PRODUCER'S NIGHT 2024

‘Forsaken’ by Aziz Shennawy was voted ‘Film of the Year’ at the 2024 edition of Producer’s Night in Los Angeles

 

Film industry leaders attended Cinematory’s annual event, Producer’s Night, where they were treated to the best films from 20 partner film festivals

 

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, December 9, 2024 - On December 6th 2024, Rachel Bailit and Maarten Cornelis hosted the third edition of the Producer’s Night at The Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. An excited crowd of film industry leaders and film lovers attended the event where they were treated to the best films of 2024 cherrypicked from 20 partner film festivals and direct entries.

 

“The 2024 edition of Producer's Night marks a significant milestone,” says Maarten Cornelis, founder. “as the festival continues to gain recognition and solidify its reputation as a pivotal platform for filmmakers. With Academy Awards qualifying films now incorporating Producer's Night into their campaigns, the event's growing importance within the industry is undeniable.” 

 

Kris De Meester, curator of Producer’s Night, adds: “From an impressive pool of over 25,000 entries, the official selection has been distilled to 15 extraordinary films—crafted by some of the most promising new voices in the industry. Having the opportunity to explore such an abundance of exceptional talent is nothing short of an honor.”

 

The lively catered event, founded in 2021, was the fourth edition in what will continue to be an annual tradition from Cinematory. “The objective is to give these filmmakers the exposure they deserve. We created this event with the goal of helping the films reach a wider audience and the filmmakers to connect with people in the industry,” said Cornelis of Producer’s Night. 

 

The following partner Film Festivals submitted the best of their entrants to Producer’s Night:

 

Brussels Independent Film Festival, Venice Film Week, Boston Short Film Festival, Toronto Arthouse Film Festival, Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival, Viewpoint Documentary Film Festival, Amsterdam Independent Film Festival, Super Shorts London, Super Shorts New York, Super Shorts Los Angeles, Verona International Film Festival, Ghent International Short Film Festival, Somerville International Film Festival, Doc.Boston, Toronto Film Week, Sydney World Film Festival, New Jersey Independent Film Festival, Obskuur Ghent Film Festival, Bruges International Film Festival, Manhattan Independent Film Festival, Cannes International Film Week.

  

From the official selection, ‘Forsaken’ was voted ‘Film of the Year’ for 2024. 

 

Forsaken (Tunisia) by Aziz Shennawy

Forsaken follows a woman, Mariem (Qmar Ben Soltan), who is on a solo vacation at a quiet seaside home. Suddenly, she notices the body of an African migrant washed up on the beach. As her calls to have the body removed are met unanswered, she is forced to reassess her point of view.

 

This film is a moving commentary on not just immigration, but cultural and racial divides as a whole. It acts as a fascinating study of perspective, of someone forced to break down the unseen barrier standing between what’s familiar and what isn’t. It illustrates, through actions and reactions, how what doesn’t affect us personally is often stripped of its human element. It’s not until the problem washes up at Miriam’s feet that she can realize this for herself, and that’s what makes Forsaken so powerful.

 

The ‘Best Director’ Award went to Kevin Haefelin for “The Fuse”.

The ‘Best Actor’ Award went to Lauren Noll in ’The Heart of Texas’.

 

All selected filmmakers were also awarded with The Tarkovski Grant assisting them with their future film festival campaign.

 

Congratulations!