Opening Night Film & Party
Walk the Red Carpet and Meet the Filmmakers
Opening Night Presentation
Opening Night Shorts: New Perspectives
79 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
The 16th annual Naples International Film Festival opens with an exciting, heartfelt and funny array of six short films that touch on family, friendship, moral dilemmas, overcoming societal obstacles and therapy in the wake of a marriage that has reached its end. The evening begins with free soft drinks, popcorn and candy for all guests as they sit back and watch the opening night films in Hayes Hall. After the film, Party ticket holders will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres from a variety of local eateries, free house wine, beer and a signature cocktail as they party the evening away in Norris Garden.
Trapped
Favourites
Room Taken
Nate & John
Anuja
Night Session
Thursday, October 24 • Artis—Naples
6pm Red Carpet Walk, 7pm Film Presentation
Feature Films
Listed in Alphabetical Order
Documentary
76 Days Adrift
2024, NR, US, Documentary, 110 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Juried Film
Director: Joe Wein
Executive Producer: Ang Lee
Producers: Steven Callahan, Robert Sennott, Janet Lessnau
Writer: Steven Callahan (Book)
Cast: Steven Callahan
Alone on an inflatable raft in the Atlantic Ocean without food or water, Steven Callahan gives a gripping first-hand account of finding the strength to survive in this stunning retelling of his New York Times bestselling memoir, Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea.
Friday, October 25, 2:40pm
Saturday, October 26, 7:35pm
Sunday, October 27, 12:25pm
Documentary
The Accidental Spy
2024, NR, UK, Documentary, 97 minutes
North American Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Juried Film
Director: Anthony Wonke
Executive Producer: Stephen Krahel
Producers: Johnny Howorth, Ivan Mactaggart
Cast: Blerim Skoro, Susan Skoro, Medina Skoro, Dafina Skoro, Joshua Dratel, Rene Kathawala, Tim Weiner
The Accidental Spy tells the gripping tale of one man’s entanglement in a dangerous complex geopolitical web, his ultimate sacrifice to protect his loved ones … and the crushing betrayal by the nation he risked everything to defend.
Friday, October 25, 8pm
Saturday, October 26, 11:30am
Sunday, October 27, 2:40pm
Narrative
Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts
2024, NR, US and Sri Lanka, Romantic Comedy, 110 minutes
Florida Premiere
Juried Film
English, Sinhala and Tamil with English Subtitles
Director: Shaun Seneviratne
Producers: Shaun Seneviratne, Doron JePaul Mitchell
Writer: Shaun Seneviratne
Cast: Sathya Sridharan, Anastasia Olowin
When Ben Santhanaraj visits Sri Lanka hoping to rekindle his relationship with American NGO worker Suzanne Hopper after a long separation, their second chance at love is thrown for a loop when Suzanne’s boss demands that she work during their vacation, effectively blocking Ben’s attempts at intimacy.
Friday, October 25, 7:45pm
Saturday, October 26, 4:30pm
Sunday, October 27, 3:15pm
Documentary
Between the Mountain and the Sky
2024, NR, Canada, Documentary, 93 minutes
Florida Premiere
Juried Film
English and Nepali with English Subtitles
Director: Jeremy Power Regimbal
Executive Producers: Mark Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Jay Duplass, Karen Mulvaney, Tom Mulvaney
Co-Producers: Shuli Harel, Ashley Edouard
Writer: Jeremy Power Regimbal
After being named CNN Hero of the Year, Maggie Doyne, guardian to over 50 Nepalese children, endures a devastating loss. Following a chance encounter amid her grief, she opens her life to a filmmaker, documenting her journey, her family and even an unexpected romance.
Friday, October 25, 7:20pm
Saturday, October 26, 6:20pm
Sunday, October 27, 11am
Narrative
Breakup Season
2024, PG-13, U.S., Dramedy, 102 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: H. Nelson Tracey
Producers: Stephen Mastrocola, Rafi Jacobs, Liana Montemayor, Christopher Jennings
Writer: H. Nelson Tracey
Cast: Chandler Riggs, Samantha Isler, James Urbaniak, Brook Hogan, Carly Stewart, Jacob Wysocki
Ben, an ambitious yet unemployed young man, brings his girlfriend, Cassie, home to meet his family over the Christmas holiday. But after a winter storm socks his rural hometown and a late-night conversation fractures their relationship, Cassie becomes stranded with her ex and his family.
Friday, October 25, 1:15pm
Saturday, October 26, 11:55pm
Sunday, October 27, 5:05pm
Narrative
Days of Happiness
2023, NR, Canada, Drama, 118 minutes
French with English Subtitles
Director: Chloé Robichaud
Producers: Pierre Even, Paul-E. Audet, Jeannette Garcia
Writer: Chloé Robichaud
Cast: Sophie Desmarais, Sylvain Marcel, Nour Belkhiria, Maude Guérin, Vincent Leclerc, Yves Jacques
In this Canadian drama written and directed by Chloé Robichaud, rising conductor Emma attempts to navigate a toxic relationship with her father/agent, Patrick, and her budding new romantic relationship with a cellist as she considers a new career opportunity with a prestigious orchestra.
Friday, October 25, 11:45am
Saturday, October 26, 2:10pm
Sunday, October 27, 7:45pm
Documentary
Every Little Thing
2024, NR, Australia, Documentary, 93 minutes
Florida Premiere
Director: Sally Aitken
Producers: Bettina Dalton, Oli Harbottle, Anna Godas
Every Little Thing uncovers profound truths in a simple story. As Terry Masear cares for fragile hummingbirds, beautifully detailed photography brings these tiny creatures to life. Their small victories and tragedies reflect Masear’s journey, reminding us that grace and healing can be found in the smallest acts.
Friday, October 25, 11am
Saturday, October 26, 5:30pm
Sunday, October 27, 7:50pm
Narrative
Fight Like a Girl
2024, R, Rwanda/DR Congo, Sports Drama, 118 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Juried Film
English, Swahili with English Subtitles
Director: Matthew Leutwyler
Producers: Anton Laines, Innocent Munyeshuri, Yvette Gayle, Serge Ibaka
Writer: Matthew Leutwyler
Cast: Ama Qamata, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Malaika Uwamahoro, Arthur Nkusi, Bahali Ruth, Kennedy Mazimpaka, Clarck Ntambwe
A young Congolese woman, kidnapped from her village and forced to work in an illegal mineral mine, escapes her captors and makes a new life for herself after joining a renowned all-women boxing club in the border city of Goma.
Friday, October 25, 7:30pm
Saturday, October 26, 4:30pm
Sunday, October 27, 11:45am
Narrative
Freedom Hair
2024, NR, US, Drama, 99 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Dianne Houston
Producers: Rob Pfaltzgraff, PGA; Lana Link, PGA; Stacey Parks, PGA
Writer: Dianne Houston
Cast: Simona Brown, Jeremie Harris, Sophia Bush, Erica Tazel
When a determined, business-savvy mother decides she no longer wants to live paycheck to paycheck and sets out to achieve financial independence by starting a natural hair braiding business, she is soon faced with overcoming unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cosmetology cartel and her home state of Mississippi.
Friday, October 25, 7:30pm
Saturday, October 26, 11:40am
Documentary
Giants Rising
2024, NR, US, Documentary, 82 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Lisa Landers
Producers: Lisa Landers
Writer: Lisa Landers
Cast: Narrated by Michael Franti
Giants Rising takes us deep into America’s iconic forests, unveiling the secrets of the towering redwoods — some of the tallest and oldest living beings on Earth. Through the voices of scientists, artists, Indigenous communities and others, we explore their resilience, connections to humanity and their role in shaping our future.
Friday, October 25, 1:30pm
Saturday, October 26, 11:15am
Sunday, October 27, 5:45pm
Narrative
Kiss of the Con Queen
2024, NR, Thailand, Thriller, 116 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Tom Waller
Producers: Takahiro Yamashita, Michael Pritchett, Tom Waller
Writer: Eoin O’Brien
Cast: Eoin O'Brien, Patrick Bergin, Ravi Patel
An actor thinks he’s hit paydirt after he’s offered a huge role in a blockbuster film. But after arriving for a shoot in Indonesia, nothing goes as planned, and he uncovers a shocking truth: He’s been caught in a global scam.
Friday, October 25, 4pm
Saturday, October 26, 7:45pm
Sunday, October 27, 2:05pm
Documentary
Mad About the Boy
2023, NR, UK, Documentary, 90 minutes
Director: Barnaby Thompson
Producers: Gregor Cameron, Barnaby Thompson
Writer: Barnaby Thompson
Cast: Narrated by Alan Cumming and Rupert Everett as the voice of Noel Coward
Using his own words, music and home movies, Mad About the Boy tells the amazing life story of writer, director, actor, singer, songwriter and poet Noël Coward as he rose from poverty to become one of the greatest multitalented artists the world has ever known.
Friday, October 25, 12:25pm
Saturday, October 26, 2:20pm
Sunday, October 27, 5:45pm
Narrative
My Sunshine
2024, NR, Japan, Coming of Age, 90 minutes
Japanese with English Subtitles
Director: Hiroshi Okuyama
Producers: Toshikazu Nishigaya, Masahiro Handa, Masa Sawada
Writer: Hiroshi Okuyama
Cast: Sosuke Ikematsu, Keitatsu Koshiyama, Kiara Nakanishi
On a Japanese island, Takuya becomes captivated by Sakura, a rising figure skating star. Under the guidance of former champion Arakawa, they train as a duo for an upcoming competition. As winter deepens, so does their bond — but like the first snow, even strong connections can melt away.
Friday, October 25, 11:15am
Saturday, October 26, 6pm
Sunday, October 27, 8:10pm
Documentary
Naked Ambition: Bunny Yeager
2023, G, US, Documentary, 73 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Florida Film
Directors: Dennis Scholl, Kareem Tabsch
Producers: Dennis Scholl, Kareem Tabsch, Konstantia Kontaxis
Cast: Carlos Betancourt, Sarahjane Blum, Ed Christin, Cherilu Duval, Dian Hanson, Lisa Irwin, Larry King, Nani Maka, Dick Rozenzweig, Holly Ruscin, Eric Shiner, Christy Strong, Guinevere Turner, Marcia Valibus, Dita Von Teese, Bruce Weber
You may not know her name, but you’ve probably seen her work. This documentary feature tells the story of trailblazing photographer Bunny Yeager and highlights her influence on pop culture — from the bikini and Playboy magazine to the modern selfie.
Friday, October 25, 12:45pm
Saturday, October 26, 2pm
Sunday, October 27, 4:50pm
Narrative
Never Not Yours
2024, NR, U.S., Dramedy, 82 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Directors: John Klein, Steve Kniss
Producers: John Klein, Steve Kniss, William Barron, Jo Barron
Writers: John Klein, Steve Kniss
Cast: Josh Bywater, Angela Morris, Timmy Hart Barron, John Lister, Laura T. Fisher
Chaos ensues when retired parents announce their divorce to their three 30-something children, and the family must grapple with their changing relationships and identities.
Friday, October 25, 3:55pm
Saturday, October 26, 8:15pm
Sunday, October 27, 1:25pm
Documentary
The Opener
2024, PG, US, Documentary, 72 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Jeff Toye
Producers: Philip Labes, Sunya Mara, Jeff Toye
Writers: Philip Labes, Sunya Mara, Jeff Toye
Cast: Philip Labes
After a struggling street musician goes viral playing songs from his bedroom, he’s offered the chance to prove himself on the big stage as the opening act for one of his musical heroes.
Friday, October 25, 5:30pm
Saturday, October 26, 7:30pm
Narrative
The Paper Bag Plan
2024, NR, US, Drama, 107 minutes
East Coast Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Anthony Lucero
Producers: Ke'alohi Lucero, H. Anthony Lucero
Writer: Anthony Lucero
Cast: Lance Kinsey, Cole Massie, Ravi Kapoor
Oscar has dedicated his life to the well-being of his disabled son, Billy. But when Oscar is diagnosed with cancer, he must race against time as he trains his son on how to bag groceries in hopes of landing his first job and preparing for a life of independence.
Friday, October 25, 7pm
Saturday, October 26, 2:40pm
Sunday, October 27, 11:15am
Documentary
Porcelain War
2024, NR, Australia, US, Ukraine, Documentary, 87 minutes
Ukranian and Russian with English Subtitles
Directors: Brendan Bellomo, Slava Leontyev
Producers: Aniela Sidorska, PGA; Paula DuPré Pesmen, PGA; Camilla Mazzaferro; Olivia Ahnemann
Writers: Aniela Sidorska, Brendan Bellomo, Paula DuPré Pesmen, Slava Leontyev
Cast: Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, Andrey Stefanov
Porcelain War is a powerful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, following three Ukrainian artists as they find beauty amid war’s destruction. Filmed by ordinary civilians, this extraordinary documentary shows that, while fear is easy to create, passion and creativity are indestructible.
Friday, October 25, 4:50pm
Saturday, October 26, 8:55pm
Sunday, October 27, 4:15pm
Documentary
Rise Above
2024, NR, US, Documentary, 53 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Maryilene Blondell
Producers: Maryilene Blondell, Kasey Kirby
Writers: Maryilene Blondell, Lawrence Schoen
Cast: Carl Jackson, Ben Crenshaw, Scottie Scheffler, Gary Player, Warren Stephens, Mike 'Fluff' Cowan
Born into a life of poverty and not far from the rolling greens, dramatic slopes and azaleas of Augusta National, Carl Jackson defied fate to become golf’s greatest caddie.
Friday, October 25, 6:20pm
Saturday, October 26, 1:40pm
Sunday, October 27, 3:50pm
Documentary
Sanibel
2024, NR, US, Documentary, 65 minutes
World Premiere
Florida Film
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Herbert James Winterstern
Producers: Herbert James Winterstern, Kevan Rayden, Adam Ganser
Writer: Herbert James Winterstern
Sanibel started as an exploration of the people and businesses central to seashell culture in Southwest Florida. Six weeks into production, Hurricane Ian, one of the most destructive hurricanes in history, nearly wiped the island off the map.
Friday, October 25, 5:20pm
Saturday, October 26, 11:45am
Sunday, October 27, 2:45pm
Documentary
Shari & Lamb Chop
2023, NR, US, Documentary, 92 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Lisa D'Apolito
Producers: Cassidy Hartmann, Nicholas Ferrall, Morris Ruskin, Douglas Warner, Lisa D'Apolito
Writers: Cassidy Hartmann, Lisa D'Apolito, Andrea Lewis
The legendary ventriloquist Shari Lewis rose to stardom with her beloved sock puppet, Lamb Chop. When her popular children’s TV show is canceled, Lewis must find a way to make peace with her alter ego. Together, they spend decades reinventing themselves in this uplifting documentary.
Friday, October 25, 2:15pm
Saturday, October 26, 11am
Sunday, October 27, 1:40pm
Narrative
Sheepdog
2024, R, US, Drama, 122 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Juried Film
Director: Steven Grayhm
Producers: Steven Grayhm, Lynn D'Angona, P. Colin Kane
Writer: Steven Grayhm
Cast: Virginia Madsen, Vondie Curtis Hall, Steven Grayhm, Lilli Cooper, Dominic Fumusa, Matt Dallas
Decorated U.S. Army combat veteran Calvin Cole is court-ordered into treatment and into the care of a V.A. trauma therapist in training. Things become even more complicated when Calvin's father-in-law, a Vietnam veteran, shows up on his doorstep … fresh out of prison.
Friday, October 25, 4:55pm
Saturday, October 26, 7:15pm
Sunday, October 27, 11:35am
Shorts
A Selection of Short Films Packaged by Theme
Shorts Package
Unexpected Journeys
83 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
Life’s unexpected paths unfold in five films, including a paralyzed surfer’s return to the scene of his accident, a Dutch ice cream man defying Nazis and a mother accepting her neurodivergent baby.
LUKi and the Lights
The Calm Under the Water
The Ice Cream Man
I See You
The Car that Came Back from the Sea
Friday, October 25, 8:15pm
Saturday, October 26, 3:35pm
Sunday, October 27, 11am
Shorts Package
Made for Each Other
83 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
Five films explore the complexities of love, from museum coworkers discovering deeper connections and a long-married couple rekindling their passion to a living statue performer falling for a beautiful stone sculpture and more.
Collage
Catherine & Michael
Yuck! (Beurk)
Silversizzle
Hearts of Stone
Friday, October 25, 2:30pm
Saturday, October 26, 4:50pm
Sunday, October 27, 5:20pm
Shorts Package
Odds and Ends
81 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
This eclectic mix of short films includes a man living his life like an opera, children’s TV puppets surviving their puppeteer’s death and a bullfighter-turned-flag-waving parking attendant.
Cantata
The Day Keeper
Wander to Wonder
À Toi Les Oreilles
The Bullfighter
L+T
Friday, October 25, 11:50am
Saturday, October 26, 1:35pm
Sunday, October 27, 6:45pm
Shorts Package
Family and Community
78 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
Witness the powerful bonds between individuals and their communities through six films, including a girl’s first kiss, three bald brothers seeking hair transplants in Istanbul and an autistic superhero celebrated by a small Chicago community.
Lip Virgin
Walk with Me
Bogotá Story
Beautiful Men
Saving Superman
And Granny Would Dance
Friday, October 25, 3pm
Saturday, October 26, 7:30pm
Sunday, October 27, 7:05pm
Shorts Package
Student Filmmaker Showcase
83 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
The student filmmakers today are the Hollywood stars of tomorrow! These eight short films from K-12 and University divisions include compelling stories of teens dealing with heartbreaking loss, multigenerational wall paperers and the possibility of alien visitors in post-Pearl Harbor California.
K-12 Division
The Lake in the Sky
Gone
Weathered
College/University Division
When Beverly Met Reita
Coercion
Cakewalk
Contracting the Cooties
The Lights Above
Saturday, October 26, 3:55pm
Talks & Panel Discussions
Conversations with Filmmakers
Filmmaking Unscripted:
Tales from the Trenches
2024 NIFF Panel Discussion
60 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Panelists:
H. Nelson Tracey, director, Breakup Season
Stephen Kniss, co-director, Never Not Yours
Anthony Lucero, director, The Paper Bag Plan
Johnny Howorth, producer, The Accidental Spy
Maryilene Blondell, director, Rise Above
Moderator:
Elaine Newton, Artis—Naples resident film critic
In this illuminating panel, Elaine Newton asks filmmakers to pull back the curtain on the unexpected realities of bringing their cinematic visions to life. Expect to be enlightened and entertained by their candid, often humorous accounts from the frontlines of indie moviemaking.
Friday, October 25, 10am
Real to Reel:
Unlocking the Cinematic Potential of True Stories
2024 NIFF Panel Discussion
60 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Panelists:
Matthew Leutwyler, director, Fight Like a Girl
Tom Waller, director, Kiss of the Con Queen
Melony Armstrong, executive producer/subject of film, Freedom Hair
Nick Reid, executive producer, Freedom Hair
Herbert James Winterstern, director, Sanibel
Lisa D’Apolito, director, Shari & Lamb Chop
Moderator:
Elaine Newton, Artis—Naples resident film critic
True stories possess an inherent power to captivate, inspire and transform. In this panel, Elaine Newton sits down with some of our visiting filmmakers to uncover their creative processes, research techniques and storytelling approaches that breathe life into these factual accounts, whether through the unvarnished lens of a documentary or the heightened drama of a narrative film.
Saturday, October 26, 10am
Closing Night
Food, Fun, Awards and Film
Awards Ceremony, Film & Wrap Party
2024 Naples International Film Festival Awards
Filmmakers in Attendance
There’s no better way to cap your Naples International Film Festival experience than by attending the Closing Night Awards Ceremony. Enjoy food, fun and a chance to celebrate the very best work NIFF brought to Naples this year.
Sunday, October 27, 5:30pm
Closing Night Film
Batman in Concert
1989, PG-13, U.S., Action / Adventure, 126 minutes
Film score with full orchestra
Film and live concert performance
A cinematic classic meets symphonic power as Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly and the Naples Philharmonic perform Danny Elfman’s thrilling score to Batman (1989) live, perfectly syncing with the film as it screens overhead.
Sunday, October 27, 7:30pm