On June 20-22, the 22nd annual Universe Multicultural Film Festival returned to Palos Verdes. Filmmakers from across the world came to PV to celebrate the power of cinema.

This years’ schedule was full of incredible films. “The Stone is Flying” and “Monisto” highlight the cultural heritage of the Tibetan and Bashkir people. The timely documentary “9066: Fear, Football, and the Theft of Freedom” reminded us of the human cost of xenophobia. Local filmmaker Jamie Dong made audiences laugh with her relatable comedy “DAYDREAMER” and first-time director Diego Casanovas-Torres touched us with “The Eulogy”, a personal drama about grief.

UMFF also provided filmmakers with the opportunity to learn from established professionals. Panelists included Oscar-nominated documentarian Peter Spirer, Emmy-nominated editor Troy Takaki, producer Trevor Morgan Doyle, and French distributor Jean-Francois Cavalier.

Saturday featured the Filmmakers Reception, a time for attendees to socialize and connect. It included the Maeya Cultural Ambassador Contest, a beauty contest with a focus on celebrating cultural diversity through fashion. This year’s winner was Na Ling, representing China. The reception also included the Screenplay Showcase, a live reading of one of the screenplay selections. This year’s performance was of Tommy Anderson’s “The Broken Road”, an inspirational drama.

Sunday evening brought us to North Hollywood for the Red Carpet and Award Ceremony. Attendees brought their fashion a-game for this big night. The ceremony included incredible live performances. Local singer Angel Peaches brought a Latin flare. Young martial artist Michelle Ahl awed with a graceful sword display. Musician Chase Bell serenaded audiences with his original songs.

The top honors of the festival, the Grand Jury Prizes for Best Feature and Best Short, were both awarded to California locals. “Sugar Beach” is a complex drama about a teen grappling with grief and addiction. “Boplicity” is a short biopic about the friendship between jazz icon Miles Davis and influential comedian Bill Cosby.

As the curtains fall on Universe Multicultural Film Festival 2025, we are left with incredible memories and an admiration of the hardworking filmmakers who brought us these stories. Film has the power to bring history to life and open windows into other cultures in a way that no other medium can duplicate. We thank everyone who participated in this festival and look forward to what 2026 will bring.

The full list of winners can be found on the UMFF website: https://umfilms.org/About.html

Photo credit: UMFF

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