Filmmakers

Stars Align for San Quentin Film Festival: Industry Heavyweights Join Incarcerated Filmmakers in Unique Jury for Second Annual Event

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San Quentin, California — The San Quentin Film Festival is gearing up for its second annual event, building on its historic debut as the first film festival ever held within a prison. This year, a distinguished industry jury has been announced, featuring prominent figures including Vanessa Williams, Esai Morales, Jesse Williams, and Celine Song. The jury will evaluate both narrative and documentary short films created by filmmakers who are currently or formerly incarcerated. In addition, there will be pitch competitions highlighting the best screenplay and documentary proposals from writers still serving time. Among this year’s … Read more

Daniel Kaluuya to Judge Cannes Critics’ Week, Part of Star-Studded Jury Supporting Emerging Filmmakers

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Cannes, France — Notable Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, renowned for his roles in “Get Out” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” is set to bring his expertise to the Cannes Film Festival as part of the jury for this year’s Cannes Critics’ Week. Under the leadership of Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen, celebrated for his work in “The Beasts,” this jury panel will encompass a diverse group of cinema experts. Joining Kaluuya and Sorogoyen on the jury are Moroccan journalist Jihane Bougrine, French-Canadian cinematographer Josée Deshaies, recognized for her work in films like “Passages” and “The … Read more

Australian Filmmakers Shine at SXSW: Amy Wang’s ‘Slanted’ Takes Grand Jury Prize, Leela Varghese Wins Special Jury Award

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Austin, Texas – In a night of cinematic triumph at the SXSW 2025 Film & TV Jury and Special Awards, Chinese-Australian director Amy Wang and South Australia’s up-and-comer Leela Varghese captured top honors, underscoring their burgeoning influence in the global film industry. Wang clinched the Grand Jury Prize in the narrative feature competition with “Slanted,” her brilliantly crafted sci-fi dramedy. The film follows the emotionally charged journey of a high school senior, played by Shirley Chen, who undergoes a radical procedure to transform her racial identity, aiming to clinch the title of Prom Queen. As … Read more

Meet the Esteemed Jury of the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival: Industry Leaders Ready to Judge Next Wave of Filmmakers

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The SXSW Film & TV Festival, an influential platform for creative minds in the entertainment industry, is set to unveil its awards at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The ceremony, a crucial event on the film festival calendar, will be broadcasted live on Instagram, with a full list of winners to be announced shortly after on the SXSW official website. SXSW is recognized as an official qualifying festival for the Academy Awards Short Film competition, which underscores its significance in the entertainment landscape. Winners of the Best Animated, Best … Read more