Song Sung Blue Tribute Event Screening Shines a Spotlight on Las Vegas Icons
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Focus Features celebrated the heart and soul of Las Vegas entertainment with a special Song Sung Blue tribute event screening at Brenden Theatres inside the Palms. The evening went beyond a typical movie screening, honoring the Las Vegas tribute artists who keep legendary music alive on stage every night.
The theater was filled with an impressive lineup of tribute performers representing music icons across generations. From Neil Diamond and Britney Spears to Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, and Dean Martin, the atmosphere felt like a live celebration of music history. Tributes to Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin, Diana Ross, Annie Lennox, Taylor Swift, Aretha Franklin, Lady Gaga, and Cyndi Lauper further highlighted the depth and diversity of Las Vegas entertainment.
Surrounded by performers who embody the spirit of these legendary artists, Song Sung Blue felt especially meaningful. Directed and written by Craig Brewer, the film tells a heartfelt story inspired by real life. The project is produced by John Davis, p.g.a., John Fox, p.g.a., and Craig Brewer, p.g.a., with Erika Hampson and Greg Kohs serving as executive producers.
The cast is led by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, alongside Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, with Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi rounding out the ensemble. Based on a true story, the film follows two down-on-their-luck musicians who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to rediscover love, purpose, and the courage to follow your dreams.
Focus Features’ decision to spotlight Las Vegas tribute artists made the evening even more special, reinforcing the city’s unique role in preserving musical legacies while continuing to inspire audiences worldwide.
Song Sung Blue opens in theaters nationwide on Thursday, December 25, and if this tribute-filled evening was any indication, audiences are in for a heartfelt, music-driven celebration of second chances and timeless songs.
Köln 75 – A Night of Jazz, Passion & Storytelling at The Beverly Theater
Last night’s screening of Köln 75 at the Beverly Theater in downtown Las Vegas was nothing short of inspiring. The cozy indie venue was filled with an eclectic crowd — jazz lovers, cinephiles, and curious moviegoers alike — all drawn in by this unique story and the rare opportunity to hear from Director Ido Fluk and Executive Producer Jennifer Fox in the post-film Q&A.
Köln 75 is a spirited German music-drama based on the true story of Vera Brandes, an ambitious teenager who defied expectations to organize a groundbreaking jazz concert in 1975 — an event that later became the best-selling solo jazz album in history. The film brims with energy, blending humor, heart, and the raw unpredictability of jazz as it follows Vera’s unrelenting drive to bring pianist Keith Jarrett to the Cologne Opera House against all odds.
The film itself was engaging from the first frame — its dynamic pacing and affectionate portrayal of 1970s culture kept the audience fully immersed. Mala Emde’s portrayal of Vera was electric and magnetic, anchoring the film with a bold performance that mirrored the film’s existential rhythm. Critics have praised Köln 75 for its lively energy and inventive storytelling, and the audience reaction in Vegas reflected that — laughter, applause, and reflective silence at just the right moments.
After the screening, Director Ido Fluk and Executive Producer Jennifer Fox took the stage for an insightful Q&A that elevated the experience. Fluk shared thoughtful reflections on the creative choices behind the film — particularly its balance between historical truth and narrative momentum. He emphasized the film’s intention not to merely retell jazz history, but to feel it: to capture the improvisational spirit that made the real-life event remarkable. Jennifer Fox offered equally compelling insights into the film’s journey from concept to screen, underscoring the importance of championing diverse and compelling voices in cinema.
Their conversation gave the audience a peek behind the curtain — discussing everything from casting to cultural translation in a film that works in both German and English — and made it clear how much heart and humanity informed every decision in the filmmaking process.
Overall, Köln 75 at the Beverly Theater was a memorable cinematic event that lived up to the buzz. It offered not just a film, but a communal experience: the shared joy of discovering an extraordinary true story, the thrill of jazz’s spontaneity, and the rare pleasure of hearing directly from the creative minds behind the work. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or a newcomer to this slice of history, the film — and last night’s conversation — delivered authenticity, warmth, and inspiration in equal measure.
Highly recommended — make time to catch it while it’s still screening!
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.