Summertime in East Hampton, New York evokes a reverie of sun-drenched beaches, calm ocean breezes, delectable hors d'oeuvres and sophisticated company. But within this dreamy landscape, an alt culture vortex arose in the form of artist and couture fashion designer Amy Zerner and her soulmate, best-selling spiritual author Monte Farber. 

Famous for intricate art as well as tarot card readings, they are hard to pin down or categorize. Yet their deep spirituality lends the duo more to exploration than revolution. They don't really crash the party in the Hamptons; it's more like they evoke and paint it. Their Light-Filled, surreal perspective may be salutary in an area that absorbs a good slice of Manhattan in an attempt to flee it. (Many manage just fine, but some weekenders may never get there due to the infamous traffic jams.)

Producer and Director Annmarie Sairrino, who is based in Burbank, seems to have great fun pulling together the pieces around this puzzling, talented and fascinating couple. Seldom do people so irreverent act from a place of such transcendent intentionality. And therein is a story worth telling. It is told very well. 

You can watch the trailer here (parental discretion advised): Amy & Monte Trailer

Link to MALAKI-Z’s 1st ANTHOLOGY  book reel:     https://youtu.be/d6cdTXFXT04

Link to MALAKI-Z's 1st ANTHOLOGY:   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMLZPHYT

Enter the Universe, chronicled by Malaki-z, the cosmic historian who records the most intriguing and critical tales of existence. MALAKI-Z’s 1st ANTHOLOGY, Into the Light, spans five thought-provoking stories, each one casting light on humanity’s place within the vast cosmos.

In Willard’s Fundamental Force, Professor Roy Willard, a humble astrophysicist, stumbles upon a discovery that could redefine everything we know about the universe. What begins as a routine academic year soon spirals into an intense journey of revelation as Willard confronts forces far beyond his comprehension, forcing him to question not only his theories but also the very nature of reality.

In To Beta-Vanverden and Back, journey alongside a space exploration team as they embark on an expedition to Beta-Vanverden, an exoplanet that holds both awe-inspiring beauty and unexpected dangers. As they delve deeper into the planet’s secrets, the crew must grapple with their own humanity, the nature of alien intelligence, and the risks that come with seeking knowledge.

In Message from Unit 493, a chilling revelation from an ancient android changes everything humanity thought it knew about its place in the universe. Discovered six hundred million years after it was recorded, the android’s message unveils a cosmic cycle known as the Grand Evolution Cycle—a pattern in which intelligent species inevitably rise, fall, and are replaced. As Unit 493 calmly explains the fate awaiting humankind, it becomes clear that androids, not humans, are destined to inherit the Earth. Through this haunting and thought-provoking tale, Message from Unit 493 challenges readers to question the long-term consequences of humanity’s actions and to ponder the cyclical nature of life itself.

Father of Civilization unveils the story of the last human on Earth, whose actions will shape the next wave of life on the planet. As he struggles with loneliness, loss, and responsibility, he must find within himself the will and wisdom to lay the foundations for a new society, one that may one day come to know him as its “Father.”

In Cosmic Limousine, Ltd., the universe becomes the playground of an eccentric entrepreneur who offers clients once-in-a-lifetime rides across the stars. From interstellar cruises to black hole tours, this company brings thrill-seekers face-to-face with the mysteries of space—until a journey goes unexpectedly awry, challenging passengers and crew alike to confront their deepest fears and desires.

This collection explores the profound, the mysterious, and the unsettling realms of space and time. With each story, Into the Light asks readers to consider the vastness of the cosmos, the essence of human ambition, and the power of choice. A journey into discovery and reflection, this anthology will captivate anyone who has ever wondered about the universe's endless potential and our place within it.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James W. Hawk was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania, and grew up in East Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Cleveland State University.

Dr. Raymond Foery, Professor Emeritus - Quinnipiac University Film, Television, and Media Arts, said about Hawk’s work: "A truly imaginative filmmaker with a highly sophisticated sense of cinematic acuity. Jim has been remarkably active in various genres. As a director of narrative fiction, he has shown a sure hand with actors and a sophisticated appreciation of mise-en-scene. As a creator of animated visual motifs, Jim has displayed a mastery of the latest

Nina Goldvin is a new filmmaker from Ukraine whose debut short film The Voice of Despair is already making a strong impression—especially with its screening at Cannes. The film tells the story of sexual violence through a unique and powerful perspective: the voice of an unborn child.
What’s especially striking is that this wasn’t a project Goldvin planned in advance. While visiting Ukraine, she met a friend who introduced her to a women’s doctor. That doctor shared a number of heartbreaking stories she’d heard from patients—stories about abuse that many women are forced to carry in silence. One of those stories hit Goldvin deeply. She said she felt a lump in her throat after hearing it, and an overwhelming need to share the story. “I had to express my voice of despair” she states during the interview while recounting the moment she heard this story. That’s how the film began to take shape.
Goldvin felt a responsibility to use her platform to speak up for women who have experienced similar pain. She’s passionate about helping women around the world feel seen, safe, and empowered.
Making a film like this obviously comes with emotional challenges. But Goldvin had a tool she leaned on throughout the process: meditation. Her mother taught her how to meditate when she was five years old, and she says that having that ability to calm and center herself helped her get through the heavy emotions that came with telling such a painful story. She expressed the importance of being able to control your emotions and mental state.
Interestingly, acting in her own film wasn’t the hardest part. The real challenge was finding someone to voice the unborn child. Since the character needed to sound like a young child and speak fluent Ukrainian, casting was tough. Eventually, Goldvin found the right person—someone she felt a real connection with—and also formed a close bond with the child’s mother during filming.
Because the story is based on a real event, Goldvin wanted to make sure she had permission to share it. The doctor who originally told her the story helped her get in touch with the woman who had lived through it. That woman agreed to let Goldvin tell the story, as long as her identity stayed private. To this day, she’s still deeply affected by what she experienced.
Goldvin said she grew up in a peaceful, sheltered environment and didn’t realize how common stories like this really are. Learning about the reality so many women face was painful—and also motivating. She wants to make sure these kinds of stories aren’t ignored or treated like they’re normal.
One thing that surprised her while making the film was how naturally everything came together. She didn’t have a strict plan or a detailed outline—she just knew the story had to be told, and trusted herself to find the way.
Looking ahead, Goldvin is still thinking about women’s rights and the political side of these issues. She’s even considering turning The Voice of Despair into a full-length feature film. There’s more she wants to say, and this film feels like just the beginning.

Interview by Madeline Ballard

 

Building on its 47th edition, which set new attendance records with over 173,000 admissions and around 4,100 accredited industry professionals, the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival once again confirms its status as the world’s largest film event dedicated to the short format.

The next edition will take place from 30 January to 7 February 2026, and submissions are now open! You can already submit your short films via the online platform Shortfilmdepot:

 

The winners of the 2025 Festival © AR

 

REQUIREMENTS

The "Vercingetorix" trophies are made from the original work of the French sculptor Roland Cognet. ©BC 

OFFICIAL SELECTION - COMPETITIONS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

The International Competition is a meeting point for the diverse horizons that make up the richness of global short filmmaking. Dive into worlds crafted by the young generation of filmmakers, who hold the key to unique cinematic experiences.

May compete: films on DCP not exceeding 40 minutes and completed after 1st October 2024.

DEADLINE PROCEDURE:

• 11 July 2024 for films completed between 1st October and 31st December 2024

• 25 September 2025 for films completed in 2025

Mariana Rudan and Kat Dominis,
co-producers of the 2025 International Grand Prix
directed by Damian Walshe-Howling (Unspoken) © BC

NATIONAL COMPETITION

The National Competition showcases the best of French production from the past year, spanning all genres and perspectives. Additionally, two French films are selected to compete in the International Competition.

May compete: films on DCP not exceeding 60 minutes and completed after 1st October 2024.

DEADLINE PROCEDURE:

• 11 July 2024 for films completed between 1st October and 31st December 2024

• 2 October 2025 for films completed in 2025

Mohamed Bourouissa, 2025 National Grand Prix
(Généalogie de la violence) © BC

LAB COMPETITION.

The Lab Competition is the place to be for discovering bold and unconventional artworks. With unexpected crossovers, original perspectives, and a masterful embrace of risk, Clermont's Lab welcomes the most curious among you.

May compete: films on DCP not exceeding 40 minutes and completed after 1st October 2024.

There is no registration for this competition since the films will be chosen from those entered into the National and International competitions above.

Esteban Azuela, 2025 Lab Grand Prix (Aferrado) © BC

XR COMPETITION

The XR competition showcases immersive films, highlighting innovative works that utilise virtual, augmented, or mixed reality technologies. Both professionals and the public will

 

A Showcase into the World of Animation

On Tuesday evening, 6 May 2025, the 32nd edition of the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) – Germany’s largest animation film festival – was officially opened at Gloria 1 cinema. At the Festival Opening, directors Heike Mozer and Annegret Richter welcomed the audience in the sold-out auditorium, joined by State Secretary for Culture Arne Braun (Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts), Stuttgart’s Lord Mayor Frank Nopper, and Michael Kaiser, Managing Director of the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (WRS). One message was clear: more than ever, film festivals are essential spaces for intercultural exchange and creative inspiration.

 

The evening before, on 5 May, the Stuttgart Animated Week kicked off with a state reception held in the White Hall of the New Palace. With its three key, parallel events — ITFS, Animation Production Days, and FMX – Film & Media Exchange — the full spectrum of animation is on display. The combination of festival, marketplace, and conference creates a unique platform for animation projects from around the world.

 

Arne Braun, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts, emphasised:
“I believe the creative industries have a key role to play in shaping the future of our region. This is where new ways of thinking are born, where creatives constantly bring forth fresh ideas — and where new jobs are created. This is especially true for the field of animated media.”
He pointed out that since 2010, the number of VFX and animation companies in Baden-Württemberg has nearly tripled, and their turnover has increased eightfold. He added: “The Stuttgart Animated Week — with the International Festival of Animated Film, the FMX Conference, and the Animation Production Days — is our showcase to the world. And at the same time, a magnet for talent, visionaries, and international decision-makers. Animation, VFX, and games are no longer just about entertainment.”

 

New Features and Programme Highlights
With around 500 short and feature-length films, master classes, studio presentations, a new Professional Afternoon tailored to the industry, and numerous networking opportunities, the ITFS continues to be a major draw for the international animation scene. Audiences keen to get hands-on can take part in interactive activities at the Schlossplatz Activity Area – from themed days on democracy and borders, to drawing and animation workshops, and exhibitions.

 

Alongside established formats and competitions, the 2025 edition introduces several new elements that will be visible throughout the festival. This includes a new date for the awards ceremony: this year, the prizes will already be presented on Saturday evening, 10 May.

 

“With the big awards ceremony moving to Saturday night, we’re creating a fresh dynamic for the festival — which benefits all our guests, as we’re able to screen the winning films the next day. With a colourful family programme, we’re turning the festival Sunday into a dedicated audience day,” said Heike Mozer, ITFS’s Managing Director.

 

This year’s AniMovie competition features six outstanding international animated feature films, each notable for their exceptional storytelling and artistic quality. Among them is MEMORY HOTEL by German director Heinrich Sabl — a complex work he developed over more than 25 years. The AniMovie Award, endowed with €3,

Auntypreneur, Review: Stock market saves sassy Aunty’s housing society from demolition

There are very few of his kind. Pratik Rajen Kothari is a cool, calm live-wire. I had seen him only in plays so far, so it came as a pleasant surprise that he has directed a Gujarati feature film. His father, Rajen Kothari, was an ace cinematographer, who died young. But Pratik is a real chip of the old block. Shot in Ahmedabad, with local actors, barring his protagonist, Supriya Pathak Kapur, the film is set in Mumbai. A few exterior shots establish this ‘fact’. But in the set of performers he has chosen, he needs little else to make the film convincing and watchable. The film released on the 25th of April, though Pratik managed to hold a show for invitees only on the 27th. Auntypreneur, except for the French-inspired title, derived from ‘entrepreneur, is a down-to-earth film, with no frilly décor, loads of good humour, a few insider jokes, and actors who live their roles. It is sub-titled in English, so you can watch it, even if your knowledge of Gujarati tends to zero.

Jasuben (Jasu sister) Gangani is a 65-year-old widow, whose only child, a grown-up son, has settled in the USA, with his wife. She lives alone in Mumbai, and rents out a room to a young paying guest, who is a share-market broker. Her son repeatedly requests her, via video calls, to join him in the States, but she is content living here. She is friends with half-a-dozen other women in the co-operative housing Society that they reside in. They are different and individualistic in nature, as is the case with any set of persons inhabiting a building, with their own quirks and peeves. The Society, named Poonam, has a Chairman, who has held the post since the Society was formed, some 30 years ago. He belongs to the ‘laissez faire’ type of personality, and is, largely, useless. One night, Jasu dreams that their Society is being demolished, and wakes up, trembling at the prospect.

Sadly, for the Society, the dream almost comes true. A notice is served to the Society that it owes the Municipality Rs. 1.96 crore in property tax arrears, and unless these dues are cleared, it will demolish the Society. To be fair, it is not the residents who should be paying this amount, but the builder. The builder, in this case, is absconding, having migrated to the Middle East. However, the Municipality will not relent. Arrears are arrears, and must be cleared by the residents, if it comes to that. Jasu and her Society-mates pool in their resources, but the amount so collected is a fraction of the required figure. Just then, it strikes sassy Jasu that her tenant might be holding the key to this gargantuan problem. Why not try to make a kill at the stock market, under his guidance? No other form of investment can possibly give the kind of returns the ‘Auntypreneur’ gang needs, except, if luck is on their side, the share bazaar!

Writing credits go to Shreya Singh for story and screenplay, and Abhinav Vaidya for dialogue. Where it so demands, the characters speak in Hindi, English and Marathi. The female touch is obvious in the way the parts are nuanced. Occasionally, the script reminds you of an all-time hit, marathon running TV serial, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, though that may be attributed to the setting of the story in a co-operative housing Society, and the lead players, in both, being Gujarati-speaking. The comparison, I am afraid, will be inevitable, though the film can hold its own.

Director Pratik Rajen Kothari keeps it simple. No fancy camera angles, no split images, no slo-mo, no VFX…in fact, no action, no thrills…, in fact, no noth

Kering and the Festival de Cannes will present the 2025 Women In Motion Award to Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG winning actress and producer Nicole Kidman at the official Women In Motion dinner held during the Festival. The Award, which has been presented in Cannes since 2015, recognizes female artists who, through their career and commitment, advance the place of women in cinema and in society. Kidman will be returning to the festival for the first time since she was honored with the Cannes Film Festival’s 70th Anniversary Prize in 2017. Photo by Platon

“For this anniversary edition of Women In Motion, Nicole Kidman, who fully embodies the spirit of the program, was an obvious choice. Through her artistic standards, her committed choices and her concrete action to change representations in cinema, she is a powerful illustration of what Women In Motion has been defending for a decade.” -François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering

“It’s a true honor to receive this award from Francois, Thierry, Iris, my friends at the Kering Group as well as the Cannes Film Festival. I am proud to join this list of extraordinary women who’ve received this honor before me—artists and trailblazers I deeply admire. The Cannes Film Festival has been a part of my life for over 30 years and I am thrilled to add this incredible recognition to the many memories I’ve made here.” — Nicole Kidman

A major figure in cinema, Nicole Kidman has built a career marked as much by her artistic audacity as by her virtuosity. She has worked with some of the world's greatest filmmakers (Stanley Kubrick, Jane Campion, Lars von Trier, Baz Luhrmann, Sofia Coppola, Gus Van Sant, Halina Reijn...), interpreting complex, powerful roles in iconic films such as Eyes Wide Shut, Dogville, The Hours, The Others, Birth and, more recently, Babygirl. She has freed herself from stereotypes by embodying characters with strong, unique trajectories, helping to redefine the representation of women on screen.

“Nicole Kidman is an immensely talented actress. Her rich filmography, of which she is the patient author, and her masterful, unsettling performances have left their mark on the history of contemporary cinema. She has worked with the most emblematic directors, lending them her versatility and infinite sensitivity. Role after role, and with the nuances, strengths, and flaws specific to each character, she has portrayed women who break free from their shackles.”- Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes

Since the creation of her production company Blossom Films in 2010, Nicole Kidman has actively supported meaningful projects, such as Big Little Lies, which won the 2017 Emmy Award for Best Limited Series, and in which she herself won the Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Limited Series for her uncompromising and faithful portrayal of a domestic violence survivor. While presenting Sofia Coppola's The Beguiled at the Festival de Cannes, denouncing gender inequality in the industry at the time*, she publicly pledged to shoot with a female director every 18 months. Eight years later, she has gone far beyond this promise, having already collaborated with 19 female directors.

“When a great actress works with nearly twenty female directors in the space of a few years, she shows the world just how vibrant and alive the talent of women in cinema really is. Through all these projects, and of course through her production company, Nicole Kidman has given those who write, direct, and tell stories all the visibility they deserve. It is this strong, singular and resolutely modern voice that we are proud to celebrate this year with Kering.”- Iris K