Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television has announced the inaugural members of the LMU Sony Social Impact Lab, which will partner with Sony Electronics to select five films and their filmmakers to receive funding and support.
The program selects project ideas that introduce the medium of film as a tool for social change. The titles of the first series are “The Keeper” directed by Sujin Chung, “The Throw” directed by Matthew Cheung, “Open Gate” directed by Adam Goldstick, “Car Thief” directed by Reed Barcelos, and “Con” directed by Ching Ching. These cover a variety of socially conscious themes, including incarceration, immigration, systemic violence, disability, and grief.
All films will be produced in Los Angeles County as part of the school’s commitment to the “Stay in LA” filmmaking campaign. In addition to receiving funding and production support, they will have access to Sony’s cutting-edge film technology and mentorship from Sony executives and LMU faculty laboratory advisors.
The completed work will be premiered at a joint LMU x Sony showcase event in 2026.
Joel Edgerton wins Actor Award at Energa Camera Image Film Festival
Joel Edgerton will receive the Best Actor Award at the 33rd Energa Camera Image Film Festival, which will be held from November 15th to November 22nd in Torun, Poland.
Edgerton will receive the award for his performance in Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams, which tells the story of Robert Greiner, who spends years apart from his wife (Felicity Jones) and daughter as he works to develop railroads across America.
Previously, Edgerton was nominated for a Golden Frog Award at the 2018 Energa Camera Image Film Festival for his directorial feature film Boy Erased, starring Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe.
Thursday, November 6th
Leica and Rizzoli collaborate on five projects
To celebrate Leica’s 20th anniversary, Leica and Rizzoli will collaborate on five projects under the name Rizzoli Universe. The deal will feature never-before-seen archival material and exclusive art and photography across Laika’s films, including “ParaNorman,” “The Boxtrolls,” “Kubo and the Two Strings” and “Missing Link.” “Coraline” and Laika’s next release “Wildwood” will receive dedicated titles.
The first release of this partnership is Laika: The Magic of the Stop-Motion Dream Factory, scheduled for release on March 10, 2026. The book will “tell the story behind the studio and the hundreds of artists, craftsmen and technicians who brought the films to life, detailing every aspect of their creative process.”
Other releases include “The Art of Wildwood,” which includes concept art, sketches, storyboards, and photography to coincide with the film’s release, “The Art of Coraline” and “Coraline Oracle Deck and Guidebook,” and “Laika Tarot Deck and Guidebook,” scheduled for release in fall 2027.
Wednesday, November 5th
Beyond Fest expands to Midwest with Beyond Chicago at Music Box Theater
Beyond Fest is expanding its geographic horizons with Beyond Chicago, an extension of the LA-based genre film festival to the Windy City, held in partnership with Chicago’s iconic Music Box Theater. The first Beyond Chicago will be held April 2-5, 2026. Applications are currently being accepted at Film Freeway.
Beyond Fest is the largest genre film festival in the United States. Since its founding in 2013, the festival has been held in Los Angeles in the fall, showcasing thought-provoking films from around the world. Beyond Chicago brings an original lineup of genre films programmed in the same spirit to the Midwest. In addition to movie screenings, Beyond Chicago will also feature talent appearances and late-night events at the Music Box Theater.
“The Music Box has always been home to bold and visionary films,” says Brody Sheldon, owner of the Music Box Theatre. “Partnering with Beyond Fest means bringing that energy to a new generation of filmmakers and fans – the people who make our city’s movie scene one of the loudest, smartest and most passionate in the country.”
Tuesday, November 4th
“Colors of Time” and “Love Me Tender” Winners of the American-French Festival Film Festival
Blessed Be Sixteen, The Deal, Colors of Time and Love Me Tender are among the nine American French Festival Film Award winners.
“Colors of Time” won the Audience Award and received the highest honor. “Love Me Tender” won the Critics Award for Best Picture. “Blessed Be Sixtine” won the TV Movie Award category, and “The Deal” won the Audience Series Award.
Other honors went to Best Documentary Film for “Drugged and Abused: No More Shame,” American Student of the Year for “Nouvelle Vague,” Best First Feature for “The Girl In The Snow,” Best Jury Series for “The Sentinels,” and Best Short Film for “The Lifeline.”
The American French Festival was held from October 28th to November 3rd at the DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles.
The awards were voted on by TAFFF attendees, members of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, a jury of entertainment professionals, and students who participated in the TAFFF High School Screening Program.
Of the 70 films and series shown during the festival, 69 were nominated for awards. The nine awards include motion pictures, television films, directorial debuts, television series, documentaries and short films.
A special awards ceremony and gala for all winners will be held on November 12th at SACEM headquarters in Paris.
Other awards presented during the festival included the Lifetime Award, presented to Jodie Foster, and the Franco-American Cultural Fund Award, presented to Richard Linklater. The CNC (French Film Commission) also awarded Linklater the Order of Arts and Letters during the festival.
The American French Festival is in its 29th year and has attracted more than 14,000 attendees.
Austin Film Festival announces 2025 Audience Awards
The Austin Film Festival has announced the winners of its 2025 Audience Award. The awards were presented across 11 categories and celebrated filmmakers whose work resonated with this year’s festival goers.
The Austin Film Festival and Writers Conference was held in the storied city from October 23rd to 30th and featured 180 films. More than 25,000 votes were counted for this year’s Audience Award.
A complete list of winners can be found on the festival website.
Adam Sandler receives Career Achievement Award at Adult Film Awards
Actor, producer and comedian Adam Sandler will receive the Career Achievement Award at this year’s Adult Film Awards, sponsored by AARP. Sandler previously won the 2020 Adult Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Uncut Gems. This year, his wide range of work throughout his life will be honored, including his most recent performances in this summer’s “Happy Gilmore 2” and the upcoming “Jay Kelly.”
Films for Adults recognizes and champions films made by and for audiences of 50 or more. We oppose agility in the entertainment industry and advocate for content that resonates with older viewers. The awards ceremony will be held on January 10, 2026 in Beverly Hills and will be hosted by Alan Cumming. Great Performances will broadcast this event on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS app on February 22, 2026.
