Filmmaking continues to evolve with the exciting new release of “Omi,” a Jewish exorcism comedy that will celebrate its premiere at the Austin Film Festival on October 30. This film also marks the final appearance of talented actress Bunny Levine, who sadly passed away on August 20 at the age of 97 in her Tarzana, California home.
Directed by Emily Lerer in her feature debut, “Omi” showcases a unique blend of humor and cultural themes. Adam Lebowitz-Lockard, who also stars in the film alongside Dree Hemingway, penned the screenplay. This anticipated film promises to bring a fresh perspective to the genre while honoring Levine’s illustrious career.
For a sneak peek, you can watch the full trailer for “Omi” here.
Latest Updates in Film
In other film news, production has officially begun on “Fair Play: The Jordan Chiles Story,” a documentary that explores the life of the gymnast and Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles. Created by Campfire Studios and Select Entertainment, this feature-length documentary is directed by Trishtan Williams and is set to release on Hulu and Disney+ in the fall of 2027, aligning with the excitement leading up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The documentary promises to delve deeper than headlines, capturing the essence of Chiles as she navigates this pivotal moment in her life, poised for further achievements both inside and outside the gym. Chiles herself stated, “My journey in gymnastics has taught me a lot about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of defining success on my own terms. As I work toward LA28, I’m excited to partner with Andscape and Hulu to share more of my story, reflect on the experiences that have shaped me, and explore what it means to step into this next chapter while reclaiming my narrative.”
AFI Fest Celebrates Short Film Excellence
Recently, the American Film Institute announced its Grand Jury Prize winners for the 40th edition of the AFI Fest, which took place from October 21 to 25 in Los Angeles. Among the distinguished winners, “Free Eliza (Notes On An Anatomical Imperfection)” by Alexandra Matheou received the award for Best Live Action Short Film, while Stephen P. Neary’s “Living With a Visionary” was honored as the Best Animated Short Film. “A Woman’s Place is Everywhere” by Fanny Texier won the prize for the Best Documentary Short Film.
The festival also recognized several films with Special Jury Mentions across various categories, reflecting the diverse talent showcased at this year’s event. Winners in the live-action short category included “The Bovine Comedy” for Audacity of Vision and awards for cinematography, screenwriting, and uniqueness of expression were given to other standouts. The animated and documentary short films also received special recognitions for their craft, storytelling, and impact.
The Grand Jury Prize winners for live action, documentary, and animated shorts will also be eligible for consideration for the Academy Awards, highlighting the significance of these accomplishments within the film industry.
