Syracuse International Film Festival

22nd Syracuse International Film Festival

Sunday, October 19, 2025 | Doors 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Catherine Cummings Theatre 22 Lincklaen St, Cazenovia, NY 13035

General Admission FILMS ONLY: $25|VIP FILMS ONLY: $40

AWARD Ceremony ONLY General Admission: $40|AWARD Ceremony ONLY VIP: $50

Sunday All Day Pass General Admisson:$60 VIP: $75

3 Day Pass General Admisson: $95

11:00 AM | Exit Interviews with Q & A to follow with Garrett Abdo          (Narrative Feature Film)

1:03 PM | Inmates With Talent NO Q & A unfortunately         (Prison Reform)

2:52 PM | The Christmas Letter with Q & A to follow with Michael Cunningham         (Christmas)

4:51 PM | Martyr of Gowanus with Q & A to follow with Brian Meere           (Narrative Feature Film)

No Trailer Available

The Syracuse International Film Festival is proud to celebrate 22 years of cinematic storytelling, creativity, and community. Since our founding, we have showcased powerful narratives, cutting-edge documentaries, experimental works, and voices from around the world — all while championing the art of independent film.

From our kickoff at the Manlius Library to the grand Sophia Award Ceremony at the Catherine Cummings Theatre in Cazenovia, the festival is a celebration of artists, filmmakers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who make this experience possible.

Join us in honoring the stories that move us, the creators who inspire us, and the community that brings it all together. Whether you’re attending screenings, participating in panels, or celebrating local talent, the Syracuse International Film Festival is your destination for the best in independent cinema.

Experience the magic. Celebrate the stories. Be part of our 22nd Anniversary.

7:00 PM | Award Ceremony

We’re proud to share the Honorable Mentions recognized this year for their exceptional storytelling and cinematic excellence:

Clear Sky

Directors: Shawn Clearsky Davis & Michael Del Monte

TBD

Logline: Nina arrives in Belgrade after hearing the news of her ex-boyfriend’s death. When she meets with once close friends, she realizes how much those relationships have changed. Amidst a series of turbulent emotions, she tries to cope with nostalgia and guilt, surrendering to a long-forgotten feeling of freedom.

Synopsis: A poignant exploration of personal transformation and the complexities of human connections

Ebenezer the Traveler

Director: Joe Valenti

Saturday, October 18 8:05 pm at Catherine Cummings Theatre

Saturday Day Pass- GA $25  or VIP $40 

3 Day Pass- GA $99

Logline: Ebenezer the Traveler continues the journey of the famous Ebenezer Scrooge following the events of “A Christmas Carol”.

Synopsis: An imaginative sequel that reimagines the classic tale, offering a fresh perspective on redemption and second chances.

Just Kids

Director: Gianna Toboni

Saturday, October 18 TBD at Palace Theatre

Block 3-

$15 or $25 for Day Pass

Logline: Families with trans kids must decide: remain in states banning gender care and fight for their rights, or relocate to more supportive environments.

Synopsis: A compelling documentary that delves into the lives of transgender youth and the challenges they face in a divided America.

Moses

Director: Francisco Guijarro

TBD

Logline: In San Francisco, a man enduring homelessness for two decades connects with passersby to be seen among the invisible, a skill he learned from a promising youth.

Synopsis: A heartfelt documentary that sheds light on the often-overlooked lives of the homeless, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathy.

Tiananmen Tonight

Directors: Bestor Cram & Michael Streissguth

Thursday, October 16 6:00 pm at Manlius Library

FREE Event

Logline: A powerful account of the events leading up to and following the Tiananmen Square protests, focusing on the courage and resilience of the individuals involved.

Synopsis: A gripping documentary that captures the pivotal moments of a historic struggle for freedom and democracy.

No Trailer Available

Suprise Short Film Selection from our New Filmmakers Showcase “The Final Draft” 5 mins 12 secs

When a struggling writer’s procrastination gives way to absolute resignation from his craft, his literary agent takes matters into her own hands. As she spends her days applying pressure to light a fire beneath him, she slowly begins to realize the novel’s promise. With the help of the writer’s less-than-pristine reputation and lack of success reaching recent deadlines, the agent has the chance to turn her life around in the most unexpected way.

Lumen Award 2025

Tom Seeley is a writer with over twenty-five years of network television experience. Tom has written and produced for shows such as CHEERS, NEWHART, STATE OF GRACE, and MURPHY BROWN, and has won both an EMMY Award and the Humanitas Prize. Tom has taught screenwriting at Syracuse University and Ithaca College. He also consulted in Moscow for the Russian version of the American tv show, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND. Tom lives in upstate New York with his family. Tom joined WCNY two years ago. He has written several documentaries for the company. He has also been an active part of WCNY’s Entertainment Academy. The Academy has trained over 70 people in the skills needed to be crew members in the growing TV and film production economy of Central New York.

Sophia Award 2025

Stephen Baldwin is an American actor, author, producer, and philanthropist with a diverse career that includes over 100 films and coutless television appearances. Recently, he ventured into podcasting with his latest project, One Bad Movie, where he delves into the world of movies, celebrating cinematic triumphs and exploring the fascinating allure of the industry’s most infamous “bad movies.”

Baldwin was born on May 12, 1966, in Massapequa, New York, into a family of actors that includes his brothers Alec, Daniel, and William. His early career began in television, where he landed a role on the ABC western The Young Riders (1989–1992), marking his debut in the public eye. This series served as a springboard into feature films, where Baldwin quickly gained recognition for his performances in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Baldwin’s film career took off in the 1990s, with a string of high-profile roles in several notable films. He starred in Posse (1993), an action-packed western featuring a predominantly African American cast, and in 8 Seconds (1994), a biographical drama about bull rider Lane Frost. However, it was his role as Michael McManus in the 1995 cult classic The Usual Suspects that solidified Baldwin’s place in Hollywood. The film won two Academy Awards, and Baldwin’s performance as part of the ensemble cast earned him critical praise for his portrayal of the brash and cunning ex-convict.

Baldwin also showcased his comedic abilities in films such as Bio-Dome (1996), where his goofy yet charming character earned him a new fan base, and The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000), where he took on the role of Barney Rubble in this animated-to-live-action adaptation. Other notable films in his career include Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Threesome (1994), and Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989).

Beyond acting, Baldwin has appeared on reality television, participating in shows like The Celebrity Apprentice and Celebrity Big Brother, which offered a more personal glimpse into his life and personality. He has also explored other creative avenues, including writing. Baldwin has authored several books, most notably The Unusual Suspect (2006), where he chronicles his journey through Hollywood, his personal struggles, and his spiritual transformation as a born-again Christian.

In addition to his work in entertainment, Baldwin is deeply committed to philanthropy. His most notable charitable involvement is through the Baldwin Fund, a breast cancer research foundation he supports in honor of his mother, Carol M. Baldwin. The foundation has raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research, and Baldwin’s advocacy for cancer awareness remains a significant part of his public life.