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ESTEEMED JUDGES JOIN DOKUBAKU IDFF 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel will be joining the esteemed panel of jurors for the DokuBaku International Documentary Film Festival (IDFF) 2024. This year’s festival, themed “iCOSMOS,” will take place from October 1st to October 7th in Baku, Azerbaijan. The 8th edition of DokuBaku promises a captivating narrative journey, exploring the consequences of choices and the intricate fabric of karma. This theme serves as a lens through which we delve into the destinies of characters, illustrating how our decisions shape our lives. DokuBaku IDFF has grown into a significant cultural event, showcasing the finest in documentary filmmaking from around the world. The festival aims to foster creativity, encourage dialogue, and highlight important…
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CHINA INTERNATIONAL CARTOON AND ANIMATION FESTIVAL
Hangzhou, China – Amidst the enchanting backdrop of Hangzhou, China, anticipation peaks as the 20th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival (CICAF) prepares to captivate audiences from May 29th to June 2nd. Renowned as a guiding light in the animation industry, CICAF promises an extraordinary celebration of creativity and innovation. This year, CICAF proudly announces the participation of esteemed film titans Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel, who will serve on the jury panel for the revered “Golden Monkey King” Awards. These accolades, esteemed for their discerning eye in recognizing animation excellence, honor the unparalleled talent and dedication of artists worldwide. In addition to their roles as adjudicators, Mr. Castor and…
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IN MEMORIAM: GARY MARTIN
Los Angeles, California – With heavy hearts, It’s Just Us Productions announces the passing of Gary Martin, a beloved icon in the entertainment industry and a cherished member of our advisory board. Gary Martin’s remarkable 32-year tenure at Sony and Columbia Pictures stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and profound impact on the world of filmmaking. As President of both Sony Pictures and Columbia TriStar Motion Pictures, he steered the production of over 600 films, including iconic franchises like Spider-Man, Men in Black, and Ghostbusters, alongside modern classics such as James Bond Casino Royale, The Social Network, and The Prince of Tides. A true luminary, Gary Martin played…
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CANNES WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
Cannes, France – In the illustrious setting of Cannes, France, the Cannes World Film Festival Annual Awards once again illuminated the silver screen with cinematic treasures and must-see films from across the globe. Renowned as a beacon of cinematic excellence, the Cannes World Film Festival annually convenes a diverse array of cinematic marvels, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling through film. A veritable melting pot of creative brilliance, the festival stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the cinematic art form, honoring visionaries and revolutionaries who continually redefine the boundaries of cinema. At the heart of the festival’s acclaim lies the prestigious LUCIOLE D’OR, an emblem of unparalleled…
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MEIHODO INTERNATIONAL YOUTH VISUAL MEDIA FESTIVAL FUKUOKA
Fukuoka, Japan – In the vibrant city of Fukuoka, Japan, the Meihodo International Youth Visual Media Festival, esteemed as one of the largest short film festivals globally, commemorated its fifth annual event on April 28th. Amidst the eclectic array of talents showcased, Amanbek Azhymat, a talented filmmaker hailing from Kyrgyzstan, emerged as the triumphant recipient of the esteemed Grand Prize Award for his exceptional film “Warrior,” earning him a distinguished accolade along with a substantial prize of $10,000 and a bespoke NFT trophy. The illustrious award ceremony was graced by the presence of luminaries such as Michelle Yeoh, the Academy Award-winning star of “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” who graciously…
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MEIHODO INTERNATIONAL YOUTH VISUAL MEDIA FESTIVAL FUKUOKA
Fukuoka, Japan – Esteemed filmmakers Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel have received prestigious invitations to join the Film Jury and conduct Master Classes at the 5th Meihodo International Youth Visual Media Festival. This honor, extended by Meihodo Inc., a Japanese corporation dedicated to preserving traditional humanistic culture worldwide, is met with profound pleasure. The Festival serves as a unique platform for fostering cultural exchanges among international film producers while nurturing the talents of young creators. At its essence, the Festival endeavors to explore the fascinating intersections of immersive metaverse technologies and blockchain-based non-fungible tokens (NFTs) within the realm of film and video. This exploration encompasses not only the content itself…
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AROUND FILMS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS
Paris, France – In a series of prestigious cities including Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Berlin, Germany, the esteemed ARFF International – Around Films International Film Festival bestowed its highest honor, the ARFF International Lifetime Achievement Award, upon Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the world of cinema.Moreover, both of these distinguished gentlemen have been appointed to the ARFF Visionaries Board, a select group comprising industry leaders and luminaries who provide strategic guidance and mentorship to the organization. Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel’s exceptional talent, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the art of filmmaking have earned them a well-deserved place on the…
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INTERNATIONAL TEEN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL BEIJING
Beijing, China – The International Teen Short Film Festival (ITSFF) recently bestowed prestigious Honorary Academy Awards upon Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the world of cinema. Reserved for those who have significantly impacted the film industry, the Honorary Academy Awards symbolize recognition for the recipients’ dedication to advancing cinema and upholding standards of excellence. Both Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel have indelibly left their mark on the film industry, shaping its trajectory with their remarkable achievements. In addition to the Honorary Academy Awards, the ITSFF also presents the esteemed Angel Awards, honoring outstanding accomplishments in cinema. This year, Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel were honored…
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INTERNATIONAL TEEN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL BEIJING
Beijing, China – Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel have been appointed as film jury members for the International Teen Short Film Festival (ITSFF), marking a significant milestone in their illustrious careers. This esteemed festival, dedicated to showcasing the talents of teenagers in the realm of cinema, serves as a beacon of artistic expression and cultural exchange. As a non-profit event, ITSFF is committed to promoting socialist culture and providing a platform to inspire young people to preserve and transmit their exceptional traditional Chinese heritage. ITSFF offers young filmmakers a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons and increase awareness of other cultures from diverse segments of society. By showcasing films from…
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CHINA INTERNATIONAL CARTOON AND ANIMATION FESTIVAL
Hangzhou, China – Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel are honored to be chosen to serve on the film jury of the prestigious China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF). This esteemed event, hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, China Media Group, and People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, holds a significant position as China’s premier international animation festival. Supported by the Chinese Culture Going-Global Project, CICAF serves as a vital cultural trading platform, facilitating the exchange of ideas, creativity, and innovation in the animation industry. With a strong emphasis on industrialization, branding, and marketization, CICAF has risen to prominence as the largest, most popular, and most influential animation professional…