Pachinko with Catherine Rogers
World Premiere of Focus Features’ SONG SUNG BLUE to Close 2025 AFI FEST, October 26th.
Posted by Larry Gleeson
WORLD PREMIERE OF SONG SUNG BLUE TO CLOSE AFI FEST 2025 PRESENTED BY CANVA
PASSES NOW ON SALE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Los Angeles, CA, September 10, 2025 — Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced that the World Premiere of Focus Features’ SONG SUNG BLUE, written and directed by Craig Brewer, will close the 39th edition of AFI FEST presented by Canva on Sunday, October 26.
Based on a true story, the film follows two down-on-their-luck musicians, played by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. The film is produced by John Davis (p.g.a.), John Fox (p.g.a.) and Craig Brewer (p.g.a.) and features Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, with Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.
Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO“AFI FEST is proud to close our annual celebration of excellence and artistry with the World Premiere of SONG SUNG BLUE – a timely film about love and resilience – music and magic,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “Audiences will leave the theater chanting the refrain of “Sweet Caroline” – so good, so good, so good!”
The festival will take place October 22–26 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood and feature a curated selection of Red Carpet Premieres, Special Screenings, World Cinema, Documentaries and Short Films.
As previously announced, Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will serve as the Guest Artistic Director for this year’s festival, and the festival will open with SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE, starring Jeremy Allen White and written for the screen and directed by Scott Cooper.
Passes to AFI FEST 2025 are now available for purchase online at FEST.AFI.com. Festivalgoers have the opportunity to purchase a Star Pass or upgrade to a Patron Pass. The AFI FEST Star Pass is a five-day pass with access to all screenings (excluding Red Carpet Premieres), early screening selection before individual tickets go on sale, priority theater access, entry to the festival lounge, invitation to the festival mixer to mingle with filmmakers and guests, a complimentary AFI FEST tote and free Rush Line access to all screenings. The AFI FEST Patron Pass features all the benefits of the Star Pass plus two tickets to all of the star-studded Red Carpet Premieres held at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and priority screening selection before Star passholders.
The full festival lineup will be unveiled on September 30. Individual tickets will be available on October 6.
AFI FEST is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival for the Live Action, Animated and Documentary Short Film categories for the annual Academy Awards®. AFI FEST is also a qualifying festival for consideration for the British Short Film categories of both the BAFTA Film Awards and the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).
AFI is a nonprofit, donor-powered organization. Join AFI’s Premiere Circle to support the American Film Institute and enjoy access to exclusive one-of-a-kind opportunities at AFI events, including AFI FEST. To learn more, email Advancement@AFI.com.
Canva, the all-in-one visual communication and collaboration platform, returns as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor of AFI FEST 2025. Designed to empower entertainment professionals to visualize their ideas into impactful film and TV projects, Canva will be integrated throughout AFI FEST including hosting industry networking events, hands-on training workshops for filmmakers, and powering the festival’s digital and printed materials. Entertainment professionals can explore resources to pitch projects, plan shoots, and bring creative visions to life at canva.com/entertainment.
About the American Film Institute (AFI)
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. Established in 1967, AFI launched the first comprehensive history of American film and sparked the movement for film preservation in the United States. In 1969, AFI opened the doors of the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level program to train narrative filmmakers. The Conservatory, which counts Deniese Davis, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison as Alumni, is ranked as one of the top film schools in America. AFI’s enduring traditions include the AFI Life Achievement Award, which honors the masters for work that has stood the test of time; AFI AWARDS, which celebrates the creative ensembles of the most outstanding screen stories of the year; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and the AFI Archive that preserve film history for future generations. AFI exhibition programs include AFI FEST Presented by Canva and year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland. AFI Movie Club is a destination for movie lovers from around the world to celebrate and engage with the art form every day. Other pioneering programs include workshops aimed at elevating emerging storytellers and technology, including AFI DWW+ and the AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop. Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at Facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute, YouTube.com/AFI, X.com/AmericanFilm, TikTok.com/@americanfilminstitute and Instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute.
About AFI FEST
Now in its 39th year, AFI FEST is a world-class event, showcasing the best films from across the globe. This year’s edition takes place in Los Angeles from October 22-26, 2025. With an innovative slate of programming, the five-day festival presents screenings, panels and conversations, featuring both master filmmakers and new cinematic voices. AFI FEST includes high-profile films with Q&As featuring the films’ cast and crew and a robust lineup of fiction and nonfiction features and shorts, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for movie fans. Additional information is available at FEST.AFI.com. Connect with AFI’s film festival at Facebook.com/AFIFEST, Twitter.com/AFIFEST, Instagram/AmericanFilmInstitute, TikTok/@AmericanFilmInstitute and YouTube.com/AFI.
About Canva
Launched in 2013, Canva is the world’s leading all-in-one platform for visual communication and collaboration. Built to empower everyone to design, the company serves the creative and design needs of enterprises, small businesses, consumers, and students in more than 190 countries worldwide. Whether you’re a novice taking your first steps in design, or a creative professional seeking powerful tools, Canva ensures users have what they need to transform an idea into something beautiful. Underpinned by the world’s most comprehensive library of designer-made content, Canva is powered by a suite of products and proprietary AI tools which elevate how individuals and teams create, collaborate, and communicate with ease.
Press contact:
American Film Institute: Shari Mesulam, shari@themesulamgroup.com
NO PLACE LIKE ROME Two-time winner at Kineo Awards during the Venice Film Festival
Posted by Larry Gleeson
Cecilia Miniucchi’s romantic comedy NO PLACE LIKE ROME receives two special Kinéo Awards at the Venice Film Festival
Cristiana Capotondi received the award for Best Italian Actress in an International Film, and Miniucchi received a special award for being the first female Italian director to begin and continue her career in the U.S.
The renowned Kinéo Awards presented two special prizes to writer/director Cecilia Miniucchi’s latest film, No Place Like Rome on August 30 at the 82nd Venice Film Festival (August 27-September 6). Italian actress Cristiana Capotondi received the Kinéo Award for Best Italian Actress in an International Film, while Miniuccchi received a special Kinéo Award for being the first and only female Italian director to begin and continue her career in the U.S. The awards highlight the anticipation for the love story, which is set to make it’s festival debut later this Fall.
Capotondi received the honor for her first international role in English for No Place Like Rome in which she stars with Stephen Dorff, Radha Mitchell, and Sebastiano Pigazzi. Miniucchi’s previous work includes Life Upside Down, which starred Bob Odenkirk, Mitchell and Danny Huston, which launched from the 2022 Venice Film Festival, and was released by IFC in the U.S. Miniucchi’s first feature film, Expired, starred Samantha Morton, Jason Patric and Teri Garr, and debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, and earned her a Cannes Camera d’Or nomination.\
Filmed in Rome, No Place Like Rome is a tribute to the city’s magical beauty especially around the Christmas holidays. The film follows a well-known photographer (Stephen Dorff), working for a New York based high-end magazine on an assignment in Rome, Italy. As the Christmas holidays approach, Connor, still broken from a nasty divorce from his ex-wife, prepares for his teenage son to join him. However, when he learns that his son will no longer come to Rome, he decides to stay through the holidays, alone, and accepts a new assignment that requires for him to photograph the parts and events of the city that are not commonly thought of during the festivities. With the help of his local assistant (Cristiana Capotondi) an attractive, extroverted museum curator, and a psychic’s unsolicited predictions, Connor starts his venture discovering many hidden gems of the Eternal City, while learning, with Scintilla, that maybe love can be found again.
Additional Kinéo Award winners included:
Best Italian Film
The Boy With the Pink Trousers Story and screenplay – Roberto Proia
Best Actor
Massimiliano Gallo (These Ghosts)
Best Actress
Ginervra Francesconi (Una Figlia)
Best Supporting Actor
Corrado Fortuna (Fuori)
Best International Film
Conclave Director – Edward Berger
Best International Actress
Karla Sofia Gascon (Emilia Perez)
Best First Film
Incanto Director – Pier Paolo Paganelli
Young Revelations Award
Andrea Arru (The Boy With the Pink Trousers)
Clotilde Esposito (Mare Fuori)
Best Italian Series
I Delitti del Bar Lume
Creator – Lucia Mascino
Best International Series Actor
Aras Aydin (Betrayal, The Night in the Heart, Perfect Strangers)
Best Italian Series Actress
Monica Guerritore (Inganno)
Kineo & GCHR (Global Campus of Human Rights) Award
Monica Guerritore
Revelation Award
Tatiana Luter
Kineo 2025 Honoree
Morena Gentile (The Protagonist)
For more information please contact:
John Wildman
Wildworks PR
FilmsGoneWild.com
323.600.3165
IFTA/AFM Announces CEO Jean Prewitt to Step Down after 25 Years
Posted by Larry Gleeson
INDEPENDENT FILM & TELEVISION ALLIANCE® PRESIDENT & CEO JEAN PREWITT TO STEP DOWN AFTER 25 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
Prewitt to Depart at End of 2025 Following the American Film Market’s Highly Anticipated Return to Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CA – September 3, 2025 — The Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®), the global trade association of the independent industry and producer of the American Film Market® (AFM®), announced today that President & CEO Jean Prewitt will step down at year-end following a 25-year tenure with the organization.
IFTA retained the firm McCormack + Kristel to support its search for Prewitt’s successor. This transition has been thoughtfully considered with Prewitt and the IFTA Board for several months. She committed to continue in her role until AFM was firmly relocated back to Los Angeles and to lead the IFTA team through the 2025 Market. She will work with the organization’s next leader, once appointed, to support a smooth transition.
Throughout her tenure, Prewitt has guided IFTA and AFM through a rapidly evolving global marketplace, giving the independent sector a seat at decision-making tables and advocating for its unique needs. She championed Independents’ access to new markets and their ability to compete in a consolidating industry, while strengthening AFM’s role as a premier destination for the international community to conduct business. Under her direction, IFTA solidified its standing as the definitive voice for Independents and advanced its policy work on issues vital to the sector in the U.S. and around the world, including copyright protections, removing trade barriers, tax incentives, royalty collections, and changes in licensing practices.
“Jean’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping both IFTA and AFM into the global pillars of our industry they are today,” said Clay Epstein, IFTA Chairperson and President of Film Mode Entertainment. “Her leadership has navigated profound challenges while ensuring that independent film and television companies have a powerful voice and the resources to thrive in a constantly evolving business. It will be difficult to match her impact, but we are excited about the future for IFTA she has set in motion.”
“It has been a privilege to serve IFTA and the independent sector for the past 25 years,” said Prewitt. “Driving IFTA through recent transitions — including AFM’s return to Los Angeles in 2025 and strengthening the independent industry’s capacity to meet change — has been immensely rewarding. This feels like the right moment to pass the torch as the Alliance prepares for its next chapter. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead for the Independents.”
About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to its member companies in more than 20 countries consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, and financial institutions engaged in production finance. Each November, it produces the American Film Market, the world’s largest motion picture event, drawing thousands of industry leaders from 80 countries and leading to more than $1 Billion in distribution and film financing deals. IFTA also develops and publishes the IFTA Model Agreements which articulate the industry-wide standards and key definitions for licensing international rights in motion pictures and television programming and are reviewed and revised regularly to keep pace with the evolving worldwide film and television industry. For more information on IFTA, visit www.IFTA-online.org.
McCormack + Kristel
For more information on the company, please visit https: www.mccormackkristel.com
Media Contact:
Jennifer Garnick | VP, Communications
Independent Film & Television Alliance
jgarnick@ifta-online.org, 310-446-1006
AFI ANNOUNCES 2025-2026 CANVA FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS
Posted by Larry Gleeson
AFI ANNOUNCES 2025-2026 CANVA FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS
Scholarship Program Extends AFI’s Partnership With Canva
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Los Angeles, CA, August 28, 2025 – Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced the recipients of the 2025-2026 Canva Fellowship at the AFI Conservatory. This marks the third year of Canva partnering with AFI to further their shared mission of educating and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. The scholarship supports one Fellow from each of the six disciplines at the AFI Conservatory: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting.
The recipients of The Canva Fellowship for 2025-2026 are AFI First Year Fellows are Maghsoud Eghrari (Screenwriting), Brianna Kolybaba (Production Design), Mahsati Moorhead (Cinematography), Zhizong Qu (Editing), Aemilia Scott (Directing) and Allisa Tsukimori (Producing).
The Fellows will start their Master of Fine Arts filmmaking program at the AFI Conservatory on the AFI Campus in Los Angeles this August. Over the course of their two-year AFI Conservatory MFA program, each Fellow will receive a $40,000 scholarship, with a total of $240,000 awarded to the six recipients.
“At the AFI Conservatory, we’re committed to bringing emerging filmmakers together through learning the craft of storytelling,” said Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory. “For the third consecutive year, we’re proud to partner with Canva to help our Fellows amplify their voices as they grow into leaders in their creative communities and bring a wide range of perspectives to audiences around the world.”
The second class of The Canva Fellowship at the AFI Conservatory recently shared their thoughts after completing their first year of their education at AFI.
“We’re incredibly proud to mark our third year of partnership with AFI, continuing our support for this vital fellowship. At Canva, we strongly believe in empowering the next generation of visual storytellers, and it’s truly inspiring to see these emerging creators flourish and bring their unique visions to life through this program,” said Kate Marsden, Global Head of Brand Partnerships and Design School at Canva. ”
About the 2025-2026 Recipients
Maghsoud “Hami” Eghrari – Screenwriting Fellow
Maghsoud “Hami” Eghrari moved to the U.S. from Iran in 2017 and recently graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas where he earned a BS in Healthcare Studies. Driven by a passion for storytelling, he pivoted to filmmaking. Since 2022, he has co-directed large-scale theatrical productions, A NEW DRESS FOR MONA and THE KINGFISHER’S WING. His work in coordinating intensive community-building programs in underserved Dallas neighborhoods inspired him to write “Even Birds Have a Nest,” his fiction work published in “The Southern Quill” in 2023. In 2024, Eghrari created the short films WRONG WHITE and BLIND SPOT, marking his filmmaking debut.
Brianna Kolybaba – Production Design Fellow
Brianna Kolybaba is a Canadian-Ukrainian film, theater, and opera designer. She brings her passion for world-building through design. She has a BFA in Theatre Design from the University of Alberta. She was a contributor of Prague Quadrennial Performance Design and Space conference in 2019 and 2023. Kolybaba won the Outstanding Production Design Award at FAVA Fest in 2024 for her work on the short NIGIQTUQ ᓂᒋᖅᑐᖅ. Her credits include BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND, THE LAND OF NOD, UNSPEAKABLE, and THE MURDER OF JONBENET RAMSEY.
Zhizong “Jason” Qu – Editing Fellow
Zhizong “Jason” Qu is a recent graduate of SCAD, with a BFA in Film and TV and a minor in Sound Editing. Qu is interested in editing narratives and trailers while also having a passion for production audio. He will often do both production audio and editing on the same project to get the best audio and workflow. Qu is currently editing the feature film, SECRETS OF SAVANNAH.
Aemilia Scott – Directing Fellow
Aemilia Scott graduated from Columbia University with a degree in History. Before directing and writing she worked as an actor in TV, Film and at Second City Chicago. Her most recent short film, HELP ME UNDERSTAND, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Her first short film, BEST IF USED BY, premiered at Clermont-Ferrand and won a BAFTA LA Award at Aspen Shortsfest. Her feature screenplay,”Three Hours,” was a semifinalist for the Academy Nicholl Screenwriter’s prize and won the Blacklist/Cassian Elwes Screenwriter’s Fellowship. Scott’s feature screenplay, “Donna,” was a finalist at the Austin Screenwriter’s Competition.
Mahsati Moorhead – Cinematography Fellow
Mahsati Moorhead is a graduate of Spelman College with a BA in Photography and Cultural Anthropology. She studied in Paris and London assisting cinematographer Bradford Young, ASC, with film installations and Tribe 7 archives. She interned at TRIBE7 London, worked with Rap Research Lab and supported Simone Leigh’s “Loophole of Retreat” at the Venice Biennale. Moorhead’s film AUSPICIOUS RETURN screened at BlackStar Film Festival and Maryland Film Festival and is featured in programs at Georgetown University and Duke Ellington School. She has worked in the camera and art departments on SPACE JAM, REALLY LOVE, AS TOLD TO G/D THYSELF, THE KING & AND THE VIKING, and the Telfar brand.
Allisa Tsukimori – Producing Fellow
Allisa Tsukimori is an Australian Japanese producer based in Queensland, Australia. She has produced the feature film THE AEGEAN as well as PLANTED, an eight-episode web series. Outside of her work in film, Tsukimori has earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLBHons) from Queensland University of Technology and has built a legal career focused on employment and discrimination law working in the not-for-profit space.
About the American Film Institute (AFI)
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. Established in 1967, AFI launched the first comprehensive history of American film and sparked the movement for film preservation in the United States. In 1969, AFI opened the doors of the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level program to train narrative filmmakers. The Conservatory, which counts Deniese Davis, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison as Alumni, is ranked the #1 film school in America. AFI’s enduring traditions include the AFI Life Achievement Award, which honors the masters for work that has stood the test of time; AFI AWARDS, which celebrates the creative ensembles of the most outstanding screen stories of the year; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and the AFI Archive that preserve film history for future generations. AFI exhibition programs include AFI FEST and year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland. AFI Movie Club is a destination for movie lovers from around the world to celebrate and engage with the art form every day. Other pioneering programs include workshops aimed at increasing diversity in the storytelling community, including AFI DWW+ and the AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women. Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at Facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute, YouTube.com/AFI, X.com/AmericanFilm, TikTok.com/@americanfilminstitute and Instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute.
About the AFI Conservatory
The AFI Conservatory opened its doors in 1969 to an inaugural class that included Terrence Malick, Caleb Deschanel and Paul Schrader. Today, the Conservatory offers a two-year MFA degree in six filmmaking disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. In a collaborative production environment, AFI Fellows learn to master the art of storytelling, collectively creating up to 175 films a year. Fellows actively participate in the entire life cycle of a film, from development through production and exhibition.
Alumni of this elite program, ranging from modern masters to bold new voices defining the state of the art form, include Andrea Arnold, Darren Aronofsky, Ari Aster, Deniese Davis, Sam Esmail, Brad Falchuk, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Liz Hannah, Patty Jenkins, Janusz Kamiński, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas, Polly Morgan, Rachel Morrison and Wally Pfister, among others.
About Canva
Launched in 2013, Canva is the world’s leading all-in-one platform for visual communication and collaboration. Built to empower everyone to design, the company serves the creative and design needs of enterprises, small businesses, consumers, and students in more than 190 countries worldwide. Whether you’re a novice taking your first steps in design, or a creative professional seeking powerful tools, Canva ensures users have what they need to transform an idea into something beautiful. Underpinned by the world’s most comprehensive library of designer-made content, Canva is powered by a suite of products and proprietary AI tools which elevate how individuals and teams create, collaborate, and communicate with ease.
About the American Film Institute (AFI)
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. Established in 1967, AFI launched the first comprehensive history of American film and sparked the movement for film preservation in the United States. In 1969, AFI opened the doors of the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level program to train narrative filmmakers. The Conservatory, which counts Deniese Davis, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison as Alumni, is ranked as one of the top film schools in America. AFI’s enduring traditions include the AFI Life Achievement Award, which honors the masters for work that has stood the test of time; AFI AWARDS, which celebrates the creative ensembles of the most outstanding screen stories of the year; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and the AFI Archive that preserve film history for future generations. AFI exhibition programs include AFI FEST Presented by Canva and year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland. AFI Movie Club is a destination for movie lovers from around the world to celebrate and engage with the art form every day. Other pioneering programs include workshops aimed at elevating emerging storytellers and technology, including AFI DWW+ and the AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop. Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at Facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute, YouTube.com/AFI, X.com/AmericanFilm, TikTok.com/@americanfilminstitute and Instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute.
About the AFI Conservatory
The AFI Conservatory opened its doors in 1969 to an inaugural class that included Terrence Malick, Caleb Deschanel and Paul Schrader. Today, the Conservatory offers a two-year MFA degree in six filmmaking disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. In a collaborative production environment, AFI Fellows learn to master the art of storytelling, collectively creating up to 175 films a year. Fellows actively participate in the entire life cycle of a film, from development through production and exhibition.
Alumni of this elite program, ranging from modern masters to bold new voices defining the state of the art form, include Andrea Arnold, Darren Aronofsky, Ari Aster, Deniese Davis, Sam Esmail, Brad Falchuk, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Liz Hannah, Patty Jenkins, Janusz Kamiński, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas, Polly Morgan, Rachel Morrison and Wally Pfister, among others.
Press contact: American Film Institute
Shari Mesulam, Shari@themesulamgroup.com
SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE
STARRING JEREMY ALLEN WHITE
TO OPEN AFI FEST 2025 PRESENTED BY CANVA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Los Angeles, CA, August 21, 2025 — Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced that 20th Century Studios’ SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE, written for the screen and directed by Scott Cooper, will open the 39th edition of AFI FEST presented by Canva on Wednesday, October 22.
Jeremy Allen White stars as Bruce Springsteen in the film, which traces the musician in 1981 and 1982 on the cusp of global superstardom as he records his landmark album “Nebraska” and struggles to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past.
“AFI FEST is the stage and the screens where the world’s stories come together in Hollywood,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “To open with SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE honors the global impact of an American icon and the true artistry it takes to tell his tale.”
“It’s a true honor to open AFI FEST with SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE. AFI has always championed bold, meaningful storytelling, and I’m grateful to be part of that tradition. While Bruce’s roots will forever be in New Jersey, Los Angeles played a profound role in shaping his artistic voice. I want to thank Bob Gazzale and everyone at AFI for this extraordinary privilege,” said Scott Cooper.
About the Film
SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album when he was a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom, struggling to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past. Recorded on a 4-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe. Starring Jeremy Allen White as the Boss, the film is written for the screen and directed by Scott Cooper, based on the book “Deliver Me from Nowhere” by Warren Zanes. The film also features Jeremy Strong as Springsteen’s long-time confidant and manager, Jon Landau; Paul Walter Hauser as guitar tech Mike Batlan; Stephen Graham as Springsteen’s father, Doug; Odessa Young as love interest, Faye; Gaby Hoffman as Springsteen’s mom, Adele; Marc Maron as Chuck Plotkin and David Krumholtz as Columbia executive, Al Teller. The film is produced by Cooper, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson, and Scott Stuber. Tracey Landon, Jon Vein, and Zanes executive produce. The film will be released in theaters on October 24, 2025.
The 39th edition of the Institute’s annual film festival will take place October 22–26 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood and feature a curated selection of Red Carpet Premiere screenings, Special Screenings, World Cinema, Documentaries and Short Films.
Passes to AFI FEST 2025 are now available for purchase online at FEST.AFI.com. Festivalgoers have the opportunity to purchase a Star Pass or upgrade to a Patron Pass.
The full festival lineup will be unveiled on September 30. Individual tickets will be available on October 6.
AFI FEST is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival for the Live Action, Animated and Documentary Short Film categories for the annual Academy Awards®. AFI FEST is also a qualifying festival for consideration for the British Short Film categories of both the BAFTA Film Awards and the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).
AFI is a nonprofit, donor-powered organization. Join AFI’s Premiere Circle to support the American Film Institute and enjoy access to exclusive one-of-a-kind opportunities at AFI events, including AFI FEST. To learn more, email Advancement@AFI.com.
Canva, the all-in-one visual communication and collaboration platform, returns as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor of AFI FEST 2025. Designed to empower entertainment professionals to visualize their ideas into impactful film and TV projects, Canva will be integrated throughout AFI FEST including hosting industry networking events, hands-on training workshops for filmmakers, and powering the festival’s digital and printed materials. Entertainment professionals can explore resources to pitch projects, plan shoots, and bring creative visions to life at canva.com/entertainment.
About the American Film Institute (AFI)
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. Established in 1967, AFI launched the first comprehensive history of American film and sparked the movement for film preservation in the United States. In 1969, AFI opened the doors of the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level program to train narrative filmmakers. The Conservatory, which counts Deniese Davis, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison as Alumni, is ranked as one of the top film schools in America. AFI’s enduring traditions include the AFI Life Achievement Award, which honors the masters for work that has stood the test of time; AFI AWARDS, which celebrates the creative ensembles of the most outstanding screen stories of the year; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and the AFI Archive that preserve film history for future generations. AFI exhibition programs include AFI FEST and year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland. AFI Movie Club is a destination for movie lovers from around the world to celebrate and engage with the art form every day. Other pioneering programs include workshops aimed at increasing diversity in the storytelling community, including AFI DWW+ and the AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop. Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.comand follow us on social media at Facebook.com/
About AFI FEST
Now in its 39th year, AFI FEST is a world-class event, showcasing the best films from across the globe. This year’s edition takes place in Los Angeles from October 22-26, 2025. With an innovative slate of programming, the five-day festival presents screenings, panels and conversations, featuring both master filmmakers and new cinematic voices. AFI FEST includes high-profile films with Q&As featuring the films’ cast and crew and a robust lineup of fiction and nonfiction features and shorts, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for movie fans. Additional information is available at FEST.AFI.com. Connect with AFI’s film festival at Facebook.com/AFIFEST, Twitter.com/AFIFEST, Instagram/
About Canva
Launched in 2013, Canva is the world’s leading all-in-one platform for visual communication and collaboration. Built to empower everyone to design, the company serves the creative and design needs of enterprises, small businesses, consumers, and students in more than 190 countries worldwide. Whether you’re a novice taking your first steps in design, or a creative professional seeking powerful tools, Canva ensures users have what they need to transform an idea into something beautiful. Underpinned by the world’s most comprehensive library of designer-made content, Canva is powered by a suite of products and proprietary AI tools which elevate how individuals and teams create, collaborate, and communicate with ease.
Press contact:
American Film Institute: Shari Mesulam, shari@themesulamgroup.com
AMERICAN FILM MARKET® RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES WITH STRONG GLOBAL MOMENTUM FOR 2025 EDITION NOVEMBER 11-16
With Exhibition Space Selling Rapidly, Leading Production, Sales, and Buying Companies from Over 60 Countries Have Registered
Los Angeles, CA – August 7, 2025 — The American Film Market® (AFM®) today announced the current lineup of participating Exhibitors for its 46th edition, taking place November 11–16, 2025, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. With more than three months to go before AFM’s highly anticipated return to Los Angeles, Market organizers are seeing remarkable early interest and commitments from across the global film and television industry.
Exhibition space is already substantially sold, and production, sales, and buying companies from over 60 countries have registered to attend to date. This early momentum signals a renewed sense of optimism and engagement across the independent film and television industry, as well as highlights AFM’s enduring position for global players to gather to do business, network, present and screen completed films and works-in-progress and gain insights into the current marketplace.
AFM 2025 Exhibitors currently include leading international companies and organizations such as: 13 Films, AGC Studios, Altitude, Anton, Architect, The Asylum, Bankside Films, Beta Cinema, Blue Fox Entertainment, Charades, Cornerstone Films, Embankment Films, Entertainment Squad, Essential, Film Mode Entertainment, Filmax, Fortitude International, Gaumont, GOODFELLAS / Wild Bunch International, HanWay Films, Highland Film Group, K5 International, Kinostar, Lionsgate, The Match Factory, Myriad Pictures, NEON, north.five.six, Pathé Films, Protagonist Pictures, SND M6 Group, STUDIOCANAL, STUDIO TF1, TrustNordisk, Upgrade, The Veterans, Vision Films, UMG / Lakeshore, Voltage Pictures, WME Independent, and XYZ Films, among many others.
In addition, National Umbrella Stands hosting sales and production companies will represent countries including China, France, Germany, Italy, and Thailand, organized respectively by China Film Co-Production Corporation, Unifrance, German Films – Service + Marketing, the Italian Trade Agency with the DGCA Ministry of Culture, and Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP).
AFM Screenings will take place just steps away from the Fairmont Century Plaza at the AMC Century City 15, offering a premium theatrical setting for showcasing films and presentations to Buyers and industry professionals.
Alongside the Market, AFM’s LocationEXPO® is expanding this year, reflecting increased demand from national and regional film commissions, production service companies, and attendees seeking global production support, shooting locations, and incentives.
AFM 2025 will also feature the return of its highly regarded conference series, The AFM Sessions.Spanning four full days, the program will bring leading voices from across the global industry to its stages to explore the trends and technologies shaping the film and television landscape — from development through distribution. Speakers and additional session details will be announced in the coming weeks.
For the current list of AFM Exhibitors, visit:https://exhibitors.
For the initial schedule for The AFM Sessions, visit:
For more information on AFM and to register, visit: americanfilmmarket.com
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About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is where the global film and television business comes to life every November. The only independently produced international sales market, hundreds of finance, production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of professionals from every segment of the industry, convene at AFM for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and serves as the annual fundraiser for the association.
About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies around the world.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Garnick | VP, Communications & Programming
Independent Film & Television Alliance
jgarnick@ifta-online.org | +1.310.446.1006
AmericanFilmMarket.com | IFTA-online.org
TCM’s Summer Under the Stars Returns This August
Posted by Larry Gleeson
TCM’s ultimate movie star showcase, Summer Under the Stars, returns this August paying tribute to 31 stars over 31 days, including 8 star newcomers to the franchise.
Check out this year’s trailer. Then, read on.
After partaking in this year’s TCM 31 Days of Oscar, the juices are flowing for the TCM 2025 Summer Under The Stars as I anticipate more films helping to define our culture. And, in my opinion, what makes TCM stand out are the nuanced film star introductions. The stars , the definitive hallmark of classic film, propelled the U.S. film industry into a global force (Warner Bros. Global Entertainment) via the studio system.
Personally, TCM film programs provide insight into the emergence and subsequent changes to filmmaking, and the mirroring effect as films helps define culture while culture is reflected in film in the same vein as a snapshot photograph captures a moment in time. While film is a business it is also an art form paying homage to fashion, personalities, social commentary and ultimately, a driver of conversation and debate. So, I encourage moviegoers, film lovers, and cinephiles of all ages to tune in and partake in the 2025 TCM Summer Under the Stars. You’ll be glad you did! Check out the schedule below…
SUMMER UNDER THE STARS 2025 Full Schedule Click Here
Press Contact:
Elina Novik
Elina.Novik@wbd.com
Echo Valley – An Apple Original Film
Posted by Larry Gleeson
In the edge-of-your-seat thriller “Echo Valley,” Kate (Oscar winner Julianne Moore) is a mother struggling to make peace with her troubled daughter Claire (multi-Emmy nominee Sydney Sweeney) — a situation that becomes even more perilous when Claire shows up on Kate’s doorstep, hysterical and covered in someone else’s blood. As Kate pieces together the shocking truth of what happened, she learns just how far a mother will go to try to save her child in this gripping tale of love, sacrifice and survival from BAFTA-winning director Michael Pearce and Emmy-nominated writer Brad Ingelsby.
Only for the Brave of Heart.
This has all the makings for a deliciously challenging thriller!
Set to premiere June 13th on Apple TV!
Francis Ford Coppola Honored at 50th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute
Posted by Larry Gleeson
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA HONORED
AT 50TH AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD GALA TRIBUTE
Francis Ford Coppola
Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Ron Howard, Spike Lee, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Al Pacino including Family Members Gia Coppola and Roman Coppola Celebrated His Legacy
Special to Premiere on TNT on June 18 at 10:00 pm ET/PT
Gala Raises Over $2.5 Million to Support
AFI’s Education Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Los Angeles, CA, April 26, 2025 – The American Film Institute (AFI) presented the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award to Francis Ford Coppola on Saturday, April 26, at a Gala Tribute at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, surrounded by icons in the entertainment community. The televised special, THE AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA, will premiere on TNT on June 18 at 10:00 pm ET/PT, with an encore airing on TCM on July 31 at 8:00 pm ET/PT. This marks the 10th year the Emmy®-winning AFI Life Achievement Award special.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: (L-R) George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg attend the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Francis Ford Coppola at Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for AFI)
The evening began with welcome remarks from Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, and included tributes to Coppola’s illustrious career and his influence on filmmaking from Robert De Niro, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Ron Howard, C. Thomas Howell, Diane Lane, Spike Lee, Ralph Macchio and Al Pacino, plus family members Gia Coppola and Roman Coppola and a performance by Josh Groban of “Brucia La Terra” from THE GODFATHER, CODA: THE DEATH OF MICHAEL CORLEONE. Also included in the show were video clips of an exclusive interview, conducted by his daughter, Oscar®-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola.
In presenting the award, Steven Spielberg, recipient of the 23rd AFI Life Achievement Award said, “you have taken what came before and redefined the canon of American film” and George Lucas, recipient of the 33rd AFI Life Achievement Award, commented, “we hoped to beat the system, and we did. We had no rules. We wrote the rules with you holding the pen. Thank you for creating an era of filmmakers that loved the movies.” Coppola accepted the award to a standing ovation. In his acceptance speech, he said, “all the beautiful faces are welcoming me back because I am and will always be nothing more than one of you.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Francis Ford Coppola holds the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award onstage at the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Francis Ford Coppola at Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for AFI)
The event also included a special remembrance of David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970) – who passed away in January of this year, and who had been the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal inaugural recipient in 1991. The medal is awarded to an Alum of either the AFI Conservatory or AFI DWW+, who best embodies the qualities of Schaffner: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality filmmaking.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: (L-R) Steven Spielberg, Bob Gazzale, CEO, American Film Institute, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas attend the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Francis Ford Coppola at Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for AFI)
The event concluded with attendees receiving an exclusive AFI commemorative tribute book about Coppola’s career. Guests were also introduced to the new online tribute site chronicling Coppola’s life and career at http://AFI.com/coppola.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Gia Coppola attends the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Francis Ford Coppola at Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for AFI)
Over $2.5 million raised at the AFI Life Achievement Award Gala will support educational programs at the American Film Institute, a nonprofit organization. To donate to AFI, visit AFI.com/support.
The AFI Life Achievement Award, established by the AFI Board of Trustees in 1973, is presented to a single honoree each year based on the following criteria as mandated through a resolution passed by the AFI Board of Trustees: “The recipient should be one whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art; whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Diane Lane speaks onstage at the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Francis Ford Coppola at Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for AFI)
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Adam Driver speaks onstage during the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Francis Ford Coppola at Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for AFI)
GALLERY PHOTOS
The official sponsor of the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala dinner was Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform. The official water sponsor was FIJI Water.
AFI Life Achievement Award Recipients
1973 John Ford
1974 James Cagney
1975 Orson Welles
1976 William Wyler
1977 Bette Davis
1978 Henry Fonda
1979 Alfred Hitchcock
1980 James Stewart
1981 Fred Astaire
1982 Frank Capra
1983 John Huston
1984 Lillian Gish
1985 Gene Kelly
1986 Billy Wilder
1987 Barbara Stanwyck
1988 Jack Lemmon
1989 Gregory Peck
1990 David Lean
1991 Kirk Douglas
1992 Sidney Poitier
1993 Elizabeth Taylor
1994 Jack Nicholson
1995 Steven Spielberg
1996 Clint Eastwood
1997 Martin Scorsese
1998 Robert Wise
1999 Dustin Hoffman
2000 Harrison Ford
2001 Barbra Streisand
2002 Tom Hanks
2003 Robert De Niro
2004 Meryl Streep
2005 George Lucas
2006 Sean Connery
2007 Al Pacino
2008 Warren Beatty
2009 Michael Douglas
2010 Mike Nichols
2011 Morgan Freeman
2012 Shirley MacLaine
2013 Mel Brooks
2014 Jane Fonda
2015 Steve Martin
2016 John Williams
2017 Diane Keaton
2018 George Clooney
2019 Denzel Washington
2022 Julie Andrews
2024 Nicole Kidman
Learn more at AFI.com.
About the American Film Institute (AFI)
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. Established in 1967, AFI launched the first comprehensive history of American film and sparked the movement for film preservation in the United States. In 1969, AFI opened the doors of the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level program to train narrative filmmakers. The Conservatory, which counts Deniese Davis, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison as Alumni, is ranked as one of the top film schools in America. AFI’s enduring traditions include the AFI Life Achievement Award, which honors the masters for work that has stood the test of time; AFI AWARDS, which celebrates the creative ensembles of the most outstanding screen stories of the year; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and the AFI Archive that preserve film history for future generations. AFI exhibition programs include AFI FEST Presented by Canva and year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland. AFI Movie Club is a destination for movie lovers from around the world to celebrate and engage with the art form every day. Other pioneering programs include workshops aimed at elevating emerging storytellers and technology, including AFI DWW+ and the AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop. Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.com and follow AFI on social media at:
Facebook.com/
About TNT
TNT, a Warner Bros. Discovery brand, is watched by more people than any other cable network and known for big, lean-forward television that takes viewers on a thrill ride of electrifying stories, dynamic characters and premium events. TNT is home to some of television’s most popular sports franchises and scripted originals including “The Librarians: The Next Chapter.” TNT also presents primetime specials and sports coverage, including the NHL, NBA and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships. Website:www.tntdrama.com
About Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Turner Classic Movies(TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents classic films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting “Where Then Meets Now.” TCM features insights from Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz along with hosts Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Jacqueline Stewart and Eddie Muller, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. With three decades as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials and Reframed along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through popular events such as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood and the TCM Classic Cruise. In addition, TCM produces the wildly successful podcast “The Plot Thickens.” TCM hosts a wealth of material online attcm.comand through the Watch TCM mobile app. Fans can also enjoy a classic movie experience on the TCM hub on Max.
Press contact:
American Film Institute
Shari Mesulam, Shari@themesulamgroup.com