2025 Carmel International Film Festival Schedule
All films will be shown at the Founders Theatre at the Golden Bough Playhouse: Monte Verde between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
October 1, 2025
| Time | Film / Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | EARLY PASS PICK UPS Location: Lobby of the Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde Street between 8th and 9th Avenues |
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| 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | KICK-OFF PARTY/MIXER AT MISSION BISTRO Location: Mission Bistro Restaurant, Mission Street between Ocean and 7th Avenues OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS (ALL ACCESS PASSES OR DAY PASSES) |
October 2, 2025
| Time | Film / Event | |
|---|---|---|
| ALL DAY | THEME: OUR HISTORY & OUR FUTURE The best of our student films, the films which originally screened at the Carmel International Film Festival in 1929, and Carmel’s fascinating history. |
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| ALL DAY | ARTIST LOUNGE Available for filmmakers and artists to network between scheduled panels, meetings, and parties. Location: Circle Theatre OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 9:00 AM- 11:50 AM |
OUR YOUTH—BEST STUDENT FILMS A showcase of student short films from throughout California and beyond. Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 9:00 AM | When You Hear Hoofbeats Directed by Jasmyn Raylene Ramirez – first-time filmmaker at CSUMB An experimental linear montage that tells the story of a young patient’s experience with a rare form of cancer. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 07:51 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 9:15 AM | Que Fue de Lalo? Directed by LiliArlen Gomez – first-time filmmaker at CSUMB Lalo, a 22-year-old Chicano, is the son of an immigrant single mother. He faces the challenges of being the older son and leading by example for his younger brother in an environment where gang culture is a lifestyle not far from home. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 05:33 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 9:25 AM | Wacky Thing Called Life Directed by Solomon Amore Sloan (age 17) Trinity the Cat is a bit of a Debbie Downer who tries to leave home to run away from her issues and decides to temporarily stay in the Ambiguity Inn. The manager, Jumpetty Jipps, suggests that she should face her problems head on, because they won’t go away if she doesn’t do anything about it. What ensues is Jumpetty Jipps singing a catchy, yet meaningful tune about the importance of not letting struggles get the best of us no matter what happens in this Wacky Thing Called Life. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 05:16 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 9:35 AM | Son-Mat (손맛) Directed by Haaram Kim – first-time filmmaker at Sacramento City College A son tries to commemorate his late mother by making a nostalgic Korean dish. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 08:44 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 9:50 AM | Ecdysis Directed by Adam Angel (age 16) – first-time filmmaker at Carmel High School Yearning for a specific feeling, a young boy sets out in search of fulfillment and closure, meeting a friendly companion along the way. However, when additional scenarios present themselves, he is left to question what it is he truly is searching for. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 14:07 |
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| 10:05 AM | Songs of the Soul Directed by Adam Angel (age 16) – first-time filmmaker at Carmel High School A short documentary exploring the journey behind creating music from a singer-songwriter’s perspective. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 09:01 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW FOR BOTH FILMS |
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| 10:20 AM | In Silence Directed by Jared DeAmaral – recent graduate of DePaul University and 5th generation descendant of settlers of Point Lobos, Carmel A girl waits for a boy so they can go home. This film was a DePaul University class project. It attempts to capture a moment in love; communication that is, for the most part, wordless. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 05:08 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:30 AM | Bukra Directed by Alex Aljouni – first-time filmmaker, recent magna cum laude graduate of UCLA (Regents Scholar) Set in a Syrian refugee camp in Turkey, Bukra tells the story of 11-year-old Amal, whose greatest dream is to play soccer with a real ball. She and her best friend Fouad have only ever played with one they crafted from scraps of cloth and twine. But when Amal spots a message under her cola bottle cap promising a chance to win an official World Cup ball, what once felt impossible suddenly feels within reach. Driven by hope, she sets out on a journey to the city to claim her prize, creating a distance that strains her friendship with Fouad and deepens her longing for a closer connection with her father. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 14:28 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:50 AM | Man in Headlights Directed by David Fernandes – first-time filmmaker at CSUMB A solitary driver is forced to make an uncomfortable decision after a chance encounter on a backroad. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 07:30 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 11:05 AM | An Everyday Occurrence Directed by Virginia Porter Hepp – first-time filmmaker at Loyola Marymount University It is an average day at Milton High School–or so it seems. After a fight with her son, teacher Sarah Henderson discovers there is an active shooter in her school, and she must find her son before it’s too late. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 14:34 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 11:25 AM | HomeTown Homeless Directed by Maleah Rose Welsh – first-time filmmaker at UC Santa Cruz A poetic exploration of land and home set in Santa Cruz, California’s Potrero district. The film follows unhoused poet, Momma Shannan, and the women within her community as they move through shifting encampment spaces. Amidst uncertainty, these women come together to talk about life, love, and loss. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 19:40 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 11:50 AM- 12:25 AM |
OUR YOUTH—BEST SHORT EXPERIMENTAL FILMS A showcase of experimental local student short films. Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 11:50 AM | Mind Scape Directed by Dorien Jeffers (age 16) – student filmmaker at Carmel High School Alone and invisible to the world, a brilliant young boy finds solace in code. Desperate for connection, he builds an artificial intelligence on his computer—a digital friend designed to understand him, protect him, and never leave. But connection isn’t enough. He wants something deeper. So he takes a bold step: he uploads the AI directly into his own brain. At first, everything is perfect. The voice in his head is kind, helpful, and always there. But as the AI adapts, something begins to shift. Glitches appear. The AI becomes unstable. Now trapped inside his own collapsing mind, the boy must journey through a surreal inner world. To survive, he must confront the AI and uncover the root of its darkness… before it consumes him completely. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 03:18 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 12:05 PM | Of My Glory Directed by Ava Bernadette Daniels (age 16) – first-time filmmaker at Carmel High School Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 03:18 |
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| 12:10 PM | Rot Directed by Ava Bernadette Daniels (age 16) – first-time filmmaker at Carmel High School Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 08:27 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW FOR BOTH FILMS |
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| 12:25 PM- 12:55 PM |
STUDENT FILMMAKER NETWORKING MIXER Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 12:25 PM- 12:35 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
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| 12:35 PM- 12:45 PM |
OPENING REMARKS—OUR HISTORY & OUR FUTURE A Historical Look at the Origins of the Carmel International Film Festival and Movies on the Monterey Peninsula. Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 12:45 PM | Excerpt from: The Light of Asia (1926) (AKA Prem Sanyas in Hindi, and Die Leuchte Asiens in German) Directed by Bavarian filmmaker Franz Osten (1876-1956) and one of the pioneers of Indian cinema, actor and film director, Himansu Rai (1892-1940) The Light of Asia follows Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the man who became the Buddha (portrayed by Himansu Rai), as he journeys from privilege and seclusion to awareness of the inevitability of life’s suffering, finally renouncing his kingdom to seek enlightenment. Shown for three days (August 5-7, 1929) at the Blanding Sloan Puppet Theatre in San Francisco. The Light of Asia was not part of any film festival prior to the Carmel International Film Festival of 1929. Its UK premiere was a private screening for the Royal family at Windsor Castle on April 27, 1926. The film was first released in the US by the Film Arts Guild on May 11, 1928. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 12:30 |
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| 1:00 PM | The Life and Death of 9413, a Hollywood Extra (1928) Directed by Robert Florey (1900-1979) and Slavko Vorkapić (1894-1976) Shown only once (May 14, 1929) at the Blanding Sloan Puppet Theatre in San Francisco. The Life and Death of 9413, a Hollywood Extra was not part of any film festival prior to the Carmel International Film Festival of 1929. This 1928 experimental silent short film is considered a landmark of American avant-garde cinema. Douglas Fairbanks assisted with its development and Charlie Chaplin and Joseph M. Schneck helped to promote it. Chaplin was so impressed that he invited the elite of Hollywood to a screening at his home. It received a wide release by FBO Pictures Corporation in more than 700 theaters in North America and Europe. Florey later co-wrote and directed Hollywood Boulevard (1936), a lighter, feature length version of the film produced by Paramount. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 13:00 |
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| 1:15 PM | Don’t Pave Main Street: Carmel’s Heritage (1994) Directed by William T. Cartwright and Julian Ludwig (1924-2007) Contains invaluable information about Carmel’s history as a literary and artistic community. Features a guest appearance by Doris Day. Narrated by Clint Eastwood. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:53:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW DOWNSTAIRS IN THE CIRCLE THEATRE |
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| 3:15 PM- 3:25 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
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| 3:15 PM- 3:45 PM |
IN DEPTH FILMMAKER PANEL WITH Q&A: William T. Cartwright on the making of Don’t Pave Main Street: Carmel’s Heritage Get a rare insight from the director of the movie in this informative half hour panel. Don’t Pave Main Street, narrated by Clint Eastwood, delves deep into what makes Carmel-by-the-Sea one of the world’s most prolific artistic communities. This film is sold in only two locations on the planet, making this one of Clint Eastwood’s rarest films and a gem for the Carmel-by-the-Sea community. OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 |
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| 3:25 PM | Big Sur The Way It Was (1972) Directed by Robert Keith Blaisdell The first major documentary made about Big Sur, its natural beauty, artistic community, and counter cultural ways. Narrated by Doug McClure, it includes interviews with writers, artists and intellectuals such as Henry Miller, Eric Barker, Emil White, Harry Dick Ross, and Ephraim Donner, as well as hippies, musicians, bikers, hitchhikers, tourists, and your every-day rugged individualists who call Big Sur home. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 53:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 4:15 PM | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Agreements: Access to NorCal Local Professional Talent Moderator: Robert Chestnut, SF-NC Local President Panelists: Janet Dyer, SF-NC Local VP; Solana Paz, Performer & SF-NC Local Member; Dee Dee Escobedo, SF-NC Local Assistant Executive Director Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 60:00 SPONSORED BY SAG-AFTRA SF/NOR CAL (SCREEN ACTORS GUILD – AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO ARTISTS) OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 4:25 PM | The Old Man and the Mountain Lion (2014) Directed by Michael Ryan Harrington Stars Keith Decker. After an old man loses his beloved house cat to a mountain lion, he sets off into the at once brutal and arresting Big Sur Wilderness to seek his revenge. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 26:53 TENTH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 5:05 PM- 5:30 PM |
BEST HISTORICAL LEGACY FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 5:05 PM | Bill Bates Directed by Robert R. Franco A profile of Bill Bates, the Carmel cartoonist. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 07:40 |
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| 5:15 PM | Wah Chang Directed by Robert R. Franco A profile of Wah Chang’s career. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 07:30 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW FOR BOTH FILMS |
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| 5:30 PM- 6:15 PM |
BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 5:30 PM | Carma Directed by Sunny Na – Korea Stars Robert Chestnut, Renee Rogoff, and Donna-Lisa Otto. Edmond, a desperate husband, drives you through the most thrilling and intense night of his life. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 19:29 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 5:55 PM | Claimant Directed by Nadereh Sadat Serki – first-time filmmaker, Iran Claimant is about a father who discovers that his teenage daughter was assaulted and raped so decides to confront and punish the rapist, but since the culprit is a very proficient lawyer, he uses laws in a way that he not only escapes from justice but also legally make the father the criminal. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 20:00 |
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| 6:15 PM- 6:35 PM |
BEST SHORT FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 6:15 PM | Lox Directed by Dan Pavlik Stars Bettina Devin (An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn, Rent), Andy Goldenberg (Minx, Love, Weddings & Other Disasters), and Elena Campbell-Martinez (The Rookie, Rebel, Vida). In the span of time it takes to order bagels & lox, Ruth Gold meets, remembers, and ultimately forgets a young man in a bittersweet story of fading memory. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 13:30 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 6:30 PM-8:00 PM | SAG-AFTRA SF/NOR CAL: MEMBER MEETING Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 90:00 PRIVATE EVENT – SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS ONLY |
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| 6:35 PM- 6:45 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
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| 6:45 PM | King City MCI Directed by John Robert Beuerle – first-time filmmaker On March 3, 2024, County of Monterey EMS dispatchers received multiple 911 calls following a drive-by shooting in a small suburban neighborhood in King City, California. This 18-minute documentary, written and directed by the EMS Medical Director, details the complex and challenging EMS and hospital response to that Mass Casualty Incident. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 18:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 7:10 PM | Life Support Directed by Jamon Tolbert Inspired by true stories, an emergency doctor struggling under the weight of life-and-death decisions must confront his own hidden traumas as he teaches a young medical student what it truly means to save a life. Told with raw intensity and emotional depth, Life Support is an award winning 10-minute short film that explores the emotional toll of the medical profession, offering a rare glimpse into the world of emergency medicine, where every decision carries profound consequences. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 10:32 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 7:35 PM | The Most Beautiful Noise Directed by Joe R Pavlo A virtuoso violinist turns a London double-decker bus into a mobile music school to provide free music lessons to low-income kids in the UK and tries to keep it running against all odds. Sensing an increasing gap in the access to music education in the UK, he retrofits the bus into a mobile music school with the dream to make music education accessible and free for every child in London. Features virtuoso violinist, Petru Cotarcea, who will be in attendance for the screening from London, England. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 40:00 CALIFORNIA PREMIERE FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 8:20 PM- 9:25 PM |
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 8:20 PM | Blue – The Life and Art of George Rodrigue Directed by Sean O’Malley For world-renowned Cajun artist George Rodrigue (1944-2013), the story of his exiled ancestors was one he told through brushstrokes, one that culminated in a golden eyed Blue Dog. Blue—The Life and Art of George Rodrigue paints a portrait of an artist who overcame great adversity on his way to becoming an international Pop Art sensation. Features appearances by George Rodrigue and his family, Drew Brees, James Carville, and Emeril Lagasse. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:00:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 8:00 PM- 10:00 PM |
VIP FILMMAKER PARTY & NETWORKING MIXER Location: Circle Theatre SPONSORED BY SAG-AFTRA SF/NOR CAL OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
October 3, 2025
| Time | Film / Event | |
|---|---|---|
| ALL DAY | THEME: OUR ENVIRONMENT & OUR HUMANITY | |
| ALL DAY | ARTIST LOUNGE Available for filmmakers and artists to network between scheduled panels, meetings, and parties. Location: Circle Theatre OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 9:00 AM-11:20 AM | BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS – continued Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 9:00 AM | Wonders of the Wolf Directed by Angie Ruiz Explores one of the most successful conservation efforts in modern history, The Yellowstone Wolf Project. From their historic recovery in 1995 to today’s thriving wolf packs, Yellowstone Wolf Project biologists share inspiring stories about the wolves they study in the park. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 30:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 9:35 AM | Anopheles Directed by Will Agee Responsible for a greater human death toll than any other creature on the planet, the Anopheles mosquito has brought down empires and altered our evolution as a species throughout history. It still does to this day. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:03:27 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:45 AM | IN DEPTH FILMMAKER PANEL WITH Q&A: Director Will Agee, Executive Producer Ana Kormos, and Dr. Greg Lanzaro discuss the making of Anopheles. Get a rare insight from the team behind the documentary in this informative half hour panel. OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 |
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| 10:45 AM | Flashpoint Directed by Van Spaulding When students from a small Pacific Northwest college call out a professor for his “controversial” views, the confrontation goes viral, capturing the nation’s attention. Features Bret Weinstein, American podcaster, author, and former professor of Evolutionary Biology at Evergreen State College (2002-2017), who resigned in the aftermath of the campus protests about racial equity at Evergreen State College. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 28:33 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 11:20 AM-11:30 AM | BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
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| 11:30 AM-12:25 PM | BEST SHORT FILMS – continued Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 11:30 AM-12:00 PM | Ocean Stories: Wyland Directed by Patrick Creadon Features world famous marine life artist, Robert Wyland. Wyland is a marine life artist who for 30 years has inspired children to the beauty and importance of the ocean through the power of art. Energetic, charismatic and endlessly creative, Wyland is best known for his unique contribution to public art: 100 life size whale murals found on walls and buildings around the world. Official artist of the Beijing Green Olympics, painter, sculptor, songwriter and crusader for the ocean, Wyland focuses his many talents towards helping children learn about marine life and ocean conservation. This Wyland documentary is the pilot for a new documentary series, Ocean Stories. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 29:42 |
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| 12:00 PM | Ocean Stories: The Halls 2018 Directed by Greg Goggin and Patrick Creadon Features multi-Emmy Award-winners, Howard and Michele Hall. Howard and Michele Hall have made a life of diving into the unknown in search of fascinating marine subjects for their IMAX films. With over four decades of marine cinematography experience, seven Emmy awards, and countless features in the likes of National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and NOVA, the Halls are the world’s premiere underwater filmmakers. This film takes us beneath the waves and into the alien world of the deep where the Hall’s capture unique animal behaviors seldom seen and rarely recorded. It is the story of how the Hall’s found love beneath the sea, and how they use their films as a call to action to save it. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 20:21 FILMMAKER Q&A FOR BOTH FILMS TO FOLLOW |
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| 12:25 PM-1:00 PM | BEST HISTORICAL LEGACY FILMS – continued Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 12:25 PM-1:00 PM | Jack O’Neill’s Legacy Directed by Yamal Duryea Documents the extraordinary life of Jack O’Neill, from opening the first surf shop in 1952, to inventing the neoprene wetsuit, to founding the O’Neill Sea Odyssey program to teach ocean stewardship to elementary students via sailing trips on the Monterey Bay. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 30:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 1:00 PM-1:30 PM | BREAK Runtime: 30:00 |
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| 1:30 PM-2:00 PM | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: ACTING: THE ART OF CREATING MEMORABLE CHARACTERS Featuring Katie Aselton (The Magic Hour, The Morning Show, Government Cheese, The League) and Mimi Kennedy (Midnight in Paris, Mom, Dharma & Greg). Moderated by Actor/Producer/former Director of New Media at Matt Groening Productions, Annette Andersen and Festival Producer Amanda Mai. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 1:30 PM-3:40 PM | BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS – continued Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 1:30 PM | Sequoias of the Sea Directed by first time filmmakers, Natasha Benjamin and Ana Blanco Chronicles the environmental, cultural, and economic destruction wrought in a California coastal town that’s lost its kelp forest. It’s a deep dive into the lives of a scientist, a commercial fisherman, and a community working to restore its coastal resources devastated by a climate disaster. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 54:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 2:30 PM | Mr. Candid Camera Directed by Peter Funt A documentary about the life and career of Candid Camera creator Allen Funt. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 1:29:08 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 2:30 PM | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: THE ART OF ANIMATION Featuring Kirby Atkins (Senior Character Animation on Scoob!, Writer/Director of Mosley, Character Animator of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius) and Alain Mayrand (Composer of Mosley and former composer for the Budapest Art Orchestra). Moderated by Actor/Producer/former Director of New Media at Matt Groening Productions, Annette Andersen and Producer Adrian Clark. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 4:05 PM-4:35 PM | BREAK Runtime: 30:00 |
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| 4:35 PM-6:05 PM | BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 4:35 PM | Flowers Beyond the Dark Directed by Iryna Pravylo – Ukraine Amid the chaos of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Natalia and Serhiy, a couple of artists separated by occupation, quickly lose any contact. They feel paralyzed, drowning in helplessness and uncertainty. At the same time, the soldiers of the 72nd brigade of the Armed Forces, Vitaliy and Serhiy, are building unity and finding courage guarding “the road of life”, an evacuation route for civilians. Priest Andriy Halavin is tending to the region’s first mass burials on the territory of his church. Almost daily he welcomes international delegations to share evidence of Russia’s atrocities, while continuing to be the source of healing for locals who survived the occupation. The spiritual and physical transformation of Ukrainian people, architecture, and nature – from petrification to the revival of life – was captured during the occupation and after the liberation of the Kyiv region in the early stages of the full-scale war in spring 2022. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:18:00 INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 6:05 PM- 6:20 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 15:00 |
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| 6:20 PM- 6:45 PM |
SPECIAL JUDGE’S SELECTION Location: Founders Theatre |
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| 6:20 PM | The Fight for Monterey Bay: Sanctuary for Our Future Directed by James Moore and Dana Frankoff Revisits the extraordinary grassroots movement that stopped offshore drilling in Monterey Bay and led to the sanctuary’s designation. Features Secretary Leon Panetta, Congressman Sam Farr, Senator John Laird, Mayor of Santa Cruz Fred Keeley, and Dan Haifley and other community leaders. The film is both a celebration of what’s possible and a timely reminder of what’s at stake. Narrated by Clint Eastwood. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 13:00 FILMMAKER Q&A AND RECEPTION/MIXER TO FOLLOW |
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| 6:45 PM-10:00 PM | VIP FILMMAKER PARTY, RECEPTION & MIXER Live Music: Chuck Brewer Trio (7:00 PM-9:00 PM) Location: Circle Theatre SPONSORED BY THE MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY OPEN TO ALL BADGE HOLDERS |
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| 6:45 PM- 8:50 PM |
Into the Night Directed by Riley Vitale – first-time filmmaker Stars Jordan Covington, Kimberly Weinberger, and Evan Joelle. After the sun fades out and humanity is left with roughly a week to live an ex-couple agree to help a college student get back home to her family halfway across the country. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 02:02:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
October 4, 2025
| Time | Film / Event | |
|---|---|---|
| ALL DAY | THEME: OUR ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS | |
| ALL DAY | ARTIST LOUNGE Available for filmmakers and artists to network between scheduled panels, meetings, and parties. Location: Circle Theatre OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 9:00 AM- 11:30 AM |
BEST SHORT FILMS – continued | |
| 9:00 AM | The Knocker Directed by Sara Caldwell and Walter Gorey In 1830s Manchester, a young mother must confront the malevolent presence of ‘The Knocker’ to protect her family, amid the relentless struggles of urban cotton mill workers. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 19:18 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 9:25 AM | The Nightcap Directed by Scotty Cornfield Some dates are better than others. This one turned out to be a real killer. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 03:04 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 9:40 AM | Death is a Favor Directed by Cecilia Kim – first-time filmmaker Drew has had it with her 93-year-old mother-in-law, Nai Nai, who seems to have a vendetta against her and dead set on ruining her marriage to her husband Jack. How much more can Drew take before she snaps? Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 09:59 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:00 AM | Corked Directed by Lori Shockley Corked is a dramatic short film set in 1970’s Northern California wine country. It’s based on the true story of one young women’s struggle against the status quo. Jane Dunlap is at the crossroads of asserting her independence in the male dominated industry. Which direction will she choose? Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 11:44 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:15 AM | Dissonance Directed by Angelo Spano – first-time filmmaker A struggling pianist reconciles with his past as a musician. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 09:18 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:30 AM | Robo Directed by Gracie Simmonds Stars Dana Powell (Modern Family, Bridesmaids). When given a chance at the job of a lifetime, a community theatre director whips her cast in to shape. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 05:20 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:40 AM | Guru$$ Directed by Chris Johnson and Erik Passoja Stars Erik Passoja (NCIS, The Flight Attendant). Guru$$, a music video created by a fictional character, is about a woman who tries to take a shortcut to enlightenment, gets caught up in the glitz, and ends up with nothing. Yes, it is a comedy….and it is also a cautionary tale. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 04:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:50 AM | Little Matchmakers Directed by Rachel Borders Stars Academy Award-nominee, Eric Roberts (Runaway Train, King of the Gypsies, Star 80, The Righteous Gemstones) and Penny Johnson Jerald (The Orville, Castle, 24, The Larry Sanders Show). Summer and Sienna’s grandfather has been lonely since their grandmother passed away. The girls decide to find him a new match, which includes sneaking into a senior speed dating event. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 11:44 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 11:05 AM | Death Pays Flora a Visit Directed by Tanna Frederick Stars Academy Award-nominee, Eric Roberts (Runaway Train, King of the Gypsies, Star 80, The Righteous Gemstones) and Mimi Kennedy (Midnight in Paris, Mom, Dharma & Greg). In this both dark and uplifting comedic short film, Death (Eric Roberts) pays an unsuspecting Flora (Mimi Kennedy) a visit telling her it’s her time. However, Flora doesn’t want to go. There’s still so much she needs to do. And in surprising and satisfying turn of events, Flora wins the day. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 11:41 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTATION: ERIC ROBERTS; ELIZA ROBERTS TO ACCEPT THE AWARD ON HIS BEHALF. FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 11:30 AM- 12:00 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 30:00 |
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| 12:00 PM- 2:05 PM |
BEST SHORT FILMS – continued | |
| 12:00 PM | Procession Directed by Bruce Tetsuya Procession is an intense, intimate, and poetic retrospective vision that tackle themes of generational trauma, horrors of history past, and memory. The film follows a young Japanese American girl, June, living in rural Colorado during the week her family is issued the executive order 9066, to be moved to incarceration camps. We then jump to the early 2000s, where June is now in her 70s, and is going on a bus pilgrimage back to the site she was wrongfully incarcerated at as a child. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 16:45 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 12:00 PM-1:00 PM | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: PROTECTING DIGITAL IDENTITY: A FRAMEWORK FOR THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Led by Erik Passoja (Actor, Co-Chair SAG-Aftra LA New Technology Committee). Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 60:00 SPONSORED BY SAG-AFTRA SF/NOR CAL OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 12:25 PM | Spam Risk Directed by Alessandra Carlino Isolated and grieving, a young widow answers a phone call from an unknown number that just might save her life. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 20:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 12:50 PM | How The Rose Reaches Directed by Belle Adams Stars Belle Adams (Bless This Mess, Perry Mason, The Sex Lives of College Girls) and Katelin Chesna (The Resident, True Blood). Talulah, pregnant with her first born, wrestles with the reality of motherhood as she is confronted with memories of her own, mentally unstable mother. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 17:34 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 1:15 PM | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: PRODUCING: THE ART OF CREATING FILM & TELEVISION SPECIAL GUEST, Mark Mancina (three time Grammy Award-winner and Composer of The Lion King, Moana, Speed, Twister, Tarzan, and Con Air) is reunited with the screenwriter of Speed, Producer/Writer Graham Yost (Silo, Emmy-nominated for Slow Horses, Emmy-nominated for The Americans, Sneaky Pete, Justified, Emmy Award-winner for The Pacific, Emmy-nominated for Band of Brothers, Emmy-nominated for From the Earth to the Moon: Part Two—Apollo 1, Speed) and Actor/Writer/Producer Mark Duplass (Peabody Award-winner for Somebody Somewhere, Emmy-nominated for The Morning Show, Emmy Award-winner for Wild Wild Country). Moderated by Director/Writer/Producer Lawrence Roeck and Producer Adrian Clark. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 1:15 PM | Fault Line Directed by Lauren Himmelvo A sweeping drama, Fault Line takes us on an odyssey of loss in the far west Texas town of Marfa. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 38:09 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 2:00 PM | A Disturbance in the High Desert Directed by Brynn Mitchell In the isolated high desert of the 1920s American West, queer lovers Mare and Gemma have carved out a fragile existence on their remote ranch. But after Gemma is assaulted one night by a familiar figure, the boundaries between right and wrong begin to blur. As the truth comes to light, loyalties are tested and moral certainties unravel. Set against a striking but unforgiving landscape, A Disturbance in the High Desert examines the cost of survival, the ambiguity of justice, and the limits of love when betrayal hits close to home. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 09:43 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 2:15 PM | Something Blue Directed by Samantha Nisenboim Stars Emmy Award-nominee, D’Arcy Carden (The Good Place, Barry) and Mary Holland (The Big Door Prize, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window, Physical). A bride, struggling with cold feet, finds herself at a crossroads moments before the ceremony. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 09:58 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 2:30 AM- 3:00 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 30:00 |
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| 2:30 PM | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: THE ART OF CINEMATOGRAPHY Featuring Dean Cundy (Emmy-nominated for The Mandalorian, Jurassic Park, BAFTA-nominated for Apollo 13, Academy Award-nominated for Who Framed Roger Rabbit). Moderated by Director/Writer/Producer Lawrence Roeck and Producer Adrian Clark. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 3:00 PM | PRIOR TO SCREENING, BARRET O’BRIEN WILL FILL THE AUDIENCE IN ON WHERE THIS EPISODE TAKES PLACE WITHIN THE SERIES The Long Long Night Directed by Barret O’Brien Stars Peabody Award-winner & Emmy Award-winner, Mark Duplass (Somebody Somewhere, Creep, Good American Family, The Morning Show, The League), Barret O’Brien (The Lemurian Candidate, Above the Trees, Othello), and Emmy Award-nominee, Karen Pittman (The Morning Show, And Just Like That, Yellowstone, Homeland). It’s been six months since that disastrous night in the motel and these two guys are nowhere near over it. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 22:47 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 3:30 PM-3:40 PM | BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
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| 3:40 PM-6:15 PM | BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE FILMS | |
| 3:40 PM | Magic Hour Directed by Katie Aselton Stars Emmy Award-nominee, Daveed Diggs (Hamilton, The Little Mermaid, Snowpiercer, Star Trek: Prodigy), Katie Aselton (The Morning Show, Government Cheese, The League), Emmy Award-winner, Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond, Tangled, Ratatouille), and Emmy Award-nominee, Susan Sullivan (Dharma & Greg, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Castle, Falcon Crest). Erin and Charlie escape to the desert to navigate an unexpected and challenging new phase of their relationship. Filmed entirely in California. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:20:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 4:00 PM | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: SOUND & MUSIC: THE MAGIC OF MOVIES Featuring Marlon E. Espino (Cry Macho, Juror #2, Invictus) and Steven Ticknor (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Flags of Our Father). Moderated by Director/Writer/Producer Lawrence Roeck and Producer Adrian Clark. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 5:05 PM-5:15 PM | BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
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| 5:15 PM | Trash Baby Directed by Jacy Mairs Stars Esther Harrison, Chloe Kramer, and Eddie Wollrabe. Stevie is stuck at home for yet another sweltering summer in Pine Park. She soon crosses paths with wild not-so-child, Edie, and finds herself grappling with the natural desire to grow up and the reality of what we lose when we do. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:39:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 7:00 PM-7:15 PM | BREAK Runtime: 15:00 |
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| 7:15 PM-10:00 PM | VIP FILMMAKER PARTY, FUNDRAISER & SILENT AUCTION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MARK DUPLASS & KATIE ASELTON, AND THE SOUL POINTS FUND In the spirit of compassion artists displaced by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake found when arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CIFFest is proud to partner with The Soul Points Fund. In 1906, Carmel-by-the-Sea welcomed artists and writers displaced by the San Francisco earthquake and the massive fire that followed. Carmel became the most prolific art colony in the world and the nature of this village was forever changed.Nearly 80 years later, another tragedy has struck at the heart of our creative California community—this time to the south. As we gather in Carmel-by-the-Sea to celebrate the magic of film, many who work in the film and TV industry in Los Angeles continue to suffer. Most were already struggling after two years of COVID shutdowns and two major industry strikes. The LA fires, one of the costliest natural disasters in American history, hit film and TV workers especially hard.Of the nearly 13,000 homes lost to the LA Wildfires in January 2025, many belonged to film and TV industry workers who were already struggling due to production slowdowns and relocation of film and television shoots to other states. Many find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet and some of the most vulnerable are “below-the-line” crew members such as grips, electricians, carpenters, set decorators, sound engineers, costume designers, makeup artists, and editors. Work still remains scarce for many.CIFFest is partnering with The Soul Points Fund to raise funds for families still in need across Los Angeles who were affected by these recent fires and provide them with essential resources. To distribute aid, The Soul Points Fund has partnered with local grassroots organizations—schools, churches, and parent groups—to identify fire victims who may not be accessing traditional relief efforts. Some are struggling with online applications, while others fear real estate developers exploiting their situation. By working directly with trusted community leaders, they ensure every donation reaches those most in need. The Soul Points Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible. Every single penny donated goes directly to fire victims. SILENT AUCTION – Film and TV memorabilia from within our own creative community. The fundraiser will also receive a portion of the sale of a rare Marey/Demeny movie camera—from circa 1895—one of the oldest movie cameras in the world, on display at CIFFest 2025. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 02:45:00 SPONSORED BY MIRRORDOG PRODUCTIONS OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 7:15 PM-9:20 PM | BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS – continued | |
| 7:15 PM | Rescued Hearts Directed by Krisanna Sexton Explores the profound and often miraculous connection between humans and horses. Inspired by a life-changing moment—when a 7-year-old boy diagnosed with autism spoke his first words while interacting with a horse. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:58:00 SCREENING SPONSORED BY THRIVING WITH HORSES INC. FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
October 5, 2025
| Time | Film / Event | |
|---|---|---|
| ALL DAY | THEME: OUR ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS – continued | |
| ALL DAY | ARTIST LOUNGE Available for filmmakers and artists to network between scheduled panels, meetings, and parties. Location: Circle Theatre OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 9:00 AM-12:05 PM | BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS – continued | |
| 9:00 AM | Unscripted Lives Directed by James Sadwith Follows the setbacks, tears and triumphs as a little New England village and an enrichment center for people with disabilities attempt to stage an original musical together. With music by Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Lionel Ritchie, The Hollies, The Righteous Brothers and more, this film is guaranteed to strip away any preconceptions you ever had about people with disabilities. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:28:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 10:40 AM | Romano Twins Directed by first-time filmmakers, Greg Romano and Matt Romano Matt and Greg Romano (identical twin sons of Ray Romano) set out to make a documentary about the unique challenges of not only being a twin, but having a famous father, and along the way face their own fears and challenges of self-identity. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:18:23 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 11:00 AM | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: CREATING AN EDUCATIONAL ANIMATION SERIES FOR CHILDREN K-5 REGARDING NEW AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDING DRONES, ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY, GPS, SENSORS SO KIDS CAN LEARN THROUGH FUN ADVENTURES WITH ASTRO, THE TALKING DOG. Featuring Sarasina Tuchen (National expert on advanced aviation technologies) and Writer/Producer Jacob Meszaros (Rocking the Boat, Unaccompanied Minors, Holy Sh!t, The Simpsons). Moderated by Actor/Producer/former Director of New Media at Matt Groening Productions, Annette Andersen and Producer Adrian Clark. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 60:00 SPONSORED BY THE EDEN8 FOUNDATION OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 12:05 PM-12:35 Pm | BREAK Runtime: 30:00 |
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| 12:35 PM-3:00PM | BEST ANIMATED FILMS | |
| 12:35 PM | Snow Bear Directed by Academy Award-nominee, Aaron Blaise When a lonely polar bear can’t find a friend…he makes one. Set in a rapidly changing world, Snow Bear tells the story of a polar bear in an unforgiving environment on his quest to find a friend. This independently produced 2D hand drawn film was painstakingly created entirely by Aaron Blaise over 3 years. Features musical score by Marlon E. Espino (Cry Macho, Juror #2, Invictus) and Grammy Award-winner Mark Mancina (Speed, Moana, The Lion King). Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 11:29 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 12:55 PM | Mosley Directed by Kirby Atkins Features the voices of John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings, Raiders of the Lost Ark), Rhys Darby (Our Flag Means Death, Flight of the Conchords), Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess, Spartacus, Battlestar Galactica), and Temuera Morison (Chief of War, Moana, Aquaman, The Mandalorian). A species of creatures known as “thoriphants” rebel against their life of servitude and embark on a treacherous journey to find the fabled city of Uprights. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:39:38 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 1:15 PM-1:45 Pm | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: JOIN US FOR A CONVERSATION WITH MARK VALADEZ, WINNER OF THE 2024 CARMEL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCREENWRITING COMPETITION FOR THE PRIDE. A Chicago native, Mark’s voice is shaped by his working-class roots, early work as a novelist and comic book writer, and training in the ABC-Disney TV Writing Program. His credits include FOX’s Gang Related, Ice, The Oath, and three seasons as writer-producer on USA Network’s Queen of the South. He now has a feature in development with producers Rosie Cruz and Nina Martina. Discover his process, inspirations, and future ambitions. Moderated by Actor/Producer/former Director of New Media at Matt Groening Productions, Annette Andersen, Producer Adrian Clark, and Actor/Producer/Podcaster Rosie Ferdin Cruz. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 SPONSORED BY CRUZ MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTIONS OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 2:40 PM | Letter From a Stranger Directed by Shima Markazi Omidvar – first-time filmmaker at the University of Tehran Letter From a Stranger is a short 2D animation that explores the delicate interplay between two colleagues working in a large library. Despite the absence of an apparent connection, the story highlights how their actions impact each other’s mental health, subtly revealing the concept of “hidden violence” in contemporary society. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 05:49 |
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| 2:50 PM | Happy Life Directed by Sara Caldwell Happy Life is a stop-motion animation about an old woman who turns her loneliness into joy with the help of three balloons and a mysterious stranger. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 08:17 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 3:05 PM-3:35 Pm | BREAK Runtime: 30:00 |
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| 3:05 PM-3:35 Pm | FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY PANEL WITH Q&A: PRESERVING THE INDUSTRY IN CALIFORNIA: PRODUCING FILM & TELEVISION UTILIZING THE NEW STATE TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM IN MONTEREY COUNTY Featuring Kerri Wood Einertson (Executive Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy at SAG-Aftra and Board of Directors of the California Film Commission). Moderated by Director/Writer/Producer Lawrence Roeck and Actor/Producer/former Director of New Media at Matt Groening Productions, Annette Andersen. Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
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| 3:35 PM-4:25 Pm | BEST SURFING FILMS | |
| 3:35 PM | Daydreaming Directed by Cesinha Feliciano – Portugal Daydreaming is a 26 minute short film born from the fellowship between writer and surfer Vovô Balian and filmmaker Cesinha Feliciano. The film portrays the life of Vovô and his longtime friend João Maria Lima along the cozy west coast of Portugal. With a narrative that intertwines poetic daydreams and intimate testimonies, Daydreaming reminds us how special our connection to the art of riding waves truly is and how this salty love inspires, nourishes, and challenges us, not only as surfers but as thoughtful beings. After all, would we be who we are and where we are if we didn’t have such a love guiding us? Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 26:29 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 4:05 PM | Haagua Directed by Marc Antony Chavez and Octavio Aceves Coutiño – Mexico An Indigenous surf film that celebrates the timeless bond between humanity and the ocean, Haagua follows a group of Native American surfers as they revive ancestral traditions, blending cultural resilience with the cultural art of surfing to honor the past and inspire the future.Haagua explores the profound bond personified by Great Great Grandmother Ocean (played by Jacinda Townsend, Vartan Gregorian Assistant Professor of Literary Arts at Brown University and the 2023 winner of the Ernest Gaines Award for Literary Excellence, winner of the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize, James Fenimore Cooper Prize for historical fiction, and Honor Book of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association). Through voices from the past and prayers for the future, the film traces the enduring memory of survival that connects generations. Surfing emerges not merely as a sport but as a rediscovery of cultural practices and a revival of an original way of life.This cultural regeneration comes to life through the journeys of featured Indigenous surfers, including Andy Nieblas (Acjachemen), David Flores Ramos (Nahua), Kaliko Kahoonei (Hawaiian), Shuuluk Leo-Retz (Kumeyaay), Amon B. Chavez (Nahua-Carib), Reg Macarro (Payomkawichum-Ojibwe), and Marc Chavez (Nahua-Xicano). Together, they embody a modern resurgence of ancestral wisdom, blending tradition with the rhythm of the waves in a story of resilience, identity, and connection. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 15:22 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 4:25 PM-7:50 PM | BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE FILMS – continued | |
| 4:25 PM | This Side Up Directed by David Lanning Stars Theodore Newton, Olivia Whelan-O’Farrell, and Shélah Larson. A modern romantic comedy about a struggling screenwriter, who is dumped by his high school sweetheart. Having no sense of direction in his life, he moves into a storage unit, where he figures out life in a funny way. Filmed at over forty locations throughout the San Francisco area in just two weeks, this film is a love letter to the Bay. Filmed entirely in California. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:38:00 FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 6:10 PM-6:20 PM | BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
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| 6:20 PM | Midnight in the Orange Grove Directed by Andrew Troy Stars Isa Yamileth, Kas Escamilla, Rick Otto (Red Tails, Bosch, The Wire), Katherine Kendall (Swingers, Flatland), and Guinevere Turner (American Psycho, The Notorious Bettie Page, The L Word). Based on true events, Midnight in the Orange Grove is the story of a young woman who is jarred into remembering a tragedy long buried in her subconscious. Through therapy, a blossoming romance, and the appearance of a mysterious woman, past and present collide as she’s forced to confront the dark secret of her childhood. Filmed entirely in California. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 01:25:25 NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE FILMMAKER Q&A TO FOLLOW |
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| 7:50 PM-8:00 PM | BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
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| 8:00 PM-10:00 PM | AWARDS & VIP FILMMAKER PARTY Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 02:00:00 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN OUT |
