Latest news with #filmfestival
Zawya
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Crescent Enterprises renews partnership with Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth
Builds on 11-Year Commitment to Arabian Sights Film Festival in the USA Empowering Youth and Connecting Communities Through Education, Creativity, and Cross-Cultural Exchange Sharjah, United Arab Emirates – Crescent Enterprises, a leading diversified multinational business headquartered in Sharjah, today announced the renewal of its Platinum Partnership with the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF). Now entering its 12th consecutive year, the partnership reflects Crescent Enterprises' enduring commitment to youth development, artistic expression, and intercultural dialogue. Organised by FANN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children, SIFF has grown year on year to be recognised as the region's leading film festival for emerging young creatives. The 2025 edition, taking place from October 6 to 12, will feature a compelling programme of films by both established and emerging Arab filmmakers, while bringing together a global community of creatives, educators, and young audiences. Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, General Director of FANN and SIFF, commented: 'SIFF has grown into a truly global platform that not only inspires young filmmakers, but also reinforces Sharjah's commitment to cultural dialogue and creative innovation. Our long-standing partnership with Crescent Enterprises ensures that we continue to create meaningful opportunities for children and youth to share their stories, explore diverse narratives, and connect with the world around them.' The partnership with SIFF aligns with Crescent Enterprises' broader commitment to cross-cultural collaboration, including its ongoing support of the Arabian Sights Film Festival in Washington DC, USA – now in its 11th consecutive year. Together, these enduring initiatives reflect the company's vision of harnessing education, creativity, and social responsibility to foster inclusive and resilient communities. 'At Crescent Enterprises we believe in the transformative power of cross-cultural exchange and community connection,' said Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO of Crescent Enterprises. "We are proud to continue supporting SIFF as a platform that empowers the next generation of storytellers. Film is a universal language, one that connects people across borders and perspectives. Through our partnerships, we aim to foster an environment where young people can express themselves, explore diverse cultures, and shape a more empathetic, connected world.' About Crescent Enterprises Crescent Enterprises is a multinational company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with strategic investments across sectors. Established in 2007, the business comprises a diversified group of 57 subsidiaries, affiliates, and investments across 19 countries, and employs more than 1,600 people. The corporate structure has four platforms: CE‑Operates, CE‑Invests, CE‑Ventures, and CE‑Creates. The platforms span various business sectors, including ports, logistics, food and beverages, healthcare, life sciences, and business aviation. They also include business verticals, such as private equity, venture capital, and business incubation. Crescent Enterprises is a subsidiary of Crescent Group, a family-owned business shaping the MENA region's economy for over 50 years. About SIFF Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and youth (SIFF) is the first children film festival in the UAE and the region, organized by (FUNN) Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children and established under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi (wife of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah). The festival is dedicated to enhance the media literacy of children and young people, foster children's creativity and showcase the very best in filmmaking for, by and about children and young people. SIFF 2025 will take place 6-12 October Home - Sharjah International Film Festival
CBC
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Regina International Film Festival celebrates tenth year
The annual Regina International Film Festival and Awards (RIFFA) event is returning for its tenth year August 13-23, 2025. All the events happening August 13-18 will be online with events on August 19-23 being in-person. The red carpet Awards Ceremony, emceed by CBC's Shauna Powers, will take place on August 23. Since their inception, RIFFA has showcase over 1,000 films, spoken in 187 languages, with entries from 93 countries. They've given opportunities to 303 first-time filmmakers, and proudly platformed 268 female directors. While also welcoming groundbreaking films by LGBTQ2S+ artists, Indigenous creators, newcomers and, according to them, voices often pushed to the margins of the mainstream. New this year, RIFFA has been selected as a cultural destination under the Canoo X initiative, led by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. This partnership offers exclusive access to newcomers across Canada, helping them with the arts and to explore national events. The 2025 Sask-based award nominees in ten different categories, including the nominees for Best Saskatchewan Short Film are: ● Daytoday - directed by Mark Wihak, Regina ● Disconnect - directed by Owen Assman, Dalmeny ● Driver's License - directed by Lynette Piper and Karla Weber, Regina ● Excalibur - directed by Jordan Wendzina, Regina ● Gymnastics - directed by Nikki Buziak and Leo Fafard, Regina Winners will be announced at the 2025 Award Ceremony August 23 at Darke Hall in Regina. CBC is proud to be a sponsor of this local event. Learn more by visiting
The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy
No matter the time on Martha's Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary and a safe haven where some of the industry's most influential voices converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This week marks the return of the 23rd annual nine-day celebration, which kicks off Friday with a stacked slate that includes appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade, screenings like Spike Lee 's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and intimate conversations with figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton. Over the years, the festival has drawn the who's who of Black Hollywood — including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry and Regina King. The Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022. 'It's a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well,' said Tracee Ellis Ross, who will screen her new Roku Channel series 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.' The three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to unplug, indulge and reconnect through Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross said traveling solo is a way of life. She said sharing her project at MVAAFF felt right, noting that the Vineyard-set episode of Akil's 'Forever' captures the spirit and beauty of the picturesque island. 'It felt like the perfect location to kind of share,' she said. 'The timing was perfect from when the show came out.' What makes MVAAFF a must-stop? Set on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection and support. Akil paid homage to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, crediting them for building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture live and are seen. 'They know the value. They know the need,' said Akil, who will screen 'The Vineyard' episode from the Netflix series 'Forever' at the festival. 'Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told.' Floyd Rance described MVAAFF as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, offering a platform where Black voices and stories are given the spotlight they deserve. 'It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship,' said Floyd, who along with Stephanie said they did not expect their festival to become such a main attraction. 'Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together.' In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centers on the theme of joy, focusing more on celebration than struggle. She's especially excited for attendees to experience a range of conversations, from little-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, paying tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley. 'The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers,' she said. 'Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart.' What else is happening on the Vineyard? This year's festival is delivering a dynamic slate that blends star power, conversation and creative insight. Spike Lee will unveil exclusive clips from his upcoming film 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. Courtney B. Vance is set to lead a panel on Black storytelling, diving into how content creation can retain cultural authenticity. Jennifer Hudson will open up about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, while Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy and capital in today's evolving media space. Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose. Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary 'Seen & Heard,' continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives. And Debbie Allen will be honored with a tribute to 'A Different World,' celebrating the force the show continues to be decades later. The screenings will showcase a wide range of Black storytelling, including Starz's 'Magic City: American Fantasy,' the Tyler Perry-produced 'Old Mary Mare,' HBO Max's 'The Gilded Age,' and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 'Sinners.' Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will hold a live taping of their podcast that'll include an interview with Teyana Taylor. For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he'll show 'The Dutchman,' a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's searing 1964 play. 'It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with,' said Gaines, who's also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. Gaines said the festival affirms the value of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often overlook. 'Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't,' he said. 'That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form.'
Associated Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy
LOS ANGELES (AP) — No matter the time on Martha's Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary and a safe haven where some of the industry's most influential voices converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This week marks the return of the 23rd annual nine-day celebration, which kicks off Friday with a stacked slate that includes appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade, screenings like Spike Lee 's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and intimate conversations with figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton. Over the years, the festival has drawn the who's who of Black Hollywood — including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry and Regina King. The Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022. 'It's a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well,' said Tracee Ellis Ross, who will screen her new Roku Channel series 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.' The three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to unplug, indulge and reconnect through Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross said traveling solo is a way of life. She said sharing her project at MVAAFF felt right, noting that the Vineyard-set episode of Akil's 'Forever' captures the spirit and beauty of the picturesque island. 'It felt like the perfect location to kind of share,' she said. 'The timing was perfect from when the show came out.' What makes MVAAFF a must-stop? Set on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection and support. Akil paid homage to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, crediting them for building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture live and are seen. 'They know the value. They know the need,' said Akil, who will screen 'The Vineyard' episode from the Netflix series 'Forever' at the festival. 'Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told.' Floyd Rance described MVAAFF as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, offering a platform where Black voices and stories are given the spotlight they deserve. 'It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship,' said Floyd, who along with Stephanie said they did not expect their festival to become such a main attraction. 'Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together.' In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centers on the theme of joy, focusing more on celebration than struggle. She's especially excited for attendees to experience a range of conversations, from little-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, paying tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley. 'The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers,' she said. 'Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart.' What else is happening on the Vineyard? This year's festival is delivering a dynamic slate that blends star power, conversation and creative insight. Spike Lee will unveil exclusive clips from his upcoming film 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. Courtney B. Vance is set to lead a panel on Black storytelling, diving into how content creation can retain cultural authenticity. Jennifer Hudson will open up about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, while Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy and capital in today's evolving media space. Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose. Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary 'Seen & Heard,' continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives. And Debbie Allen will be honored with a tribute to 'A Different World,' celebrating the force the show continues to be decades later. The screenings will showcase a wide range of Black storytelling, including Starz's 'Magic City: American Fantasy,' the Tyler Perry-produced 'Old Mary Mare,' HBO Max's 'The Gilded Age,' and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 'Sinners.' Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will hold a live taping of their podcast that'll include an interview with Teyana Taylor. For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he'll show 'The Dutchman,' a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's searing 1964 play. 'It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with,' said Gaines, who's also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. Gaines said the festival affirms the value of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often overlook. 'Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't,' he said. 'That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Edinburgh Film Festival to Spotlight Michael Powell With Iconic Editor Thelma Schoonmaker in Conversation and Restored Screening of ‘The Edge of the World'
Legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker will return to the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) this August for a special In Conversation tribute to her late husband, acclaimed British filmmaker Michael Powell. The event, taking place Aug. 17 at the city's Tollcross Central Hall, will see Schoonmaker reflect on Powell's pioneering career from early independent features to his celebrated collaboration with Emeric Pressburger and his enduring influence on generations of filmmakers, most famously Martin Scorsese. More from Variety Andrea Arnold, Nia DaCosta, Jeremy Thomas, Ken Loach Lead Powerhouse Upscale Industry Lineup at Edinburgh Film Festival Scottish Producers Hail Return of Edinburgh Industry Program While Calling for More Talent Development, Networking Opportunities Year-Round Edinburgh Film Fest Boss Paul Ridd on Resurrecting the Shuttered Event and Creating a 'Discovery Festival' for New Talent The tribute also includes a newly restored screening of Powell's 1937 breakthrough feature 'The Edge of the World,' introduced by Schoonmaker on Aug. 16 at Cameo 1. Shot in the remote Shetland Islands, the film explores the tension between tradition and change in an isolated Scottish community, and is widely regarded as a defining early work in Powell's filmography. 'We are over the moon that the living legend Thelma Schoonmaker will be returning to EIFF this year to present a terrific film, and to talk with us about the life and work of her late husband Michael Powell, a filmmaker who left such an indelible mark on the history of cinema,' said Paul Ridd, EIFF CEO and festival director. Powell's creative partnership with Pressburger produced some of the most iconic British films of the 20th century, including the epic 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp,' perhaps David Niven's best role in 'A Matter of Life and Death,' the technical marvel that is 'Black Narcissus,' and arguably their pinnacle in 'The Red Shoes.' Though Powell's solo 1960 feature 'Peeping Tom' was initially reviled, it has since been hailed as a landmark psychological thriller, largely thanks to Schoonmaker and longtime collaborator Martin Scorsese's efforts to restore and reintroduce his work to new audiences. Schoonmaker was last at the Edinburgh Film Festival in 2024, where she lent her name to the festival's newly established Shorts Competition. The 2025 edition of EIFF runs Aug. 14–20. Best of Variety What's Coming to Disney+ in August 2025 What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
