The International Film Festival Manhattan came to Cannes!

The 1st Annual International Film Festival Manhattan Industry Screening at the Marche Du Film took place on May 24, 2023 at the Palais G  at the

Palais des Festivals. 

Luis Pedron, the Festival Director of the International Film Festival Manhattan said that “this event is the first year we will be doing an Industry screening at biggest Film Market in the World which is Marche Du Film. The short films selected have the recurring theme of Mental Illness and  Depression which resonate to all of us as we survive the Pandemic. They are pressing issues that should be discussed. It’s not a joke to be depressed and anxious during this time.”

Luis Pedron’s depression during the times his parents passed away recently and his nephew’s suicide last June 2022 made him create this program to start the conversation on Mental Illness and Depression which impacted a lot of us the last three years. The Filmmakers Pedron selected in this list reflect Diversity from Filipino Americans, Jewish Americans, Norwegian, Portuguese and German Award Winning Actors/Directors who are all go getters and will participate at the Marche Du Film to expand their connection and find International collaborators.

The program included:

1)  “The Next Door”   Drama, Horror ( Norway ) 6:31 mins

Represented by: Director Sander Lid Fiskå (Norway)

2) “Waiting Room” Drama, (Philippines / USA) Running Time: 15 mins

Represented by:

Director and Actor  Luis Pedron (USA/Philippines)

3) “FLOWERS” Drama  (USA/Paraguay) 10:36 mins

Represented by: Anna Carvalho (USA/Portugal)

4) “GARDEN GNOME” Experimental  (USA) 2 mins

Represented by:

Director and Writer: Dinarte De Freitas (Portugal/USA)

Producer: Eric Newnham (USA/Portugal)

5) “Kidding” Drama/Comedy (USA) 4:38 Mins

Represented by:

Actress/Writer/Producer: Lia Fietz (Portugal/Germany)

6) “Curbside Pickup” and “Why Don’t You Google Me”  Comedy (USA) Running Time: 12 mins