On the Road (En El Camino) led the honor roll at the 43rd Miami Film Festival, taking home the festival’s top jury award, the $10,000 Marimba Prize. The film, directed by David Pablos, was recognized by the festival as the narrative work that best exemplifies the “richness and resonance of the future of cinema.”
Other top honors include the Made in MIA Feature Film award for director Gabriel de Varona’s The Old Man and the Parrot. The award carries a cash prize of $15,000 and recognizes a film that prominently features South Florida in its story or production.
The $10,000 Jordan Ressler First Feature Award went to director Ginini Elkington’s The Second Victims, recognizing the best feature debut.
Leading the audience award was Pavel Giroux’s “Comandante Fritz,” which won the audience award for best feature film. Leticia Tonos Paniagua’s “Milly, Queen of Meringue” was named number one, followed by Kirk Jones’ “I Swear.”
In the documentary category, William D. Caballero’s “TheyDream” won the Documentary Achievement Award, and Augusto Zegarra’s “Runa Simi” won the Audience Documentary Film Award.
The festival, hosted by Miami Dade University, ran from April 9th to 19th and featured films from around the world, with a continued focus on Ibero-American and international films.
Tuesday, April 21st
Armada Partners signs vertical drama stars Noah Fearnley and Rebecca Stoughton
Leading vertical drama actors Noah Fearnley and Rebecca Stoughton have signed with Armada Partners for management.
Fernley’s recent credits include appearances in “The Company You Keep” and “Doctor Odyssey,” as well as the feature film “Mercy,” co-starring Chris Pratt. He also appeared in “Love Story” as Michael Bergin. Stoughton broke out in “The Billionaire’s Borrowed Bride” and has also appeared in “The Virgin and the Billionaire.”
“Vertical storytelling has become one of the most dynamic discovery engines in the industry,” Rudy said in a statement. “Noah and Rebecca have already proven they can drive projects and command audiences around the world at scale. What excites us most is that they both have the kind of discipline, presence, and emotional intelligence that have already translated smoothly into film and television. We’re thrilled to partner with them as their careers continue to expand.”
Armada Partners is closely tracking the rise of the vertical storytelling ecosystem and believes the format will become an increasingly important pipeline for emerging talent, said founder David M. Rudy.
Monday, April 20th
Manny Jacinto, Liza Soberano and others star in Philippine animated series “Sun Chaser,” pilot released at Annecy International Animation Film Festival
The animated adventure comedy series “Sun Chaser” will premiere its pilot at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, June 21-27 in Annecy, France.
Created by Bobby Pontillas and Bernard Badion and produced by an all-Filipino artist team, Sun Chaser tells the story of Jordan Santos (Manny Jacinto). “A self-absorbed teenager’s carefree summer is turned upside down when an ancient, frigid villain attacks his grandmother’s Philippine island. Forced into the unexpected role of guardian to his younger cousin, Jordan and his crew find themselves in a mythical sea kingdom. Aboard the legendary ship known as the Sun Chaser, Jordan must grow from a reluctant child to a true leader as he sails across enchanting seas and wondrous islands to save his grandmother and the island. ”
In addition to Jacinto, the film stars Liza Soberano (The Forgotten Island), Eugene Cordero (Loki), and stand-up comedian JR de Guzman. Filipino performers Charo Santos, Dingdong Dantes, Gia Dantes, AC Bonifacio and KD Estrada round out the cast.
“Sun Chaser” previously won the Animation du Monde Award at the 2025 festival and was produced by Miguel del Rosario and Marlin Montano. The film is fully animated by Toon City Studios and Playlab Studios in the Philippines, and is co-produced by Liza Soberano’s Funny Face Films.
