The annual festival showcases filmmakers from 350 films, with the cast and crew of “The Persistence of Memory” attending the opening night on April 1. (photo courtesy of the Beverly Hills Film Festival)

With awards season in the rear view and many local, regional and international film festivals in full swing, filmmakers from around the world descended upon the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood this week for the Beverly Hills Film Festival. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the festival, founded in 2001 by producer Nino Simone.

Simone created the festival with the goal of bridging the gap between independent cinema and Hollywood. The festival began in Beverly Hills, located primarily at the Clarity Theater, but relocated to Hollywood after the theater was sold. Throughout the years, the festival has screened thousands of films – from new shorts and features by independent filmmakers to the early movies of Old Hollywood legend.

“I have a knack for finding things that not too many people can. In our third year, I screened the first film ever shot in Hollywood,” Simone said. “Literally, the shot was taken right here on Hollywood and Highland – that’s the first time they said action.”

The 1910 film, “In Old California,” was thought to be lost before being rediscovered and screened at the 2004 festival.

Over 20 years later, the 2025 festival has grown to include 350 film screenings, networking opportunities for independent filmmakers and several awards presented at the closing night ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The awards include honors for feature, short, documentary and animated films in addition to best screenplay, and are determined by a panel of judges led by Frederico Lapenda, a film producer and sports promoter known for popularizing mixed martial arts in the U.S.

The closing night film, “Dwelling Among the Gods,” tells the story of an Afghan refugee in Serbia who faces immense challenges in burying her recently deceased brother. The film brings attention to the struggles encountered by many migrants in Europe through a heartfelt story about family and grief. However, in a situation which Simone described as “art imitating life,” the Serbian team behind the film will not be able to attend the festival in-person.

“The irony of this film is, the director and producers are now stuck in Serbia with all the revolution happening there,” Simone said. “The same thing is happening to them that happened to the couple in the film.”

Due to the months-long anti-corruption protests that have embroiled the Balkan country, the filmmakers will appear remotely, Simone said.

Additional films include “Hello Beautiful,” an emotional story of a woman whose life is halted by breast cancer, and “The Second Oldest Man Alive,” a psychological drama about a man who attempts to outlive the world’s oldest living man.

“The Second Oldest Man Alive” stars Gerry Bamman – known for his role as Uncle Frank in the “Home Alone” franchise – and was written by Ryan Delouya.

“One of the most fascinating parts of this film’s journey is the mentorship I received from Academy Award-winning writer Alexander Dinelaris Jr. (‘Birdman’), who guided me through the screenplay’s development,” Delouya said. “Additionally, ‘The Second Oldest Man Alive’ marks an exciting new chapter for Gerry Bamman, who we specifically sought out for his unique comedic sensibility – something audiences remember him for in ‘Home Alone.’ In this film, Gerry takes on a radically different role as William Bennett, a heartwarming family man with a hidden darkness within. It’s an incredible transformation, and what’s even more amazing is that we brought Gerry out of a decade-long retirement to join our project.”

Overall, the film festival highlights a diverse array of stories from independent filmmakers from around the world.

“This is our 25th year,” Simone said. “Lasting this long with all the chaos that’s happened in the world is quite a feat itself.”

He added that he is hoping to hold more of the festival’s events within Beverly Hills in the coming years – with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts being a top contender for film screenings.

Screenings run daily through April 5 at the TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd. The awards night gala will be held on April 6 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd.

Tickets to screenings start at $23 and are available at beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com.