| 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. |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 11:50 AM- 12:25 AM |
OUR YOUTH—BEST SHORT EXPERIMENTAL FILMS A showcase of experimental local student short films. Location: Founders Theatre |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 12:25 PM- 12:55 PM |
STUDENT FILMMAKER NETWORKING MIXER Location: Circle Theatre Runtime: 30:00 OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS |
|
| 12:25 PM- 12:35 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 3:15 PM- 3:25 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 5:05 PM- 5:30 PM |
BEST HISTORICAL LEGACY FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
|
| 5:05 PM | Bill Bates Directed by Robert R. Franco A profile of Bill Bates, the Carmel cartoonist. Location: Founders Theatre Runtime: 07:40 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 5:30 PM- 6:15 PM |
BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 6:15 PM- 6:35 PM |
BEST SHORT FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 6:35 PM- 6:45 PM |
BREAK Runtime: 10:00 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 8:20 PM- 9:25 PM |
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS Location: Founders Theatre |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
