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Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ready to shine
Ten choreographers. Ten vocalists. Seventy dancers. Two shows only. These are the elements that make up The Remix, an innovative new hip hop-meets-musical theatre dance showcase taking place at Prairie Theatre Exchange's Cherry Karpyshin Theatre at the end of the month, presented by Rise Musical Theatre Company. Since 2021, Rise has been PTE's education company-in-residence, offering free, two-week musical theatre intensives for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of colour) youth annually at PTE's downtown campus. The company has expanded that mandate to include anyone struggling to access opportunities in musical theatre. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press From left: Choreographer Sharlyne Chua leads dancers Ephifany Tiongco and Gwyneth De Guzman through their steps during rehearsal for The Remix, a hip hop dance show featuring 70 dancers and multiple choreographers. A couple of years ago, Rise added hip hop dance classes to its suite of intensive offerings. And according to Joseph Sevillo, Rise's founder and company director, those classes quickly became the most popular. Hip hop, he realized, could be an on-ramp to further exploration in the world of musical theatre. Maybe people would want to learn to sing, to dance, to direct. And there's not such a wide gulf between those two spheres, thanks in large part to Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2015 groundbreaking, genre-blending musical Hamilton. Part of Sevillo's vision for Rise is to create live performance opportunities for choreographers and dancers that put them in front of a wider audience beyond the dance competition circuit. That's how The Remix was born, co-created by Sevillo and Rise artistic associate Dutchess Cayetano. It's a new idea, and a starting point, he says. 'If it flies, if it sells out, if producers or other leaders witness the show and they say there's potential here for this to be annual, then we start creating our own industry in Winnipeg,' says Sevillo, who was also the brains behind the all-Filipino musical Ma-Buhay!, which had its première at Rainbow Stage last year. 'We need opportunities such as this, for artists to keep on going, to keep training, to be inspired, otherwise they'll end up quitting and going into another profession.' The Remix is something new for PTE, too. When Sevillo met with PTE's new artistic director, Ann Hodges, 'we both got excited about the idea of creating a show to feature the excellence of a community that's not necessarily featured on this platform.' Each choreographer has been paired with a vocalist and a crew of seven dancers to create a work. The music is a true mixtape, featuring everything from hip hop to pop to musical numbers from Broadway stalwarts such as Chicago and, yes, Hamilton. 'I wanted them to just pick any song that resonates with them, that tells a new audience who they are as artists and as choreographers,' Sevillo says. Lee Banaga is a hip hop instructor for Rise and one of the 10 choreographers who have been working on a piece for The Remix. His is focused on burnout and creative perfectionism, set to John Legend's Ordinary People. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press ENT - PTE / The Remix Playwright/choreographer Joseph Sevillo is founder and company director of Rise. 'I wanted to really portray that, because I feel like burning out and being overworked is such a thing nowadays — especially in this economy, it's crazy,' he says. As a choreographer, Banaga is thrilled to have the chance to put his work on stage. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'My full respect to PTE and everyone that's behind the scenes, because this (opportunity) is something that's not given to us every day,' Banaga says. When Sevillo founded Rise four years ago, it was during a time when arts organizations all over North America were reflecting on whose talents, stories, perspectives were missing in studios and on stages, following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, by a police officer in Minneapolis. Sevillo wanted to create opportunities for underrepresented communities, but he also wanted to carve out those spaces in institutions. Rise is continuing that work through its ongoing education residency and shows such as The Remix, and he's noticed a shift. 'I think over the four years, I've noticed the change in the safety of these kinds of theatre spaces, where they start getting recognized by underserved communities as a hub where they can go and train and be seen,' Sevillo says. Jen ZorattiColumnist Jen Zoratti is a columnist and feature writer working in the Arts & Life department, as well as the author of the weekly newsletter NEXT. A National Newspaper Award finalist for arts and entertainment writing, Jen is a graduate of the Creative Communications program at RRC Polytech and was a music writer before joining the Free Press in 2013. Read more about Jen. Every piece of reporting Jen produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print – part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Canadian food budgets are tighter than in the U.S., survey finds
A man looks at imported bottles of sauces for sale at the Hiep Thai grocery store in Garland, Texas, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) The average Canadian household spends one-third less on food per week than its U.S. counterpart, a new survey from Leger has found. Conducted among roughly 1,600 Canadian and 1,000 U.S. respondents, the survey found that a typical weekly food budget in Canada totals C$179, while south of the border, that average looks more like US$203, or around C$277. That represents a 35 per cent, or roughly one-third decrease for Canadian budgets, compared to the United States. Beyond international differences, demographics that showed higher average weekly food budgets included Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), university graduates and parents, Leger says. On household spending, the survey also found that Canadians were slightly more likely to say they had anxiety over rising food prices (77 per cent versus 76), more likely to accept higher prices for local goods (51 per cent versus 43) and more likely to plan their food shopping ahead (93 per cent versus 90). While roughly half of Canadian and U.S. respondents described food as 'something you need to live' (47 and 54 per cent, respectively), substantial proportions of those surveyed also said they associated it with spending time with loved ones (40 per cent and 43 per cent) and with feelings of pleasure and happiness (33 and 34 per cent). 'Food decisions are deeply personal yet strongly shaped by social and economic factors,' said Luc Dumont, Leger's senior vice-president of consumer insights, in a release. Methodology Leger conducted the CRAVE study between May 2 and 4, 2025 among a sample of 2,640 respondents, pulled from the organization's web panel. Results were weighted by factors including gender, age, region, language, education, household composition, and ethnicity. Leger notes that while a margin for error cannot be directly associated with an online survey, a comparable survey shows a margin of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points for the Canadian sample and 3.1 percentage points for the American sample, 19 times out of 20.
Business of Fashion
7 days ago
- Business
- Business of Fashion
Five Years After George Floyd: Can Fashion Still Stand for Something?
In June, a new nonprofit, The Jewelry Edit Foundation, convened a group of industry leaders — including executives from Coach, Tiffany & Co. and Hermès — for a 'Lunch With Purpose.' The agenda: support underrepresented designers through year-round programming with a heavy focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as sustainability. The Jewelry Edit Foundation has its roots in a retail platform of the same name (with a similar values-driven emphasis) founded by the designer Rosena Sammi in 2020, when fashion's promise to stand for something was at its loudest and most urgent. But in the second Trump administration, organisations that put DEI front and centre are increasingly rare, and groups with public backing from major corporations are even rarer. Sammi says the need to plow ahead now is more critical than it has ever been. ADVERTISEMENT 'I want to be surrounded by people brave enough to take action — not stand by on the sidelines,' she said. The Jewelry Edit founder Rosena Sammi hosts a "Lunch With Purpose," attended by high-profile leaders in the fashion and jewellery industry. (Courtesy/Courtesy) Many companies that founded DEI departments and backed organisations that support minority designers and entrepreneurs have quietly – and not so quietly – dismantled those efforts in the face of a conservative backlash. Dozens of Black-owned fashion and beauty brands that benefitted from increased attention after 2020 have shuttered, starved of capital and lacking the resources to weather economic headwinds. The pressure to keep silent was on display last week, as protests erupted in California after immigration enforcement agents arrested dozens of day labourers, including garment workers. While a handful of celebrities, including singer and rapper Doechii and Kim Kardashian spoke out, few large brands did. There was certainly nothing resembling the black square campaign of 2020 — a highly visible, if much-criticised, show of solidarity that saw brands from Chanel and Gucci to Levi's and Gap participate. Still, some of the energy sparked in 2020 hasn't disappeared. In a few cases, it's intensified. Felita Harris, a former Donna Karan executive who co-founded RAISEFashion in 2020 to support independent BIPOC designers, says there's upside in staying the course. The nonprofit in May hosted its latest 'master class' for emerging Black designers, this time on profitable growth, and partnered with Ferrara Manufacturing on a June 12 fundraiser to help underrepresented founders scale. Its latest grants are helping several Black-owned labels stay afloat, and alumni have landed roles at Louis Vuitton, Bloomingdale's and other major companies. 'I see the potential every day in [our master] classes — being able to make introductions, to stop the gatekeeping,' Harris said. Felita Harris, a former Donna Karan executive, co-founded RAISEFashion in 2020 and is doubling down on its mission to support BIPOC designers. (Courtesy/Courtesy) A few companies have kept up their pre-2024 approach to politics. Outdoor retailer REI and beauty brand Lush Cosmetics have recently doubled down on their DEI commitments — with Lush even using the acronym in product names and marketing. Designer Willy Chavarria in April partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union to launch Creatives for Freedom, which takes on issues like immigrant rights. So why have some brands and creatives continued to press forward when so many others have pulled back? ADVERTISEMENT The motivation is a combination of mission and margin — rooted in the belief that fashion can be a cultural force on issues like race, gender, and immigration, and that marginalised creatives drive the innovation and relevance the industry needs to grow with a new generation of consumers. 'Our business has always been rooted in mission and values. To stray from that now — or ever — would be antithetical to who we are,' said Nicole Lacasse, senior manager of brand and customer REDI (or racial equity, diversity and inclusion) at REI. 'We have seen firsthand the business results. This is right for our business.' For companies caught in the middle — eager to engage but wary of political blowback from a divided customer base — the path forward can feel murky. But it's not impossible. And some brands say the rewards for staying the course are becoming apparent. Backlash to the Backlash The surge in anti-DEI sentiment — from Trump's vow to 'end the tyranny' of DEI to a wave of executive orders earlier this year — has introduced real, or at least perceived, risks for fashion and beauty brands. Earlier this year, many brands determined that staying quiet was the most prudent course of action. But the anti-DEI backlash is generating its own backlash. Target — once praised for its swift response in the wake of Floyd's murder in its home city of Minneapolis — backed off its diversity commitments within hours of Donald Trump's inauguration. The URL that once led to a 2020 statement by chief executive Brian Cornell about 'a community in pain' now returns a 404 error. Foot traffic has declined in each of the four months since Target changed its policies, according to In May, Cornell told investors that year-over-year sales were down partly due to the fallout. Meanwhile, plenty of retailers have plowed ahead with their existing DEI policies, sometimes under new names, without facing a backlash from Trump or consumers. The key is to move past the 2020-era reflex to turn everything into a marketing play, experts say. ADVERTISEMENT Lush keeps its internal DEI work mostly under the radar, even as it renamed three of its bestselling bath bombs 'diversity,' 'equity' and 'inclusion' in January. That's because, while the brand is known for its activist campaigns, when it comes to its culture and workforce, 'you should take care of your own house before talking about it externally,' said Amanda Lee Sipenock Fisher, the company's head of DEI and belonging. Lush's cheekily named soaps are a natural way 'to enter the conversation with our products,' Sipenock Fisher said. But it works best when paired with substantive work behind the scenes. 'When you have a DEI programme that first and foremost serves your people, you are tuning in directly to employee engagement,' Sipenock Fisher. 'And we know that employee engagement is an incredible KPI. It is a driver of successful businesses.' Lush's "diversity" bath bomb. (Courtesy/Courtesy) That dual track approach is getting more challenging as the Trump administration puts corporate DEI initiatives under the microscope. 'I've never seen this much external interest in our work,' she said. 'Seeing [DEI] being threatened, rolled back, quieted — that was a moment for employees, consumers and companies to say, 'Wait, there is backlash to the silence.'' Retailers with the most successful DEI programmes today tend to be the ones that were thinking about the topic before 2020. REI formally embedded inclusion into its business strategy nearly two decades ago, Lacasse said. Its partnerships with groups like Outdoor Afro, Black Girls RUN!, and Latino Outdoors are part of a broader strategy that includes investing in inclusive sizing, colour palettes and gender-neutral designs — products that have become some of the company's top performers, Lacasse said. 'This is really about continuity of our brand commitment, our purpose and trust building,' she said. 'We do really believe that when we show up consistently over time, when we centre the voices of our communities and we make equity a shared responsibility, we can really strengthen our position as a brand.' Fashion as a Cultural Force Even as brands face pressure to retreat, fashion's most public-facing moments — red carpets, runways, and campaigns — remain powerful, if inconsistent, signals of inclusion. But 'visibility doesn't equal viability,' Harris pointed out. In other words, fashion has become known for splashy displays of support — like buzzy shows or red-carpet moments featuring BIPOC designers — that often fail to translate into lasting commercial success, like shelf space, wholesale deals or infrastructure investment, Harris said. The Met Gala in May offered mainstream exposure to Black creatives, with LaQuan Smith, Grace Wales Bonner, Ozwald Boateng and Sergio Hudson delivering standout red carpet moments. The spotlight on the Black dandy — a fluid term celebrating expressive, often ostentatious style — landed like a quiet protest in a politically fraught climate. Teyana Taylor, Colman Domingo and Lewis Hamilton at the 2025 Met Gala. (Getty Images) 'The Met Gala shows fashion's power to inspire the masses,' Chavarria said in an email. 'However, that must live beyond the one event and we should use that momentum to elevate voices.' The industry has repeatedly failed to turn these cultural flashes into lasting structural change — whether through sustained investment, leadership opportunities, or shelf space. With a few high-profile exceptions, including Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton and Olivier Rousteing at Balmain, designers of colour remain rare in top creative roles. These designers not only continue to be locked out of these top roles — they're also expected to lead the charge for change, often while navigating the very systemic barriers that hinder their progress. Designer Willy Chavarria walks the runway during his Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show. (Getty Images) 'I don't want Willie [Chavarria] to be the only one who's doing this work, and I also don't want it to always be the person who is in the marginalised community who feels that they have to be the one doing this work,' said Jessica Weitz, national director of artist and entertainment engagement at ACLU. 'There's no question that this industry could not exist without a diverse workplace ... and a diverse group of people who are in the business of buying fashion.' Fashion's influence — its soft power to shape culture and drive progress — has dulled, insiders say, not for lack of rhetoric, but for lack of follow-through. 'Maybe the world is looking at fashion in the same way we [experience it], which is, can fashion be trusted?' said Harris. 'Can it really deliver what it promises? Because how can fashion call for democracy when designers are going out of business? When there's such a lack of Black leadership at the top?' Still, designers like Chavarria say there's power in holding the industry accountable to the ideals it promotes. 'Fashion has always been political, and now it's becoming urgent,' Chavarria said. 'It is a way to resist. Now more than ever, fashion must stand with the communities that have always used it to speak out and be heard.'
Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Toronto Pearson awards $1.57M Uplift Fund to 11 local organizations to support workforce development, skilled trades training Français
TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Toronto Pearson is awarding $1.57 million through its Uplift Fund to 11 organizations dedicated to supporting workforce development and expanding the construction skilled trades in communities surrounding the airport. The airport is also committing to broadening its focus to include organizations and job seekers across the entire Pearson Economic Zone over the next three years. This investment will provide more than 2,000 local residents with job placements, training, and career coaching in communities around Toronto Pearson, including Brampton, Mississauga, and Etobicoke. The fund focuses on two streams: breaking down barriers to meaningful employment and growing the construction skilled trades workforce – a new stream that addresses the need to support the construction industry and supports Toronto Pearson's long-term growth plans. "Toronto Pearson understands the importance of partnering with community organizations, as we move forward with plans to build the airport of the future," said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. "The Uplift Fund is just one way we're catalyzing economic growth and helping to build a skilled workforce that represent the broad experiences of people in the region. We are committed to opening doors, removing barriers, and creating opportunity for people who live and work within our community." The Uplift Fund, part of the Propeller Project, has contributed more than $5 million in community funding over the past five years. Since 2018, Toronto Pearson's Uplift Fund has been investing and collaborating in programming, advocacy, and research to support local residents seeking to gain the skills, connections and opportunities to retain meaningful employment. The 11 organizations are: Construction Skilled Trades Stream ACCES Employment, Connecting to Careers in Construction - Connecting young refugees and newcomers in Peel and Etobicoke to construction apprenticeships through mobile outreach and Ontario employment programs. Afro Canadian Contractors Association, Project Ascend: Building Pathways to Success for BIPOC Contractors - Supports BIPOC contractors with skills training in bidding and estimating, mentorship, and post-program support to help them win contracts and grow their businesses. Building Up, Building Up a Network of Holistic Supports for Long-term Construction Careers - Provides marginalized individuals with long-term career support in the trades, including case management, mentorship, financial coaching, and employer connections. Skills for Change, Women in Skilled Trades Green Leadership Academy - Empowers newcomer and racialized women in trades with leadership training and industry connections, promoting inclusion in the green economy. Workforce Development Stream Achev, Job Action Club - Helps low-income residents in Brampton and Mississauga overcome unemployment through job coaching, skills training, and job search support. CNIB, Come to Work: Building Brighter Futures - Supports job seekers with sight loss by building employer partnerships and connecting talent to meaningful work through training and career development. Hospitality Workers Training Centre (HWTC), Uplifting Women's Careers Program - Advances racialized women in hospitality from entry-level to leadership roles through intensive training and career coaching, addressing labour shortages and inclusion. Humber College, NextPath Project: Communication Micro-Credential Program - Assists internationally trained professionals in bridging employment gaps through communication training, job trials, and credential recognition support. The DAM, Youth Employment Program - Prepares youth for the workforce with personalized coaching, training, certifications, and career exploration, reducing employment barriers. The King's Trust Canada, Skills Academy: Creating Pathways to Employment for Young People - Equipping young people with the essential skills employers are seeking such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to help them land a job and excel in the modern workplace, highlighting a gap in critical professional skills. YWCA Toronto, Empower Works Program: Pathways to Higher-Paying and Meaningful Work for Women and Gender Diverse Individuals - Supports women and gender-diverse individuals in accessing higher-paying jobs through tailored career planning, employer connections, and empowerment programming. About Toronto Pearson The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses, and goods. Toronto Pearson has been named "Best Large Airport in North America serving more than 40 million passengers" seven times in the last eight years by Airports Council International, the global trade representative of the world's airports. Toronto Pearson was also recognized in 2025 as one of "Canada's Best Employers" by Forbes. For operational updates and passenger information, please visit @TorontoPearson/@AeroportPearson on X. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 Bentonville Film Festival to Open with Kate Beecroft's Sundance Hit ‘East of Wall'
The BFFoundation (BFF), in collaboration with founding partner Walmart and presenting partner Coca-Cola, has today announced the full lineup for the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), launching next month. As ever, the festival remains committed to building a slate around inclusion and authentic representation. This year's festival will showcase 28 feature competition films, including 9 world premieres, plus the newly-launched Homegrown Competition highlighting powerful stories from filmmakers based in or filming in Arkansas. Of this year's competition slate, 66 percent of the films are from creators identifying as female or gender non-conforming; 51 percent identify as BIPOC, Asian, or Pacific Islander; 29 percent identify as LGBTQIA+; 18 percent are filmmakers over the age of 50; and 12 percent identify as a person with a disability. More from IndieWire 'Left-Handed Girl' Review: Sean Baker Edits and Co-Writes 'Tangerine' Producer Shih-Ching Tsou's Kaleidoscopic Solo Directing Debut Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck to Adapt Upcoming Taylor Jenkins Reid Novel for Laika's Live-Action Division The festival, which was founded by Geena Davis and backed by Wal-Mart, celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, a period that's been marked by profound growth, both for the festival and the charming Arkansas town it calls its home. This year's festival will roll out June 16 – 22. The festival will open with Kate Beecroft's Sundance hit 'East of Wall,' which was 'inspired by the real lives of Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga, and with a cast of predominantly non-professional actors playing themselves.' Beecroft and the Zimigas will be in attendance for a moderated conversation to follow the film. Sony Pictures Classics will release the film later this summer. Other standouts in the lineup include the Danielle Deadwyler-starring '40 Acres,' Katie Aselton's 'Magic Hour,' Courtney Stephens and Callie Hernandez's 'Invention,' and Kim A. Snyder's timely documentary 'The Librarians.' 'Our film selections, thoughtfully curated by Artistic Director Drea Clark, embody the spirit and mission of the Bentonville Film Festival,' said Wendy Guerrero in an official statement. 'What connects them is a shared strength: the ability to tell stories that resonate deeply and meaningfully.' Additionally, the festival will honor Lucy Liu with the Rising to the Challenge Award at BFF's annual Festival Award Ceremony on Saturday, June 21. The award 'recognizes artists who champion storytelling that breaks barriers and broadens representation.' Liu will also attend the screening of her latest film, 'Rosemead,' which she stars in and produced. And, on Tuesday, June 17, beloved weather anchor and producer Al Roker will join the festival for sneak peek and discussion of his new animated series, 'Weather Hunters.' Created by Al Roker Entertainment, the show 'blends education and entertainment, helping kids understand the science of weather through fun, accessible storytelling.' The following projects are confirmed for the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival competition, with all synopses provided by the festival. , USA (Director/Writer/Producer Kate Beecroft; Producers, Shannon Moss, Melanie Ramsayer, Lila Yacoub) An authentic portrait of female resilience in the 'New West' inspired and played by the women and girls who live it. Set in the Badlands of South Dakota, Tabatha, a young, rebellious rancher, who rescues and resells horses, must make hard decisions to deal with her fractured family, financial uncertainty, and unresolved grief, all while providing refuge for a group of wayward neighborhood teens. Cast: Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Scoot McNairy, Jennifer Ehle , USA After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving —even thriving — on a farm in the middle of nowhere… so long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey and her partner Galen fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey's eldest Emanuel is a young man, and when he meets a young woman in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy. Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes, Kataem O'Connor, Milcania Diaz-Rojas USA (Directors/Producers, Perri Peltz and Matthew O'Neill; Producer, Lisa Binns) An impassioned look at the advocacy of Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete of all time. At the peak of her career, she faced a life-threatening pregnancy—and a 70% pay cut from her sponsor, exposing a sports industry without maternal protections. But Allyson turned adversity into action, redefining what it means to be a champion and sparking a movement far beyond the track. Felix's rejection of the status quo and her subsequent defense of female athletes, particularly mothers, shifted the culture of sports as a whole. Films created by filmmakers from Arkansas and/or filmed in Arkansas. , USA – World Premiere (Director/Writer/Producer, Cassie Keet; Producers, Benjamin Dunn, Mindy Van Kuren) An isolated woman is confronted by her past when a fellow former cult member reaches out with news that their leader has been released from prison early. Cast: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Riley Dandy, Shayn Herndon, Jordan Lane Shappell, Molly Jackson , USA – World Premiere (Directors/Producers, Brock Wagner, Tim Johnson; Producers, Jason Williams, Uriah Nazario, Bianca Montoya, Brian Carlson, John Hunter) A documentary exploration of the Trailblazers, a trail development organization, and the transformative experiences of adaptive riders as they navigate the challenging terrain while breaking barriers in the world of mountain biking. , USA (Director/Writer, Christian Swegal; Producer, Nick Moceri) A father and son who identify as Sovereign Citizens, a group of anti-government extremists, find themselves in a standoff with a chief of police that sets off a manhunt. Cast: Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Dennis Quaid, Thomas Mann, Martha Plimpton, Nancy Travis USA – World Premiere (Director/Writer, Jared Cliff LaReau; Producers, Chris Tucci, David Pons) An unexpected friendship develops between two young men from vastly different backgrounds who have set their sights on winning a local bodybuilding competition. Cast: LaEric Moore, Zachary Van Zandt, Susan Gordon, John Castle, Stevie Cavalier This selection of films, taking part in the Short Film Competition, are created by local filmmakers and filmed in Arkansas, and will screen together. , USA (Director, Kyle Yazzie) , USA (Director, Allyson de la Houssaye) – World Premiere , USA (Director, Iman June Blackwell) – World Premiere USA – World Premiere (Director/Producer, Rich Newey; Writer/Producer, Annika Marks; Producers, Angie Gaffney, Thomas Sadoski) When a crisis strikes, Morgan, a sheltered 17-year-old, is provided with the rare opportunity to spend time with her three significantly older half-siblings. She hopes they'll be able to shed some light on what it means to be an adult, only to be disappointed when she discovers they're all faking it. Cast: Ella Rubin, Betsy Brandt, Aya Cash, Thomas Sadoski, Mimi Rogers , USA (Director/Writer, Melody C. Roscher; Producers, Craig Shilowich, Alexander Schepsman, Danielle Massie, Sam Bisbee, Cody Ryder, Saba Zerehi) Bird Rowe is searching for a wedding venue in her hometown, navigating a tumultuous relationship with her mother, and hiding a secret agenda. Cast: Alisha Wainwright, Christine Lahti, James Le Gros, K. Todd Freeman, Annabelle Dexter-Jones , USA (Director/Writer, David Fortune; Producers, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Autumn Bailey-Ford) Following his wife's recent passing, single father Lucky finds himself navigating the challenges of raising his exuberant son Mason, who has Down syndrome. Seeking solace, Lucky and Mason embark on a journey across Metro Atlanta to attend their first baseball game together. Cast: Will Catlett, Jeremiah Daniels, Brandee Evans, Terry J. Vaughn , USA (Director/Writer/Producer, J Pinder; Producer, Cole Dabney) Carter, a 21-year-old mama's boy still living at home, must complete a seemingly impossible list of tasks by the end of the day or find a new place to live. If Carter can conquer this wildly chaotic day, he might be ready for the real world after all. Cast: Nick Darnell, Morgan Jay, R. Marcus Taylor, Jada Paige, Jack Stone, Mildred Marie Langford , USA – World Premiere (Director/Writer, Grafton Doyle; Producer, Julio Lopez Velasquez, John Reyes Doyle) Inspired by true events in San Francisco's notorious Tenderloin district, three friends must hustle through one gritty, glamorous, adrenaline-fueled night. With only hours to scrape together enough cash to cover rent, they dive into a world of sex work, drugs, and danger. As tensions rise, a fiery love triangle tests their loyalties. Cast: Trace Lysette, Pierson Fode, Alexandra Grey , Panama, USA (Director/Writer/Producer, Daniel Poler; Producers, Frida Torresblanco, Ari Tan) Bitter after losing his job, Jonathan recruits a down-on-her-luck actress and a cynical playboy to aid in his journey from Mexico to Panama before spinal surgery. As the trio ventures into Panama's wild side, it becomes unclear if Jonathan's trip is for diversion— or to avenge a long-held grudge. Cast: Jonathan Benaim, Paulina Mondragón, Aaron Díaz, Juliette Roy, Lola Ponce, Mimi Lazo, Marygaby Sealy , USA – World Premiere (Director, Rachel Israel; Writers, Brent Hoff, Andra Gordon, Amelia Brain; Producers, Becky Korman, Lily Korman, Shai Korman, Andra Gordon) A struggling musician takes a last-resort job from her overachiever best friend: supervising misfits at their childhood Jewish summer camp. As its survival hangs in the balance, the clashing friends and campers must overcome their differences to save the camp. Cast: Jackie Tohn, Sarah Podemski, Aya Cash, Judah Lewis, Nina Bloomgarden, Jake Ryan, Seth Green, Jonathan Silverman, Steve Guttenberg , USA (Director/Writer/Producer, Amy Landecker; Producers, Bradley Whitford, Valerie Stadler, Jenice Bergere, James Portolese) A newly divorced sober mom goes to a wedding with a much younger date, and behaves like a drunk 25 year old bridesmaid to try and keep up. Cast: Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford, Nico Hiraga, Gaby Hoffman, Kiersey Clemons, Missi Pyle, Ken Marino , USA (Director/Writer/Producer, Courtney Stephens; Co-Creator/Writer/Producer, Callie Hernandez) In the aftermath of a conspiracy-minded father's sudden death, his daughter inherits his patent for an experimental healing device. Cast: Callie Hernandez, Sahm McGlynn, Lucy Kaminsky, Tony Torn, James N. Kienitz Wilkins , USA (Director/Writer, Katie Aselton; Writer, Mark Duplass; Producer, Emily A. Neumann) Erin and Charlie escape to the desert to navigate an unexpected and challenging new phase of their relationship. Cast: Daveed Diggs, Katie Aselton, Brad Garrett, Susan Sullivan , USA (Director/Writer, Madeleine Rotzler; Producers, Audrey Tommassini Cross, Mark Gill, Joe Cross) Abby, a brilliant young neuroscientist, spends her days working with a monkey and mourning the recent loss of her father. When she finds a way to speak with him through a new technology, she begins to question everything. Cast: Maria Bakalova, David Strathairn, Alysia Reiner, Adam Pally, Aimee Mann , USA (Director, Eric Lin; Writer, Marilyn Fu; Producers, Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, Lucy Liu) In a race against time, an ailing woman is stricken by the discovery of her teenage son's violent obsessions and must go to great lengths to protect him, and possibly others. Inspired by true events. Cast: Lucy Liu, Lawrence Shou, Orion Lee, Jennifer Lim, Madison Hu, James Chen , USA (Director/Producer, Sam Feder; Producers, Amy Scholder, Paula Mendoza) Civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio's courtroom battles against anti-trans laws intertwine with exposing media narratives impacting public perception of transgender rights. , USA (Directors/Producers, Jon Shenk, Bonni Cohen; Producer, Jessica Anthony) Highly decorated Navy SEAL Marcus Capone struggles with PTSD after returning from Afghanistan. His wife finds hope in psychedelic therapy. They embark on providing access to this treatment for other veterans battling mental health issues. , USA (Director/Producer, Kim A. Snyder; Producers, Janique L. 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