Loyola Marymount University and Sony Electronics Introduce Inaugural Social Impact Filmmaking Lab Cohort (EXCLUSIVE)- Film News in Brief
Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television has announced the inaugural cohort of its LMU Sony Social Impact Lab, selecting five films and their filmmakers to receive funding and support in partnership with Sony Electronics. The program highlights project ideas that use the cinematic medium as a powerful tool for social change.
The inaugural cohort includes the following titles and directors:
– **“Keeper”** directed by Sujin Jung
– **“The Throw”** directed by Matthew Cheung
– **“Open Gate”** directed by Adam Goldstick
– **“Car Thieves”** directed by Reed Barcellos
– **“Kon”** directed by Qin Qin
These films explore diverse, socially conscious themes such as incarceration, immigration, systemic violence, disability, and grief. All will be produced in Los Angeles County, supporting the school’s commitment to the “Stay in LA” filmmaking campaign.
In addition to funding and production support, the filmmakers will have access to Sony’s state-of-the-art cinema technology and receive mentorship from Sony executives alongside LMU faculty lab advisors. The completed works are set to premiere at a joint LMU x Sony showcase event in 2026.
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**Joel Edgerton To Receive Actor’s Award at EnergaCamerimage Film Festival**
Joel Edgerton will be honored with the Actor’s Award at the 33rd annual EnergaCamerimage Film Festival, scheduled for November 15–22 in Toruń, Poland.
Edgerton is recognized for his performance in Clint Bentley’s *Train Dreams*, which follows the story of Robert Grainier, who helps develop the railroad across the United States, spending years away from his wife (played by Felicity Jones) and daughter.
Previously, Edgerton was nominated for the Golden Frog at EnergaCamerimage 2018 for his directorial feature *Boy Erased*, starring Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, and Russell Crowe.
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**Laika and Rizzoli Team Up For Five-Project Collaboration**
Animation studio Laika and publisher Rizzoli announced a five-project collaboration under the Rizzoli Universe imprint, marking Laika’s 20th anniversary.
The partnership will feature never-before-seen archival materials and exclusive art and photography from Laika’s beloved films, including *ParaNorman*, *The Boxtrolls*, *Kubo and the Two Strings*, and *Missing Link*. Dedicated titles will also be published for *Coraline* and Laika’s upcoming release, *Wildwood*.
The first release, *Laika: The Magic Behind a Stop-Motion Dream Factory*, will hit shelves on March 10, 2026. The book delves into the studio’s story, spotlighting the hundreds of artists, craftspeople, and technicians who brought these films to life, and detailing every aspect of their creative process.
Other upcoming releases include:
– *The Art of Wildwood*, coinciding with the film’s release, featuring concept art, sketches, storyboards, and photography
– *The Art of Coraline*
– *Coraline Oracle Deck and Guidebook*
– *Laika Tarot Deck and Guidebook* (set for fall 2027)
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**Beyond Fest Expands to the Midwest with Beyond Chicago at the Music Box Theater**
Beyond Fest, the United States’ largest genre-based film festival, is expanding its reach with “Beyond Chicago,” a new edition hosted at Chicago’s iconic Music Box Theater from April 2–5, 2026.
Known for showcasing speculative cinema from around the world since 2013, Beyond Fest has been held annually in Los Angeles each fall. Beyond Chicago will bring an original lineup of genre films, talent appearances, and late-night events to the Midwest.
“The Music Box has always been a home for bold, visionary cinema,” said 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 ones who make this city’s film scene the loudest, smartest, and most passionate in the country.”
Submissions for Beyond Chicago are currently open on Film Freeway.
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**‘Colors of Time’ and ‘Love Me Tender’ Among American French Festival Film Award Winners**
The American French Festival has announced its nine award winners, with titles including *Blessed Be Sixtine*, *The Deal*, *Colors of Time*, and *Love Me Tender* taking top honors.
– *Colors of Time* won the Audience Award.
– *Love Me Tender* received the Critics Award for Best Film.
– *Blessed Be Sixtine* won the TV Movie Award.
– *The Deal* was honored with the Audience Series Award.
Additional awards went to:
– *Drugged and Abused: No More Shame* (Documentary Film Award)
– *Nouvelle Vague* (American Students Award)
– *The Girl In The Snow* (First Feature Award)
– *The Sentinels* (Jury Series Award)
– *The Lifeline* (Short Film Award)
The festival was held at the DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles from October 28 to November 3, showcasing 70 films and series (69 eligible for awards). Winners were chosen by festival audiences, Los Angeles Film Critics Association members, a jury of entertainment professionals, and students from the festival’s high school screening program.
A special awards ceremony will be held in Paris at the SACEM headquarters on November 12.
Special honors included:
– Lifetime Award to Jodie Foster
– Franco American Cultural Fund Award to Richard Linklater
– The Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres presented to Richard Linklater by the CNC (French Film Board)
The festival celebrated its 29th anniversary with over 14,000 festivalgoers in attendance.
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**Austin Film Festival Announces 2025 Audience Awards**
The Austin Film Festival revealed the winners of its 2025 Audience Awards, which honor the filmmakers whose work resonated most with viewers at this year’s edition.
The festival took place October 23–30 in Austin, Texas, screening 180 films. Over 25,000 ballots were cast for the Audience Awards.
For the full list of winners, visit the Austin Film Festival’s website.
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**Adam Sandler to Receive Career Achievement Honor at Movies for Grownups Awards**
Actor, producer, and comedian Adam Sandler will be honored with a Career Achievement award at the upcoming Movies for Grownups Awards, presented by AARP.
Sandler previously won Best Actor at the 2020 Movies for Grownups Awards for his performance in *Uncut Gems*. This year, he is recognized for his lifetime of diverse work, including his recent performances in the summer release *Happy Gilmore 2* and the upcoming *Jay Kelley*.
Movies for Grownups champions films made by and for audiences aged 50 and above, advocating against ageism in the entertainment industry and promoting content that resonates with older viewers.
The awards ceremony will take place on January 10, 2026, in Beverly Hills, hosted by Alan Cumming. The event will be broadcast on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS app on February 22, 2026.
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/film-news-in-brief-nov-3-2025-1236568384/
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