Additional Panels Coming Soon!
Our main location for all film screenings, Directors Audition Panel, and the Closing Night Awards Ceremony:
Bellmore Movies & Showplace
222 Pettit Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710
All Panels (except the Directors Audition Panel), Filmmaker Meetups, and Opening Night Party will take place in the Filmmakers Lounge
228 Pettit Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 FROM NOON – 3 PM
LOCATION
Bellmore Movies And Showplace – 222 Pettit Ave, Bellmore NY
Our Reader
Julia Winer is a New York based actor with training from Hunter College (23’) and Take 2 Actor’s Studio, as well as a number of other reputable institutions. Growing up, she wasn’t performing on the screen– instead, her childhood was spent as a competitive athlete. It wasn’t until she was 16, when she first watched Out of Africa– the Oscar-winning film starring Meryl Streep & Robert Redford– that everything changed. From that moment on, she’s devoured everything Meryl Streep has ever done and thrown herself wholeheartedly into her own journey as an actor. Julia’s recent work includes leading roles in the feature films Brimstone (Daphne) and Violet Hearts (Maria). Other film credits include Heart of the Game (Charley), Lullaby (Daphne), and Closing Act (Lou). Offscreen, Julia is a devoted Stevie Nicks enthusiast who can often be caught belting “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” behind the wheel– a future role, perhaps? To learn more about Julia, visit www.juliawiner.com
Ise White is a veteran producer and New York based director, producer, and writer. . She serves as Sr Producer at Lost and Found Production serving the film, commercial, and advertising clientele in New York and abroad. In 2019 Lost and Found partnered with Scheimpflug’s VFX department and produced the cutting edge NBA Oculus project. Lost and Found continues to focus on production and development for commercial and the independent film community while Scheimpflug serves the major motion picture studios as well as upcoming film makers. Ise White is a member of NYWIFT, WIF, and GOLDHOUSE.
After working for the FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, and being featured in IT Vanity Fair, Ise White became one of the top luxury fashion editors in the world working for Condé Nast Italy and then Hearst China where she began working in the intersection of new technology , directing beauty, celebrity, and cinema projects with a focus on narrative storytelling and winning awards for celebrity cover projects partnered with major studios.
Ise is of Cherokee/Choctaw/ Singaporean/Scots Descent.
Debra Markowitz created and served as the Director of the Nassau County Film Commission for 33 years. She also serves as President of the Long Island Film-TV Foundation, Long Island’s most established and largest not-for-profit which runs the LIIFE, the Long Island International Film Expo.
Debra is a novelist (the Karmic Wind Trilogy: Naked in the Rain, Sarah and Caleb and Karmic Wind), award winning screenwriter and director of shorts, features and TV pilots, film consultant, casting director and teaches director to actor workshops
Several of Debra’s films and screenplays have been at Academy Award Qualifying Film Festivals.
Debra’s feature films Wait List: A Love-ish Story and Brimstone (feature) and short films Horizon, and A Brimstone Lullaby are currently in post production.
Her films Brimstone (short), Assassin, and the pilot episode of Couple of Guys, are all making the rounds at film festivals.
Debra is in development on feature film, Yule Tides, and is in production on series pilot, Welcome to Belle View.
You can find out more about Debra’s work at www.IntentionFilmsandMedia.com
Karl Ryan Erikson is an award-winning writer and director known for telling emotionally grounded, character-driven stories with heart and humor. With a background in narrative filmmaking, he brings a unique blend of comedy and authenticity to the screen, often drawing inspiration from everyday family dynamics and human connection.
His latest feature film, The Family Recipe, is a Thanksgiving comedy that follows Alison and her wildly chaotic extended family as they try to navigate a crowded house, kitchen mishaps, and personal tensions—all while trying to salvage a day that’s supposed to bring everyone together. With a cast of unforgettable characters and razor-sharp timing, The Family Recipe is a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of the beautiful mess that is family.
In addition to his work as a director, Karl runs Lucky Elephant Films, a production company dedicated to crafting high-quality narrative films. With a deep commitment to storytelling that is both emotionally resonant and visually compelling, he approaches every project with a filmmaker’s eye and an editor’s precision. His work consistently explores themes of connection, vulnerability, and the humor found in everyday life—always with the goal of creating stories that stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
Eddie Lebron is an 3x Emmy Award winning editor, cinematographer, and director currently working in the New York tri-state area with 20 years active in the industry.
A graduate of The School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Film and Video, he has worked for clients such as NBC Universal, BET, Tribeca Festival, MTV, and many others in an effort to broaden his horizons and leave a lasting footprint in the industry.
Most recently, he was cinematographer on the PBS documentary, “The M Factor”, cinematographer for the nationally syndicated “The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadel” and has acted as both DP and Director on over 10 projects in the last year. Eddie is also co-owner of the production company Love Your Face Films which he operates with film maker Leticia Buchanan.
A third-generation Greenwich Village native, Lisa is an actress, vocalist, award-winning playwright, filmmaker, and columnist.
With roots in the theater as an actress and a playwright, Lisa crossed over to television to select programming for the launch of HBO’s COMEDY CHANNEL. She wrote and produced numerous junkets there before moving to COMEDY CENTRAL where she wrote guest segments for comedian Allan Havey’s talk show Night After Night. Other TV production credits include, The Cosby Show, The Ellen Burstyn Show, The Dictator, CBS Movie of the Week, Top Cops, and Night Music with David Sanborn & Jools Holland.
In 2016, Lisa shifted gears to radio, joining WABT Pocono 96.7’s Gary in the Morning Show, before moving on to host her own program, It’s Your Thing with Lisa Ellex on WYLDfm.
Today, Lisa is a columnist, features writer, and contributing editor for PrimeCrush (a weekly publication focusing on friendship, love, sex, and all things mid-life). A film version of her award-winning one-act play, The A-Word, starring Brian O’Halloran, Angela Pietropinto, and Diana Devlin is currently in post-production, and her directorial debut short, Angela, will premiere at the Jersey Shore Film Festival on June 29th, 2025.
As an actress, Lisa’s film and TV credits include Heart (with Brad Davis), A Little Tenderness, The Ellen Burstyn Show (with Ellyn Burstyn and Harvey Keitel), and The Cosby Show. New York stage credits include The Barrow Street Theatre and The Ark Theatre Company.
When she’s not writing, Lisa enjoys singing in big bands and small jazz ensembles.
You can read and listen to some of Lisa’s work at: https://linktr.ee/MsEllex
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 at 4:30 PM
Join us for our opening day party! A two-hour networking event, shortly after our press conference, where filmmakers can begin picking up their passes with opening remarks by our festival director, an interview station, hors d’oeuvres, and our beer & wine bar. Free admission to all 2025 participating filmmakers and their guests and Free to Film Festival ticket holders and Gold Pass Holders.
LOCATION
Filmmakers Lounge – 222 Pettit Ave, Bellmore NY
THURSDAY, JULY 10 FROM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
FRIDAY, JULY 11 FROM 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
LOCATION
Bellmore Movies And Showplace – 228 Pettit Ave, Bellmore NY
John Marean, co-owner of Intention Films and Media, graduated with his MFA in Technical Design and Production from the Yale School of Drama. He started his career as the Technical Director of the Hudson Guild Theater, then became Production Manager of Playwrights’ Horizons/Scenic Central and built sets for Nickelodeon, as well as many other Broadway, off-Broadway, television and feature film productions.
In 2012, John became Technical Director at the LaGuardia High School (The “Fame” school) of Music & Art and Performing Arts in NYC until 2019.
John has acted in several independent feature and short films including the upcoming series, Couple of Guys, and the short and feature film versions of Brimstone. John has been working as a Director of Photography, Assistant Camera, Grip, Gaffer, Sound Recordist, Production Manager, and Assistant Director.
John has taught at several local colleges and had trained several of our regular crew members for various additional crew positions. His most popular training includes his Assistant Director classes.
SATURDAY, JULY 12 FROM 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
LOCATION
Bellmore Movies And Showplace – 228 Pettit Ave, Bellmore NY
SATURDAY, JULY 12 FROM 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
LOCATION
Bellmore Movies And Showplace – 228 Pettit Ave, Bellmore NY
Writer/Director/Producer
Stevan is an award winning writer, producer and director. His films have been distributed theatrically worldwide through Lions Gate, Starz and Anchor Bay Films. His film, Bereavement, launched the careers of Alexandra Daddario (Baywatch, True Detective), and Peyton List (Cobra Kai, Jessie, Bunked, Diary of a Wimpy Kid). Bereavement was a bold departure from the standard cliche ridden horror film, offering a deep, emotionally nuanced and complex screenplay with genuine scares and shocks.
Stevan’s much heralded debut feature, Malevolence, was truly a remarkable achievement. Shot on a shoestring budget, with actors and crew all taking deferred payments, Stevan wrote, produced, directed, edited and even composed the score. Shot on 35mm film, Malevolence went on to win several Film Festivals, including best feature at the Long Island International Film Expo, and Best Feature at the NYC Horror Film Festival. It was awarded best screenplay at the 2004 internet choice awards, and was listed on numerous “best horror film of the year” lists.
Stevan’s latest picture, The Ruse, starring Veronica Cartwright, is a suspenseful whodunnit that will keep audiences guessing till the final frame.
Stevan has written and directed several episodes of the TV Series School Spirits for NBC/Universal. Stevan is also a published novelist, his debut novel was distributed in many countries in several languages by Goldman Books.
SATURDAY, JULY 12 FROM 3:00 – 4:00 PM
LOCATION
Bellmore Movies And Showplace – 228 Pettit Ave, Bellmore NY
Doug LeClaire was a Line Producer and Production Supervisor of national broadcast television commercials and U.S. cable network promos in the New York metro area for 38 years. He produced television advertising & web content campaigns for Lifetime TV; WE-TV; Comedy Central; MTV; Spike, Oxyge and the three long time TV networks. He won a “Clio” for an MTV promotional campaign directed by Barbara Kanowitz. He served as Unit Production Supervisor on television commercial projects directed by Michel Bay, Martin Scorsese, Herb Ritts, Robert Small, Laura Murphy, David Fincher and Robert Altman.
Doug was the Unit Production Supervisor on a series of national public service announcements created by the City of New York soon after September 11, 2001. Legendary TV commercial director Joe Pytka shot multiple location spots emphasizing how New York City was “back in business” post 9/11. The PSA’s featured Kevin Bacon, Ben Stiller, Derek Jeter, Susan Sarandon, Henry Kissinger, Al Roker, Harrison Ford, Vanessa Williams and Woody Allen.
Doug was the Line Producer on a series of concert background videos for Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame through Breathe Productions in New York and the “Te A Me Tea” global promo sensation: “Drink the Tea Donald Trump” for the FishEye Creative ad agency from India. He was Joe Pyka’s NY Production Supervisor for 19 years working on national TV commercials for Nike, Pepsi, IBM, Budweiser to name just a few. He line produced the award winning “Wreckin’ Shop-live from Brooklyn” for PBS, directed by Diane Martel through Epoch Films. Doug was the line producer for two independent feature films: “Greetings from the Shore,” directed by Greg Chwerchak, starring Kim Shaw, David Fumero, Paul Sorvino and Jay O. Sanders. Also: “Broadway’s Finest,” winner of over 10 national film festival awards, directed by Stephen Marro.
In 1981 Doug & partners founded Asbury Shorts USA, now New York City’s longest running short film exhibition and touring show. Asbury Shorts has presented their short film “concerts” in historic venues from Los Angeles to Berlin. Guest Hosts have included: Edie Falco, Adrian Grenier, Bob Giraldi, Melvin Van Peebles, Richard Belzer, Harvey Keitel, Olympia Dukakis, Dylan McDermott and Jason Reitman. Doug directed two award-winning shorts in the 1980’s: “The Problem,” and “Surprise.” Both played on HBO.
Doug was the Director of the Shorts Program at The Lake Placid Film Festival from 2000-2004 and he’s served as an operations manager at The Garden State Film Festival from 2007-2025.
He has been an instructor & guest lecturer at The School of Visual Arts; The New York Institute of Technology; The State University of New York; New York University, Monmouth University, Upstate Independents; Film/Video Arts and One Day University.
Jaret Martino and Love Wins Productions is an original content and third party production company, designed for the 21st century’s changed media landscape.
Focused on raising awareness for subjects deserving attention. With a focus on women’s empowerment, diversity and inclusion and LGBTQIA messages.
Specializes in the development, production, marketing and distribution of talent-driven films, television, and digital media content. Jaret’s award winning films have been seen throughout the world in festivals and streaming platforms.
Jaret is proud to introduce his new partnership at Love Wins Productions. With a mission to find freedom, joy, connection and love.
We’re building a safe and supportive community that provides opportunity, platforms and Distribution and The Love Wins Film Festival! IMDB Qualifying Film Festival !
Our latest release titled, DONNA Stronger Than Pretty is streaming everywhere you buy and rent movies in 65 countries! https://www.donnathemovie.com
Producer. Filmmaker. Actor.
Festival Director & Programmer
With a career spanning over three decades, Sibyl has had significant experience in film, television, and stage production across both the United States and Asia. Her collaborative work with studios such as MyxTV, Regal Films, Star Cinema, Metro Style, and ABS-CBN Int’l plus working with clients such as Google, YouTube, Target, etc showcases her extensive industry involvement.
As the President of Sitting Cat Productions, Sibyl has led the release of numerous notable films. Among them is the feature film “SAM,” boasting Executive Producer Mel Brooks and a distinguished cast including Morgan Fairchild, Tom Pelphrey, and Bryan Batt, as well as the fruition of the U.S. production of Antoinette Jadaone’s “ALONE TOGETHER,” starring Philippine icon Liza Soberano and most recently, the feature film “FOLLOW HER,” by award-winning director Sylvia Caminer and featuring Luke Cook, Mark Moses, and Dani Barker.
With a multifaceted career encompassing acting, producing, and directing, Sibyl understands the journey from script to screen. Her influential roles extend beyond her creative pursuits. Notably, she is a valued Member of the Board for NY Women in Film & Television, and currently serves as VP of Events. She’s also a member of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts (BAFTA), Women Independent Producers (WIP), the Producers Guild of America (PGA), and a founding member and former Co-Lead of the AAPI Working Group as part of its One Guild. Her active member involvement extends to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and Actor’s Equity (AEA), where she has showcased her talents in various film, television, and stage productions in New York City. Sibyl’s career has been recognized on numerous occasions with accolades, including The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York, Arts & Culture Award at Carnegie Hall.
Currently, Sibyl is engaged in a documentary project that has garnered her the p.g.a. Mark and simultaneously, she’s at the helm of developing several films, as well as her own series. Sibyl also serves as the Executive Director and Head of Programming of the SOHO Creative Lab (SCL) which presents the SOHO International Film Festival (SIFFNYC) in New York City, marking her 16th year in these pivotal roles.
sittingcatproductions.con l sohofilmfest.com l imdb.me/sibylsantiago
Debra Markowitz created and served as the Director of the Nassau County Film Commission for 33 years. She also serves as President of the Long Island Film-TV Foundation, Long Island’s most established and largest not-for-profit which runs the LIIFE, the Long Island International Film Expo.
Debra is a novelist (the Karmic Wind Trilogy: Naked in the Rain, Sarah and Caleb and Karmic Wind), award winning screenwriter and director of shorts, features and TV pilots, film consultant, casting director and teaches director to actor workshops
Several of Debra’s films and screenplays have been at Academy Award Qualifying Film Festivals.
Debra’s feature films Wait List: A Love-ish Story and Brimstone (feature) and short films Horizon, and A Brimstone Lullaby are currently in post production.
Her films Brimstone (short), Assassin, and the pilot episode of Couple of Guys, are all making the rounds at film festivals.
Debra is in development on feature film, Yule Tides, and is in production on series pilot, Welcome to Belle View.
You can find out more about Debra’s work at www.IntentionFilmsandMedia.com
SUNDAY, JULY 13 FROM 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Join Us for our star-studded awards ceremony in the Bellmore Movies and Showplace Auditorium. Doors open approximately 5:00pm.
Presenters to be announced. Stay tuned!!
LOCATION
Bellmore Movies And Showplace – 222 Pettit Ave, Bellmore NY
