Vashon Island 2025 Film Fest: ‘The Balconettes’ Set to Open, Full Lineup Revealed!

The Vashon Film Institute, a non-profit committed to promoting independent film in the Pacific Northwest, has unveiled the lineup for the fourth annual Vashon Island Film Festival. Scheduled for August 7-10, the festival will showcase nine feature films and 15 short films at the Vashon Theatre. The festival will kick off with “The Balconettes,” which will be shown out of competition on the opening night.

This year’s selection features six narrative films and three documentaries. The narrative features include Laurent Slama’s “A Second Life,” Ari Gold’s “Brother Verses Brother,” Ernesto Martinez Bucio’s “The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box),” Georgi M. Unkovski’s “DJ Ahmet,” Henry Bernadet’s “Gamma Rays,” Phil Moniz and Kevin Claydon’s “Racewalkers,” Ben Hethcoat and Keita Ideno’s “Coroner To The Stars,” Brittany Shyne’s “Seeds,” and Benjamin Flaherty’s “Shuffle.”

Featured narrative shorts will include titles such as Alex Thompson’s “Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting,” Aisling Byrne’s “Turnaround,” Daisy Friedman’s “Unholy,” and Bianca Politti’s “Video Barn.”

The documentary shorts for the festival will include Mark Shapiro’s “The Invisible Enemy,” Lesley Loksi Chan’s “Lloyd Wong, Unfinished,” Charles Frank’s “Shanti Rides Shotgun,” Loren Waters’ “Tiger,” and Christopher Radcliff’s “We Were the Scenery.”

Animated shorts at the festival will feature Natalia León’s “As If the Earth Had Swallowed Them Up (Como si la tierra se las hubiera tragado),” Olivia Marie Valdez’ “Dormilón,” John Kelly’s “Retirement Plan,” Calleen Koh’s “My Wonderful Live,” and Emerson Tenney’s “Vibrantea.”

Friday, July 11

Level 33 Entertainment Secures Rights to Animated Feature on Frida Kahlo, ‘Hola Frida’

Level 33 Entertainment has obtained the U.S. distribution rights for the Spanish-language animated feature “Hola Frida,” which portrays the childhood of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. The film is set to debut in theaters on August 8.

The film follows young Kahlo in her early days in a quaint Mexican village during the 1900s, exploring her world of imagination while bedridden due to polio, which later influenced her famous artistic expressions.

Aimed at both entertaining and educating its audience, the “Hola Frida” project includes educational resources on Kahlo’s life and art. Andreas Olavarria, President of Level 33, remarked on the film’s unique offering to families seeking diverse and enriching cinema experiences this summer.

The film, inspired by the book “Frida, c’est moi” by Sophie Faucher and Cara Carmina, is directed by Karine Vézina and André Kadi.

Thursday, July 10

Freestyle Digital Media Acquires ‘A Spartan Dream,’ Announces Limited Release

Freestyle Digital Media, part of Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios, has secured distribution rights for the romantic-comedy adventure “A Spartan Dream.” The film will see a limited theatrical release starting August 15.

The story centers on an American with a deep fascination for ancient Greece who travels there to sell his ancestral home but finds himself swept up in romance and local intrigue. The film stars Peter Bundic, Georgia Mesariti, Katerina Didaskalou, Renos Haralambidis, and Nikos Tsergas, and marks the directorial debut of M. Achilles.

After its premiere, “A Spartan Dream” will be available on various VOD platforms and DVD in September.

Supernatural Thriller ‘Klifhaus’ Completes Filming

Filming has wrapped on “Klifhaus,” a psychological horror-thriller featuring Nick Stahl, Ana Ularu, and Rade Sherbedgia. Based on Ben Bank’s short story “House of Horrors,” the film explores a family’s dark secrets in an eerie Eastern European setting.

Directed by Tomer Almagor, the film delves into themes of emotional neglect and repression, presenting a chilling narrative where the true horrors are as much human as they are supernatural.

The production seeks global sales and distribution partners, with a focus on delivering a compelling blend of psychological depth and eerie suspense.

Wednesday, July 9

Leonardo DiCaprio-Backed Documentary ‘We Are Guardians’ Raises Funds for Amazon

The documentary “We Are Guardians,” supported by Leonardo DiCaprio, has successfully raised over $1 million to aid the Indigenous-led conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest.

The funds will support the forest guardians featured in the film and various Indigenous initiatives, including infrastructure and educational programs designed to amplify the film’s impact and engage audiences with the preservation mission.

Directed by Edivan Guajajara, the film highlights the critical role of Indigenous communities in environmental conservation and aims to inspire global participation in these efforts.

International Cinematographers Guild Recognizes Emerging Talent

The International Cinematographers Guild has announced the recipients of the 2025 Emerging Cinematographer Awards, honoring promising Directors of Photography early in their careers.

The awards aim to support and mentor burgeoning talent, fostering a vibrant community of visual storytellers poised to shape the future of cinematography.

Vimeo Launches Short Film Grant Program

Vimeo has introduced a new grant program to support short filmmakers, offering financial assistance and industry exposure. The initiative reflects Vimeo’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.

The winners of the inaugural grant will receive funding, equipment, and mentorship to help bring their creative visions to life.

Monday, July 7

‘Sheepwell’ Completes Production with Star-Studded Cast

The dark comedy “Sheepwell,” featuring Michole Briana White and Alix Lapri, has concluded filming. Based on the Off Broadway play by Margaret Rose Caterisano, the film offers a gripping exploration of power dynamics and survival.

Director Kim Caicedo and screenwriter Danielle DeMatteo adapt the stage work into a compelling narrative that delves into the challenges and fears that women face daily, set against a haunting Southern backdrop.