Jury, Bollywood producer and President of the Asian Academy of Film and Television, Sandeep Marwah, and HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin of Nollywood all emphasized the special importance of mobile phone filmmaking during Coronavirus lockdown.

The Awards Gala on Zoom opened with a short film documentary shot during Festival de Cannes in 2019 by Nat Geo award winning filmmakers and explorers Jeremy Lazelle and Kristen Gates. The film highlighted the mission of the World Peace & Tolerance Initiative to use films of purpose and promote under-represented people during the prestigious festival for 9 years to date. The documentary was produced by (HRH Princess) Angelique “Ademiposi” Monet and Royal Board Member HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin Solarin. The film received rave reviews from a diverse zoom virtual audience from all regions of the world, a television deal for India, and will make festival runs. Seeing the wonderful locations in of the Cannes Film Festival arose nostalgia in the participants of this Zoom event on the closing night of the Marche du Film.  

Following the screening H.E. Guy Djoken of "UNESCO Center for Peace,"opened the ceremony praising Monet's passion for peace as she speaks often at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and how smartphone film making can solve economic and social sustainability (SDG) for film making in rural communities and for NGO's. Now with COVID-19, His Excellency Djoken believes in this mission even more and has agreed to partner with Monet's new start up AM ONE TV, which will teach smartphone cinema at "UNESCO Center for Peace," Summer Camp. Professor Karl Bardosh - the "Father of Cellphone Film-making," has agreed to join Monet in this venture.

"The platform that you are proposing today so we can can tell our stories, by doing such you Princess Angelique Monet are helping to bring peace around the world and for that I want to thank you very much," stated H.E. Guy Djoken.

HRH Princess Adedoyin-Solarin, Honorary Royal Board Member, member of the jury, pioneer in Entertainment (starting up Nollywood film industry), an Actress, TV Producer, Journalist, TV Hostess and Humanitarian also addressed the diverse audience, from praise, to discussing the mission of the organization.  "The media is the new science. Angelique knows her role as a royal and royalty is a privilege. What I learned from my Grandmother the Queen and my Dad the Prince. Royalty is about leadership and leadership is about how we serve our world and that is what Princess Angelique "Ademiposi," has been trying to do and continues to do," stated HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin as she closed opening remarks. 

Then Monet spoke to the audience in tears about being able to host the Gala at least on Zoom despite COVID-19, and in the midst of the protests going on against social injustice going on worldwide.

Jury President Lawrence David Foldes extended the welcome of the Student Oscars to the young filmmakers in competition and congratulated Princess Angelique Monet and Professor Karl Bardosh on nurturing Cell phone Cinema. He was pleasantly surprised at the improvement in the quality of the films from last year proving there is a bright future in smartphone cinema-adding that it has been already playing a role in the Hollywood film industry as well. He suggested that films longer than three minutes should be considered for future awards as the promise of smart cinema world wide.

Prof. Karl Bardosh was humbled by how his early vision and pioneering efforts- decades later- got connected to the most noble cause of these Awards-the making and promoting Humanitarian films on Cell Phones within the mission of Princess Angelique Monet's World Peace & Tolerance Initiative. This is actually a festival of Cell Phone Cinema Festivals in Cannes as the films invited are all winners of their national mobile film festivals from different countries with definite Humanitarian themes.

“The significance of the festival greatly increased as the widespread use of capturing events on Mobile Phone Videos has changed the world we live in by turning people into Citizen Journalists promoting social causes. Like a pen in everybody's pocket, smartphones are always at the ready to make film. This Cell Phone Cinema Festival at the Marche du Film also aims at teaching people how to make better videos by learning the language of film and it also helps develop a more educated audience by promoting the democratization of the tools of film-making. At the same time, Mobile Phone Film-making is also gaining ground in the professional film and television industry and during the Coronavirus lock-down, smart phones became practically the only tools available for professionals,” stated Professor Karl Bardosh. 

This year the impressive international jury selected 16 films as finalists and 6 winners of equal ranking received the "Karl Bardosh Cell Phone Humanitarian Awards."

* Beneath A Silent Blue Sky by Judith Lynn Stillman - USA

* Come Back To Me - by Vineesha Arora-Sarin - India

* Still Lives by Jamie Uy - USA/Singapore

* Dandelion by Nathalie Boyer and Antonio Maria da Silva - France

* Red Armband by Xinzhi Chen - China

* With You by Izabella Mazzag- Hungary 

Additional categories were launched by Founder (HRH Princess) Angelique “Ademiposi” Monet entitled "Royale Angel Youth Smartphone Award,"and the "Royale Angel Smartphone Award,"for Non Governmental Organizations using smartphones to raise awareness for their causes. Awards went to Hen Foundation Jimmy Eniola who produced a campaign with Princess Tessy of Luxembourg, and The Ring of Peace recognized by Her Majesty's Government for work towards peace.

Co-President of the Jury, Bollywood producer Sandeep Marwah, presented two excellent NGO films and recalled how he started together with Prof. Karl Bardosh 13 years ago with the first mobile phone films of India and how the yearly Festival of Cell Phone Cinema has been successfully run ever since by his Asian Academy of Film and Television in Film City, Noida, with hundred of films entered.

At 15 years old, Abel Szazados has won the "Most Promising Youth Filmmaker Award,"for the second year in a row becoming an instant media star in his native Hungary PSA by Asher Epstein a high school sophomore also received recognition.  Monet introduced DJ Zel, UK's youngest DJ on the radio (age 10), and will serve as a Resident DJ for selected events, along with mentorship. All youth will receive mentor-ship support from Monet, and others within their creative fields. 

Upon thanking the guest, the Jury and congratulating the winners Monet surprised the audience by announcing a future line up of her company Greta Joanne Entertainment in various stages of production for quality smart phone content. In addition to the confirmed launch of AM One TV an OTT (SVOD) 

(AVOD) based streaming service specific to content "Made by Smartphone," (not limited) to launch late September 2020. 

"Now in this New World and Order we must adjust to a "new norm," and smartphones and digital technology are leading a unique wave of the future. We will become the Tesla of modern day cinema offering options of film-making for all even the poor and all will have access to create cinema as long as they have a smartphone. This revolution will ensure all races, creeds. cultures, and social backgrounds have an equal footing to the entertainment industry, and the ability to have a social and economic impact in an industry controlled by a select few. Now we can be for the people, by the people and with the people in this growing evolution. 

We must appreciate pioneers such a Professor Karl Bardosh who has been an innovator with humble beginnings of Hungary where he was born during the Holocaust. His Mother risked her life during a near death experience with the Hungarian Nazis who wanted to shoot her into the Danube River while protecting her newborn baby. Prof. Bardosh made a touching cell phone film about this incident in the Holocaust and we even screened the film in New York at the Permanent Mission to Hungary UN for their Remembrance of the Holocaust programming.

We hope to be back at the American Pavilion next year 2021 for the next awards in Cannes, France. However, until then we have much work to do to ensure film-making has equality, innovation, and most important education," stated Founder and multi-media talent (HRH Princess) Angelique  “Ademiposi” Monet. 

At the conclusion of Marche du Film, the organization met and agreed the event would have to expand because it grew beyond expectation. High quality smartphone cinema is essential for the 2030 UN Mission of "Leave No One Behind." Outside of the program with UNESCO Center for Peace, a global festival with a traveling tour will be launched and workshops are being lined up.  There will also be innovative, curated film collections placed in museums, libraries, and educational series, "Made by Smartphone." AI will be added within the scope of works in addition to VR. 

AFI World Peace Initiative would like to thank the critically acclaimed jury

President of Jury & Artistic Director

Professor Karl Bardosh (Award winning filmmaker, Professor, Cell Phone Cinema Pioneer) USA & HUNGARY 

President of the Jury

Lawrence David Foldes (Critically Acclaimed Director, serves of the Executive Committee for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and the Executive Committee to the Student Academy Award) USA

Co-President of the Jury

Sandeep Marwah (Acclaimed Filmmaker, Founder & President of Asian Academy of Film & Television, Founder of Noida Film City, Owner and Founder of Marwah Studios) INDIA

Jury Members

HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin ( Television Personality, Nollywood Pioneer, Pan African Royal. Actress, Producer, Humanitarian) UK & NIGERIA 

Bruno Chatelin (Veteran Expert in Film Communication and Festival Circuit, FilmFestivals.com - Co-Founder) FRANCE

Peter Ferris (Award winning filmmaker, The Ring of Peace Co-Founder, maverick entrepreneur in film, tv, and music, top 50 teacher in the Varkey Foundation's Teachers prize)  UK

Luba Balagova (President & Founder of Sochi International Film Festival & Awards) UK & RUSSIA

Petra Terzi (Award winning filmmaker, Founder of Cultural International Festivals Cyprus & Greece) CYPRUS & GREECE

Dr. Zlatina Filopova (Award winning filmmaker)  BULGARIA 

Gulrukh Khan (Award winning filmmaker, writer, holistic specialist) UK

Peter Terezakis ( Professor, Acclaimed Artist, Environmentalist, Filmmaker) USA

Yuan Yuan Chen (Executive, China-Hollywood Co-Production) CHINA

Karl Bardosh Cell Phone Humanitarian Awards Top 15 

Top 6 Winners (In no particular order, all films receive the same ranking and honors in top 6)

* Dear Kansas City by Grace Lattan - USA

* Ice Cream and Freedom by Neno Belchev - Macedonia

* Carbon Emission Offsetting Is Fun by Max Schlesser-Australia

* Corona Circles by Daniel Csakvari- Hungary 

* Mis(s) Dates by Anke Sabrina Beerman, Nina Almer Fox -Madedonia-UK

*Rain by De Re Attila Luigi - Hungary

* A Journey of Mind by Annabel Huang - China 

* Stranger's Letters by Yi Wang- USA

* What's With Your Nails by Patrick Kelly- Australia

Youth Division:

* Box by Abel Szazados - Hungary (Abel Szazados has particpated two years in a row) "Most Promising Filmmaker

* PSA by Asher Epstein (USA) 

Special Mentions

Jury President's Special Mentions 

*Violin by Mark Mezei - Hungary

* My Granny by Xinyl Wong - China

* Ciao Bella by Peter Vadocz

Artistic Directors Special Mentions for "Humanitarian Cinematic Metaphors"

A Turtle's Dream by Olga Meinikova - Latvia

Curiosity by Dr. Miklos Szazados - Hungary

The Founder, (HRH Princess) Angelique Monet's NGO Category 

* That Girl by Ishika Tandon - AAFT- India

* Pahle India by Anuj Sengar - AAFT- India

* Hen Foundation (UK & Nigeria) 

* The Ring of Peace (UK) 

SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE: 

https://www.facebook.com/AFIWorldPeaceInitiative/

ABOUT NEW GENERATION IN ACTION'S AFI WORLD PEACE INITIATIVE 

The New Generation In Action (NGIA) is an Non Governmental Organization that is recognized with Special Consultative Status by the United Nations. The NGIA has been utilizing the diversity of media platforms to promote RESPECT and DIGNITY across the broad spectrum of global society regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. With its AFI World Peace Initiative, the NGIA has chosen film as an impactful means to educate, enligten and inform audiences of all ages around the world, with a better understanding of the existential issues facing us all today. Through its multi-media initiatives, including film screenings, and distribution to schools, universities, museums, and libraries, the NGIA has been able to engage audiences in the Middle East, Africa, India and the Far East, as well as the Americas, Europe and Oceania regions.

Media Partnerships: FilmFestivals.com, AM One TV, 

Supporters: Queen of Sheba Foundation, Vision of Peace Initiative, League of Pan African Royals, 

Partners: Greta Joanne Entertainment, The Ring Of Peace, FilmFreeway, 

For media, sponsorship or general inquiries please email Mark Mitchell at afi.world.peace@gmail.com