Thursday, August 7 | TCL Chinese Theatre | Red Carpet: 5pm | Screening: 7pm
Opening night will feature the world premiere of two cinematic powerhouses:
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“VICTORY” (Dir. Meji Alabi; Cast: Slick Rick, Idris Elba, Nas) – A riveting 25-minute visual album set in the streets of London, blending Slick Rick’s legendary storytelling with explosive visuals and a suspenseful narrative.
This unforgettable night of music, drama, and culture launches the festival in grand fashion on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: HollyShorts Film Summit
Sunday, August 12 | 6pm Panel, 7pm Reception Location: Ovation Hollywood – Filmmakers HQ Lounge Presented by Company 3 + Alta Global Media
Panel Topic: Finance & Distribution Opportunities in Africa Featuring an esteemed lineup of industry leaders:
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Steven Adams – Manager/Producer, Alta Global Media
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Ozi Menakaya – Film & TV Agent
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Jennifer Okafor-Iwuchukwu – Literary & Talent Manager, The JOI Lumina Group
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Dana Simms – President, Global Media & Distribution, Yarish Global Consulting
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Adel Nur – Producer, Founder of Atomik Content
This critical dialogue explores investment pathways and global partnerships shaping the future of African content.
HOLLYSHORTS MUSIC PANEL
Tuesday, August 12 | 7:30pm Location: Ovation Hollywood – Filmmakers HQ Lounge Presented by Company 3 + Alta Global Media
An electrifying music conversation featuring:
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Dr. Chaii + Bantu (Zimbabwe)
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Karaba (Congolese/French)
Explore the intersections of music, film, and African identity with visionary artists bridging continents and genres.
SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA SCREENINGS
Tuesday, August 13 | 12pm Location: TCL Chinese Theatre, 3rd Floor Presented in partnership with Pambili Media, FameWeek Africa, Arab Film & Media Institute, Mona Ibrahim, and Alta Global Media
This curated selection of shorts delivers powerful, provocative, and imaginative stories from across the African continent and diaspora:
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“BELINDA” (Dir. Isaac Kasende, South Africa) Three hotel workers discover a mysterious machine that dispenses money—with a chilling condition.
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“PUNTER” (Dir. Jason Adam Maselle, South Africa/US) A young boy’s birthday surprise turns into a dangerous wager in Johannesburg’s gambling underworld.
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“THE INCREDIBLE SENSATIONAL FIANCEE OF SEY AJAYI” (Dir. Abbesi Akhamie, Nigeria) In a vibrant Pan-African city, a betrayed scholar plots revenge in a fast-paced romantic comedy.
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“AFTER THE SUN” (Dir. Rayane Mcirdi, Algeria) A coming-of-age tale set in the 1980s, tracing one girl’s summer journey to reconnect with her roots.
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“AFRICAN FAMILY DINNER” (Dir. Ibrahim Mursal, Norway/Sudan/Somalia) Cultural clashes and comedy unfold when a Norwegian woman meets her Ghanaian boyfriend’s family.
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“STEREO” (Dir. Tevin Kimathi & Milan Tarus, Kenya) A boy with a vivid imagination fights school oppression with the help of his inner sensei.
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“SELAH” (Dir. Brett Michael Innes, South Africa) A raw, emotional portrait of a sleep-deprived mother struggling with the early days of parenthood.
HollyShorts Co-Founder Theo Dumont shared, “This year’s Spotlight on Africa showcases the continent’s creativity, power, and range—across generations, genres, and geographies. We’re thrilled to offer a global platform to these visionary artists.”
About HollyShorts Film Festival Now in its 21st year, the HollyShorts Film Festival is an Academy Awards® qualifying event celebrating short form cinema. Hosted annually in the heart of Hollywood, HSFF showcases emerging and established filmmakers from around the world, across genres and formats.
Follow @hollyshorts on social media or visit www.hollyshorts.com for tickets and updates.
