FESTIVALS

Now in its 26th year, the Beverly Hills Film Festival (BHFF) is one of the world’s most prestigious showcases for bold storytelling, connecting filmmakers and screenwriters with top industry leaders in the heart of Beverly Hills. The 8-day event features red carpet premieres, industry panels, workshops, and exclusive screenings at venues like the TCL Chinese Theatres and the Writers Guild Theater. Awards include the Golden Palm for Best Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and more.

Key Details:

  • Regular Deadline: September 1, 2025

  • Event Dates: April 19 – 26, 2026

  • Location: Beverly Hills & Los Angeles, CA, US

Now in its 15th year, IFFM showcases world-class short films (≤15 min) inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, plus other diverse works including documentaries and student films. This hybrid event features red carpet awards, Q&As after every screening, and networking parties with industry guests.

Key Details:

  • Ultimate Deadline: August 18, 2025 (Today)

  • Event Dates: October 9 – 12, 2025

  • Location: Manhattan, New York, NY, US

FUNDING & LABS

Supports filmmakers worldwide developing projects centered on the theme of human freedom. Selected applicants join MPI’s workshops, masterclasses, and development labs, with the opportunity to receive production funding and have their work produced as an MPI Original. Accepts narrative and documentary projects in various stages of development.

Key Details:

  • Deadline: Rolling (applications reviewed three times per year)

  • Funding: Varies; includes development support, mentorship, and production opportunities

  • Eligibility: Global; projects must align with the theme of human freedom

For experienced filmmakers from and working in the Global South, this grant funds short documentaries (≤25 min) on underreported global health issues. Selected projects receive up to £20,000, mentorship, and distribution via the Financial Times.

Key Details:

  • Deadline: August 20, 2025

  • Funding: Up to £20,000 GBP

  • Eligibility: 5+ years experience; Global South filmmakers

TOOLS & RESOURCES

Runway is an AI creative suite for generating videos, images, animations, and VFX from text prompts or uploaded media. Features include scene visualization, style transfer, object removal, and video editing—all without requiring AI expertise. Partners include Tribeca and Lionsgate, and the platform also hosts its own AI Film Festival. A free plan offers limited tools and credits to get started.

Best For: Filmmakers, advertisers, and content creators seeking fast, high-quality visual assets without expensive production setups.

Kapwing’s browser-based platform offers fast, intuitive tools for editing, subtitling, resizing, and creating videos, plus AI features for content generation. Free plan available for teams, no software install needed.

Best For: Creators, marketers, and editors who want quick, collaborative video production without complex software.

JOBS

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee is hiring a Video Production Assistant to support post-production workflows, asset management, rough cuts, subtitles, and motion graphics. This full-time role is ideal for those passionate about sports storytelling and media production.

Key Details:

  • Location: US (Remote)

  • Type: Full-time

  • Pay: $22.65–$26.62/hour + benefits

The New York Times is seeking a Senior Staff Photographer for its product review site, Wirecutter. This role involves shooting and editing high-quality product photography, collaborating with editorial and design teams, and maintaining Wirecutter’s visual standards. Candidates should have strong technical skills, creative vision, and experience in commercial/product photography.

Key Details:

  • Location: New York, NY, US (Hybrid)

  • Type: Full-time

  • Pay: $99,020 – $123,000 USD/year + benefits

INDUSTRY PULSE

Taylor Sheridan, creator of Yellowstone, is partnering with Paramount Television to open a 450,000 sq ft studio in Fort Worth, capable of hosting four productions at once. The project coincides with Texas’ expanded $300M film incentive program, aiming to boost the state’s competitiveness in attracting major productions.

Estimated read: 3 min

The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival opens with tributes to Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino and actors Willem Dafoe, Ray Winstone, and Stellan Skarsgard. The event screens 250+ films, but Bosnia’s only domestic film this year highlights the industry’s funding crisis.

Estimated read: 3 min

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