Day laborer Robert Grainier is employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys, and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss and unique bonds, on a journey that is both distinct and universal.

"An absolutely gorgeous film about the building of America through its destruction. An epic piece of storytelling in under 100 mins of progress and capitalism with a full spectrum of emotional weight channeled through Joel Edgerton’s incredible performance." --Erik Childress Movie Madness Podcast

"Voices: The Danny Gans Story" is a poignant and personal exploration of a son's journey to understand his father. Andrew Gans, son of the renowned Las Vegas entertainer, Danny Gans, embarks on an intimate exploration of his father's inspiring, improbable life and the circumstances surrounding his untimely passing.

Through a tapestry of archival footage, never-before-seen home videos, and intimate interviews, Andrew paints a vivid portrait of a man who juggled the roles of acclaimed performer, devoted family man, and a beacon of inspiration, yet privately battled with severe health issues and chronic pain which led to Opiate dependency.

The documentary peels back the layers of Danny's multifaceted life, revealing a man who touched many lives through his talent and tenacity while wrestling with his own personal demons. As Andrew delves deeper into his father's life, he also grapples with his own evolving identities as he chases his own dreams, becomes a new husband and an expecting father.

"Voices: The Danny Gans Story" is not just a biography of an extraordinary man, but a profound exploration of the complex father-son bond. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance for Andrew, mirrored against the backdrop of his father's improbable underdog story. It's a story about the echoes of a voice that continues to inspire, reverberating through the life of the son left behind.

Babette's Feast - A Culinary Classic

At once a rousing paean to artistic creation, a delicate evocation of divine grace, and the ultimate film about food, the Oscar-winning Babette’s Feast is a deeply beloved treasure of cinema. Directed by Gabriel Axel and adapted from a story by Isak Dinesen, it is the lovingly layered tale of a French housekeeper with a mysterious past who brings quiet revolution in the form of one exquisite meal to a circle of starkly pious villagers in late nineteenth-century Denmark. Babette’s Feast combines earthiness and reverence in an indescribably moving depiction of sensual pleasure that goes to your head like fine champagne.

CULINARY PARTNERS

Back by popular demand, this panel brings together some of the most talented and diverse writers in the industry. Learn from their experience as they share how to craft and deliver a winning pitch, offering insights, strategies, and behind-the-scenes stories from the writers’ room to the big screen.

Panelist include CIFF Screenwriter Competition Jury

Suzanne Farwell, Susan Cartsonis, Joey Siara

From soundscapes to visual effects, editing rhythms to wardrobe and design, discover how today’s creators harness technology and artistry to push the boundaries of storytelling and elevate the magic of cinema.

Behind every jaw-dropping chase, fight, and fall is a fearless stunt team making the impossible look effortless. Seasoned stunt performers and coordinators reveal the craft behind designing action, balancing practical special effects, and the training it takes to bring high-risk, high-reward moments to the screen.

Moderated by Deadline 

A dynamic conversation with the women shaping the future of the industry. Meet the groundbreaking women redefining cinema’s future. This panel unites producers, filmmakers, and creative leaders to share insights, challenges, and triumphs from the set to the boardroom. A powerful discussion on leadership, representation, and the impact of female voices in shaping storytelling.

Presented by DEADLINE

Moderated by Deadline

The entertainment landscape is evolving at lightning speed. From AI and streaming dominance to shifting audience habits and Hollywood’s new realities, industry leaders explore the forces reshaping film and television. Gain insights into the future of content creation, marketing, and distribution in this pivotal conversation.

Resented by MovieMaker

Moderated by : Tim Malloy, Publisher

Blending documentary and musical memoir, EVERYWHERE MAN tells the extraordinary life story of Peter Asher—pop star, producer, manager, and confidant to legends from Paul McCartney to James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, and many more—across six decades at the heart of rock and roll history.

From the Oscar-nominated director of ‘Honeyland’ comes a poignant and visually arresting story set in the heart of rural Macedonia. Nikola, a farmer grappling with the harsh realities of new government policies, finds himself unable to sell his land or crops. When his family leaves in search of a better life abroad, Nikola takes a job as a landfill attendant, where he encounters the injured white stork Silyan. As he nurses the bird back to health, an unlikely bond forms between man and animal. The result is a deeply moving film that touches on climate change, economic migration, resilience and the quiet power of connection.