Film Festival 2025
Best of Fest 2025
BLUE ROAD - THE EDNA O’BRIEN STORY
Condemned by the Catholic Church, the taboo-shattering Irish novelist Edna O'Brien, who passed away in 2024 at 93, is the subject of this fascinating portrait. Her feminism, liberated lifestyle, famous London parties, and brutally honest writing changed the landscape of Irish literature. Read More
Running Time: 99
NO OTHER LAND
This award-winning documentary, filmed over five years by a collective of Palestinians and Israelis, captures the systematic destruction of the villages of Masafer Yatta in the West Bank by the Israeli military. It's both a shattering exposé and a nuanced story of cross-cultural friendship. Read More
Running Time: 96
READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN
In this gripping adaptation of Azar Nafisi’s memoir, a fearless professor secretly gathers seven of her most dedicated female students to discuss forbidden Western classics after fundamentalists seize control of their country. Their solidarity helps them navigate life-altering choices in a repressive society. Winner of the... Read More
Running Time: 108
JANIS IAN: BREAKING SILENCE
The tumultuous journey of beloved singer-songwriter Janis Ian – who found fame as a teenager with her boundary-breaking song “Society’s Child” – unfolds in this saga of an artist who triumphed over homophobia, a misogynistic music industry, debilitating health issues, and a gun-toting lover. Read More
Running Time: 114
VERMIGLIO
The arrival of a young army deserter from the South during the final year of World War II sends ripples through a remote mountain community, profoundly impacting the extended family of a local school teacher in this intimate drama that garnered multiple awards at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. Congratulations to the Vermiglio... Read More
Running Time: 119
A NICE INDIAN BOY
In this hilarious rom-com, Naveen (Karan Soni) introduces his white fiancé Jay (Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff) to his conservative Indian parents, who must reconcile their traditional values with their son’s love while planning the perfect traditional Indian wedding to honor two gay men. Read More
Running Time: 99
PAPER FLOWERS
What would you do if you had six months to live? At 22, Peace Corps volunteer and USC graduate Shalin Shah (Kapil Talwalkar) chooses to make a difference. Based on a true story, Shah's viral manifesto urges people to cherish every moment, transforming his passion for life into a lasting movement. Read More
Running Time: 101
TOUCH
As COVID-19 shuts down international travel, an older widower, Kristoffer, embarks on a journey from Iceland to England and Japan to find Miko, the one who got away, in this achingly poignant romantic drama. Congratulations to the Touch team on making the shortlist for Best International Feature Film for the 97th Academy... Read More
Running Time: 121
BILLY PRESTON: THAT’S THE WAY GOD PLANNED IT
This mesmerizing, music-rich documentary charts the dazzling rise and tormented fall of keyboard genius and conflicted gay artist Billy Preston. Follow his journey from gospel roots in the 1950s to inspired collaborations with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, to the 1970s in Topanga Canyon. Read More
Running Time: 104
THE DIAMOND KING
For over 20 years, Dick Perez was the official artist of the Baseball Hall of Fame, painting the game's history and every Hall of Famer – a project he continues into his 80s. Director Marq Evans ( Claydream , PSIFF 2022) tells the fascinating story of this childhood immigrant whose portraits transformed the commemoration of... Read More
Running Time: 90
PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY
With a career spanning eight decades, Ottawa-born singer-songwriter Paul Anka has left a lasting mark on the music industry. In this all-encompassing tribute, brimming with archival footage and candid moments, Anka – still going strong – offers in his own words a vivid glimpse into his remarkable life and enduring legacy. Read More
Running Time: 98
SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON
Based on the life of aspiring filmmaker Nasir Shaik, who, short on funds but driven by his love of movies, sets out to remake a classic, enlisting his pals as cast and crew while transforming his small town of Malegaon into an unlikely dream factory. Congratulations to the Superboys of Malegaon team on receiving the Young... Read More
Running Time: 127
BOB TREVINO LIKES IT
When Lily (Barbie Ferreira) turns to Facebook to track down her estranged father, she instead forms a surprising connection with a compassionate, childless stranger (John Leguizamo) who shares his name. Winner of the 2024 SXSW Grand Jury and Audience awards, writer/director Tracie Laymon's witty, touching debut is inspired by... Read More
Running Time: 102
I’M STILL HERE
From director Walter Salles ( The Motorcycle Diaries , PSIFF 2005) comes his most personal and powerful film, telling the true story of a mother of five who reinvents herself as an activist after her family endures an unspeakable act of violence during Brazil's dictatorship. Congratulations to the I'm Still Here team on making... Read More
Running Time: 136
HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES
A lazy college dropout quits his job to care for his grandmother, hoping to inherit her fortune. This deeply affecting portrait offers an honest look at a family grappling with clashing values and dynamics as they face the impending loss of their matriarch. Congratulations to the How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies team on... Read More
Running Time: 125
TATAMI
Co-directed by the Iran-born Cannes Best Actress winner from Holy Spider (PSIFF 2023) and the Israel-born filmmaker behind Golda (PSIFF 2024), this tension-filled sports drama follows an Iranian judo champion who defies her country’s orders to forfeit a match, leading to dire consequences for her and her coach. Congratulations... Read More
Running Time: 103
WAVES
Set in 1968, a pivotal moment in modern Czech history, this dynamic and suspenseful drama follows the international office at Czechoslovak Radio led by editor Milan Weiner, whose commitment to honest journalism and the truth puts the organization in the crosshairs of the secret police. Congratulations to the Waves team on... Read More
Running Time: 131
KNEECAP
Based on a politically charged true story, two young Irish men join forces with a local teacher to form the hip-hop group Kneecap, sparking a movement around the Irish language. Featuring the real-life Kneecap members playing themselves, this riotous anthem crackles with ripped-from-the-headlines energy and rebellious spirit.... Read More
Running Time: 105
DRIVE BACK HOME
Inspired by a true story, this 1970s-set dramedy follows a gruff New Brunswick plumber (Charlie Creed-Miles) as he reluctantly drives to Toronto to bail his estranged, gay brother (Alan Cumming) out of jail. Forced together, the brothers face their differences on an unforgettable journey home. Read More
Running Time: 103
SALLY!
Texas-born Sally Gearhart was a fiery, charismatic lesbian feminist, teacher, and fantasy writer. She fought alongside Harvey Milk, founded a radical, free-loving women’s commune in Northern California, and comes to vibrant life in this funny, revelatory celebration of her high-octane life. Read More
Running Time: 96