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58th WorldFest-Houston Film Festival April 2025 | Discover Tomorrow’s Spielbergs

Apr 9, 2025

WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival is where tomorrow’s filmmaking legends are discovered today. This April, cinema lovers will find themselves immersed in a world of fresh, original storytelling from voices that mainstream cinema hasn’t quite caught up to yet.

Ever dream of catching the next Spielberg or Coen Brothers before they're household names? The 58th annual WorldFest-Houston offers a front-row seat to filmmaking's future, running April 24 - May 4, 2025. With 93 films from over 40 countries, you'll get exclusive access to premieres and award-winning films from independent filmmakers around the globe.

For tickets, visit https://www.worldfest.org and secure your spot at this iconic festival.

A Legacy of Discovering Cinema's Greatest Talents

This festival isn't just another event on the calendar—it's a launchpad for cinema's next big names. Featuring 34 feature films and 59 short films, all screened films are Remi Award winners, carefully selected for their storytelling brilliance, top-tier production values, and bold, creative vision.

In the words of a long-time festival judge and Houston local: "Now more than ever, we need bold voices, local stories, and global perspectives."

Premieres You Won't Want to Miss

The 2025 festival promises an unforgettable line-up, packed with world premieres:

  • Opening Night: "Long Shadows" (starring Dermot Mulroney and Jacqueline Bisset)
  • April 27: "Pleasure, Bye" (sci-fi meets street performance)
  • April 27: "If I Could Ride Again" (exploring the world of horse therapy)
  • April 28: "Stitched" (a Texas film by Zach Goodwin)
  • Closing Night: "All There Is" (starring Jason Priestley, Mena Suvari, and Elsie Fisher)


Festival Director Katy Lea Cannon captures the spirit of the event, saying: "My father, Hunter Todd, always believed in a 'good story, well told.' That belief lives on in every frame of this festival."

Learn From Industry Professionals

WorldFest-Houston is also about learning from the best in the business. The festival offers MasterClass seminars on topics like action filmmaking, character development, film lighting techniques, and building a career in the industry. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a lover of the craft, these sessions provide a rare opportunity to gain insights from working professionals in the field.

Don't miss the prestigious Awards Gala at River Oaks Theater on May 3. Additional events, such as a NASA Tour at Space Center Houston and a day at the Houston Yacht Club on May 4, round out the festival experience.

You can see tomorrow's award-winning directors today while filmmakers gain valuable exposure, feedback, and networking opportunities with global distributors and industry professionals.

A Festival With a Proven Track Record

Since its founding in 1961, WorldFest-Houston has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Ang Lee, and the Coen Brothers. It's a festival that focuses on first-time filmmakers—with over 60% of submissions coming from debut directors and students.

WorldFest-Houston ensures all films are judged by seasoned filmmakers and curators. Only 10-15% of submissions earn Remi Awards and screening opportunities, which means attendees are seeing the absolute best in independent cinema.

Reserve Your Spot in Film History

Ready to discover films that could change the future of cinema? Individual tickets and festival passes are available now. Whether you're attending a single screening or embracing the full festival experience, you'll become part of a community that's been supporting groundbreaking filmmakers for over five decades.

Find out more about tickets, submissions, volunteering, or sponsorships at https://www.worldfest.org

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