Ari Gold’s Brother Verses Brother, SXSW 2025. One-shot “improvised” musical that follows twin brothers on a night in San Francisco, searching for their missing father on an urgent journey through the city.
Ernesto Martinez Bucio’s The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box), Berlinale 2025 Best First Feature Award Winner. Five siblings abandoned by their parents mimic the fears of their schizophrenic grandmother, dissolving the barriers between what is real and imaginary as they try to stay together.
Georgi M. Unkovski’s DJ Ahmet, Sundance 2025 World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award and World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision Winner. A 15-year-old Yuruk boy from a remote North Macedonian village escapes into music amidst parental expectations, societal conservatism, and forbidden love for a promised girl.
(L-R) Sanda Codreanu, Souheila Yacoub, and Noémie Merlant in a dramatic moment from The Balconettes, the 2025 VIFF horror comedy.
“…offers a variety of events for attendees to enjoy that celebrate Vashon Island culture and its community.”
Henry Bernadet’s Gamma Rays, Slamdance 2025 Best Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize Winner. The arrival of his cousin upends Abdel’s summer. Fatima craves a stable life while she begins a new job as a supermarket cashier. Toussaint finds a bottle washed up on the shore while fishing, and there’s a message inside.
Phil Moniz and Kevin Claydon’s Racewalkers, Slamdance 2025 Best Unstoppable Feature Grand Jury Prize Winner. A failing racewalking coach teams up with a former baseball player who exhibits natural walking talent, starring Robbie Amell.
Ben Hethcoat and Keita Ideno’s Coroner To The Stars, Slamdance 2025 Best Documentary Feature Audience Award Winner. Chronicles the journey of former Los Angeles Chief Coroner Dr. Noguchi from Marilyn Monroe and Robert Kennedy to Sharon Tate and Natalie Wood, as his expertise pushes forensic science forward. At the same time, political elites try to silence him.
Brittany Shyne’s Seeds, Sundance 2025 U.S. Documentary Grand Jury Prize Winner. A look into the lives of Black generational farmers, unveiling the challenges of maintaining legacy and the value of land ownership.
"…a program like no other independent film festival..."
