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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Cannes, France – The appointment of Mr. Castor and Mr. Rygiel to the film jury for the renowned Cannes World Film Festival is a momentous occasion that we are proud to announce. Both individuals are esteemed veterans of the film industry, possessing a wealth of expertise and insight that makes them invaluable additions to this prestigious position. With their discerning judgment and extensive knowledge, they are poised to make significant contributions to the festival’s selection of films, ensuring the showcase of cinematic excellence from around the globe. The Cannes World Film Festival stands as a beacon of prestige and acclaim in the realm of cinema, renowned for its discerning curation…