Ink Films Partners with Acclaimed Animator Don Hertzfeldt on Animated Shorts Feature
| Ink Films, the newly launched distribution arm of not-for-profit, The Beverly Theater, has announced its debut theatrical partnership: a special, soon-to-be-announced animated shorts program curated by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Don Hertzfeldt. Slated to premiere in cinemas across North America in fall 2025, this for-theaters-only project will feature an exclusive, one-time-only collection of animated shorts by talented artists from around the world, personally selected by Hertzfeldt. “Animated short films are a vital part of our cinematic ecosystem, and I’ll always leap at every opportunity to bring the work of amazing artists to the biggest screens we can find,” said Hertzfeldt. “This feature-length collection includes many strange treasures I’ve admired over the years — from new films that haven’t been released widely yet, to titles that inspired me to become an animator over thirty years ago.” Celebrated for his emotionally resonant and visually inventive animated films, Hertzfeldt has long been a champion of independent animation. His latest collaboration marks a milestone for both him and Ink Films, as it becomes the company’s inaugural release and for theaters only. “Ink Films was founded to champion bold, artist-driven storytelling, and no one represents that better than Don,” said Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director and CXO of The Beverly Theater. “His commitment to the integrity of the cinematic experience aligns with our mission, and launching Ink Films with a project of this caliber sets a powerful precedent for what’s to come.” The Beverly Theater will be among the theaters hosting an exclusive preview screening of the program in Las Vegas ahead of its national rollout, underscoring the venue’s role as a creative hub for groundbreaking storytelling. “The Beverly Theater has always been about celebrating creativity and bringing new voices to our community,” said Rory Reid, CEO of The Rogers Foundation, parent foundation of The Beverly Theater and Ink Films. “This collaboration with Don Hertzfeldt exemplifies what we aim to do with Ink Films—give talented creators a platform to reach passionate audiences.” Under the booking lead of longtime cinema advocate Mike Plante, Head of Distribution for Ink Films and former senior short film programmer at the Sundance Film Festival, the company is dedicated to promoting exceptional storytelling throughout theaters worldwide. For distribution inquiries or more information, visit inkfilms.com |
| About Don Hertzfeldt:Don Hertzfeldt is an American independent filmmaker whose animated films have screened around the world. His work has received two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Short Film, two Sundance Film Festival Grand Prizes for Short Film, a Short Film Palm d’Or nomination at the Cannes Film Festival, and numerous other awards worldwide. About Ink Films:Ink Films is the theatrical distribution arm of The Beverly Theater, based in downtown Las Vegas. Launched in 2024, Ink Films stands on business for habitual line-crossers who believe in the power of moviegoing. Storytelling starts with ink. www.inkfilms.com About The Beverly Theater:Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ premier indie film house and concert venue. Featuring a 150-seat main theater, Segue Jazz Terrace, and courtyard, it offers top-tier sound, sightlines, and artist amenities. Designed for both film and live performances, it boasts a 360-square-foot screen, retractable seating, and is the first commercial exhibition venue to feature ASTRYA® Meyer Sound technology. Located in Downtown Las Vegas, this nonprofit venue continues The Rogers Foundation’s mission to champion the arts. Learn more at www.thebeverlytheater.com and follow @BeverlyTheater |
10TH ANNUAL FEMMY AWARDS!
SUNDAY, JUNE 23RD AT 7:30PM
FEMMY AWARD WINNERS ARE:
Best Short Documentary:
Donna Dees, Director
Best Short Drama:
J.D Shields, Director
Best Short Comedy:
Tish Arana, Director
Best Feature Film:
Yana Klimova-Yusupova, Director
Best Feature Documentary:
Lisa Landers, Director
Best Experimental Film:
Alice Barrese, Director
Best Student Film:
Don Smith, Director
Outstanding LGBTQ+ Representation:
Irlanda Mainou Montañéz, Director
Spirit of Activism:
Marusya Bociurkiw, Director
Best Female Protagonist:
Haley Watson, Director & Mary McGee, Protagonist
Best Nevada Film:
Jemsen Yumico Bollozos, Director
Audience Favorite:
Jacqueline Ayala, Director
VANGUARD AWARD Honoree
Derek Johnson, Ali Scattergood, Directors
Linda Troeller
Our surprise 2024 Vanguard Honoree is Linda Troeller, whose life story is the subject of the feature, Healing Waters Film (Derek Johnson, Ali Scattergood, Directors).
Ms. Troeller is a pioneer in the visual arts, whose work has reimagined photography and inspired female artists.
“The Italians”- NEVADA WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 22
“The Italians” featuring Abigail Breslin, Lainie Kazan, and starring and directed by Michelle Danner (seen above).
“The Italians is @michelledannerla’s eighth directorial project following her latest success, “Miranda’s Victim”… which was showcased at #NWFFest 2023!!
NEVADA’S ONLY WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
The Nevada Women’s Film Festival (NWFFest) announces their 10th Annual event, which will take place at the UNLV Department of Film, featuring 100+ films, by and about women, from 21 countries. The FDH Lobby will be decked out with exhibits and music.
To celebrate its 10th Anniversary, the festival is hosting an alumni reunion panel of Nevada honorees: Women of the Decade. This lineup of Nevada superstars includes 2024 Nevada Woman Filmmaker of the Year, Kari Barber, and will be moderated by UNLV Film Chair, Dr. Heather Addison. Immediately following NWFFest hosts the “Party of the Decade at the Barrick Museum.
NWFFest also welcomes the return of 2023 Vanguard honoree, Michelle Danner, for a sneak peek of her new film The Italians. The film’s all-star cast includes last year’s other Vanguard honoree, Abigail Breslin as well as the legendary Lainie Kazan.
Other highlights include an Animation Panel with animators Kamora Jones, Jo Meuris, James Parris and Zhang Jinghan, moderated by Jennifer Dean, as well as a Keynote Talk led by film festival expert, Crickett Rumley, about maximizing a festival run.
NWFFest also presents the Young Filmmakers’ Showcase where we’ll see the results of WIF Nevada’s Young Filmmakers’ Workshop, which took place in March. With thanks to the Nevada Future of Learning Network’s Portrait Initiative for supporting this Community Learning Project.
The festival will culminate with the 10th Annual Femmy Awards. This year’s ceremony will kick off with an inaugural Spirit of Community Arts award presented to philanthropist Beverly Rogers for her contributions to the Nevada film community. Traditional awards unique to NWFFest will also be presented, such as the Spirit of Activism and Best Female Protagonist.
Please check out the website for more details and complete schedule.
Ifta® Announces American Film Market® Move To Las Vegas’ Palms Casino Resort
– by The LV Experience
IFTA® ANNOUNCES AMERICAN FILM MARKET® MOVE TO LAS VEGAS’ PALMS CASINO RESORT
FOR 2024 SHOW, NOVEMBER 5-10
Companies Including Arclight Films, Blue Fox Entertainment, Cornerstone, Film Mode Entertainment, FilmNation Entertainment, HanWay Films, Lakeshore Entertainment, Millennium Media,
Myriad Pictures, NEON, Protagonist Pictures, The Exchange, WME Independent & XYZ Films
Already Committed as Exhibitors at the Palms for AFM24
The Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and its Board of Directors today announced that the American Film Market® (AFM®), its industry flagship event, will relocate to Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas for its 45th edition. Scheduled for November 5 to 10, 2024, this move marks a new chapter for AFM.
Held in Los Angeles and Santa Monica for over four decades, AFM is a cornerstone event for the independent entertainment industry. The decision to move AFM to Las Vegas comes after a multi-city search and careful consideration of the needs of AFM’s Exhibiting Sales Companies and Buyers and reflects IFTA’s dedication to creating the optimal environment where the global film and television industry can converge, collaborate, and conduct business seamlessly.
“After extensive research, discussions with the Board and invaluable feedback from stakeholders, this move underscores our determination to evolving AFM to meet today’s industry needs,” said Clay Epstein, IFTA Chairperson and President of Film Mode Entertainment. “The strength of the AFM lies in its ability to create community and present a sophisticated platform for all our participants’ activities in one convenient location. The Palms enables us to do all of that and beyond.”
Palms Casino Resort offers a wealth of modern facilities and conveniences, all in a single location for an enhanced market experience. Highlights include newly renovated rooms and suites for Exhibitor office space and guest rooms, the Brenden Theatres’ 14 screen state-of-the-art multiplex, and more than 170,000 square feet of dedicated conference, meeting, and event space.
Las Vegas presents easy travel options, including domestic and international flights from over 160 locations, and its close proximity to Los Angeles, with over 35 daily flights, expands the options and allows AFM participants easy stopovers. Furthermore, Las Vegas offers a wealth of dining, sleeping, entertaining, and shopping opportunities, providing added value for AFM participants.
Epstein further added, “This move to Las Vegas is generating support and enthusiasm from colleagues around the world and we are excited to welcome everyone to AFM 2024 in November.”
Major production, finance, sales and distribution companies, including Arclight Films, Blue Fox Entertainment, Blacktop International, Cinema Management Group, Cornerstone, The Exchange, Film Mode Entertainment, FilmNation Entertainment, Film Seekers, HanWay Films, A Higher Standard, Lakeshore Entertainment, Millennium Media, Myriad Pictures, NEON, Protagonist Pictures, The Asylum, The Solution Entertainment Group, Vision Films, WME Independent and XYZ Films have already committed to participating in AFM24 in the new Las Vegas Palms locale, underscoring the industry’s enthusiasm for this monumental move and the importance of AFM to their businesses.
Jean Prewitt, IFTA President & CEO commented: “AFM was created by the Independents and remains the Independents’ market. The industry has called for a fresh look at how the market can better serve a rapidly changing business. The Board has made a monumental decision that allows us to better serve these needs. We look forward to introducing everyone to the new AFM venue and its offerings.”
“We’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to the American Film Market,” said Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager of Palms Casino Resort. “Our team members are committed to providing the Palms signature and personalized hospitality to each and every guest. The AFM’s needs and our offerings make for a perfect match and we look forward to hosting the AFM participants this November.”
As AFM prepares to make its debut in Las Vegas this Fall, further details will be unveiled in the coming weeks and months.
About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is where the global film and television business comes to life every November. The only independently produced international sales market, hundreds of finance, production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of professionals from every segment of the industry, convene at AFM for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and serves as the annual fundraiser for the association.
About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies around the world.