New Film “Ruth & Boaz” Set to Premiere on Netflix
A modern adaptation of the biblical story from the Book of Ruth is set to debut on Netflix on September 26. The film, titled “Ruth & Boaz,” has already generated excitement with the release of its official trailer. Directed by Alanna Brown, the story follows an up-and-coming Atlanta hip-hop artist named Ruth Moably, who leaves behind her glamorous life to start anew in rural Tennessee. There, she takes care of Naomi, her surrogate mother, and meets the man of her dreams.
The cast includes Serayah McNeill, Tyler Lepley, and Phylicia Rashad. Additional actors in the film are Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Walnette Santiago, Nijah Brenea, James Lee Thomas, Jermaine Dupri, Lecrae Moore, Christopher Broughton, and Yung Joc. This marks the first film from a faith-based partnership between Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin. The script was written by Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan.
“The Dark Crystal” Returns to Theaters for Jim Henson’s 70th Anniversary
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Jim Henson Company, the beloved fantasy film “The Dark Crystal” will be shown in theaters once again. The film, co-directed by Frank Oz and Jim Henson, will include a special introduction from Brian Henson, the chairman of the company and son of Jim Henson. The screenings are scheduled for October 12–13, and the Jim Henson Company will also host various events and activations throughout 2025 to honor its legacy.
AFI Announces 2025–2026 Canva Fellowship Recipients
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced the recipients of the 2025–2026 Canva Fellowship at the AFI Conservatory in Los Angeles. Each of the six programs—Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting—will have one fellow. The recipients are:
- Maghsoud Eghrari (Screenwriting)
- Brianna Kolybaba (Production Design)
- Mahsati Moorhead (Cinematography)
- Zhizong Qu (Editing)
- Aemilia Scott (Directing)
- Allisa Tsukimori (Producing)
Each fellow will receive a $40,000 scholarship, totaling $240,000 awarded across the program. They will begin their Master of Fine Arts program in August 2025.
AGBO Announces Guest Judges for “No Sleep ‘til Film Fest”
AGBO has announced that actor Simu Liu and actress and filmmaker Letitia Wright will serve as guest judges for the fifth edition of their filmmaking competition, “No Sleep ‘til Film Fest.” The virtual festival will take place from September 26–28. Alongside Liu, Wright, and the Russos, the judging panel will include Donald Mustard, Jake Aust, Marian Koltai-Levine, Michael Disco, and Scott Nemes. Submissions are due by 5:00 PM PST on September 28, with winners announced on November 12.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Announces Student Academy Award Winners
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the winners of the 52nd Student Academy Awards. This year, the competition received over 3,000 entries from 988 colleges and universities worldwide. The ceremony will be held on October 6 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City during the New York Film Festival. Winners will have access to education programming, networking opportunities, and exclusive connections within the Academy.
Guillermo Del Toro Named Guest Artistic Director for AFI Fest 2025
Guillermo del Toro, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, has been appointed as the guest artistic director for AFI Fest 2025. The festival, presented by Canva, will run from October 22 to 26 in Los Angeles at the TCL Chinese Theatres. Del Toro’s selection highlights his reputation as a visionary filmmaker and advocate for original storytelling. The festival will open with “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” starring Jeremy Allen White and directed by Scott Cooper.
