<![CDATA[MARCELLE ABELA - News]]>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:28:26 +0200Weebly<![CDATA['Punch's Journey' Receives Two Accolade Awards, Extending Streak to Seven]]>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:48:24 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/punchs-journey-receives-two-accolade-awards-extending-streak-to-seven"An extremely entertaining and visually stunning film with exquisite and deeply moving music."
Punch's Journey has received two awards from the Accolade Global Film Competition (August 2026 season): Award of Recognition in the AI Film category and Award of Merit for Original Score. These honors mark the film's sixth and seventh consecutive festival wins. Inspired by the true story of Panchi-kun, a Japanese macaque whose life captured international attention, Punch's Journey explores belonging, compassion, and the bond between humans and animals through a dialogue-free combination of cinematic imagery, sound, and original music. Written, directed, and scored by Marcelle Abela, the narrative short continues its 2026 festival run following earlier recognitions for Best Short Film, Best Director, and Best Original Score. Punch’s Journey will next receive its Hollywood premiere on September 15 at the Indiewood Film Festival held at the TCL Chinese Theaters.
]]><![CDATA['Punch's Journey' Scores Fifth Consecutive Win]]>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:19:15 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/punchs-journey-scores-fifth-consecutive-win"A deeply tender film with a very impressive score."
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Punch's Journey has just received the Best Short Film award at the 2026 Mei International Film Festival, marking the film's fifth consecutive festival win. Inspired by the true story of Panchi-kun, a Japanese macaque whose life captured international attention, Punch's Journey explores belonging, compassion, and the bond between humans and animals through a dialogue-free combination of cinematic imagery, sound, and original music. The latest award continues a remarkable festival run for the short released less than two months ago, which has also received international recognition for the film itself as well as for directing and original score. Written, directed, and scored by Marcelle Abela, Punch's Journey continues its festival journey throughout 2026.
]]><![CDATA['Punch's Journey' Wins Best Short Film and Best Director at the 7th Roshani International Film Festival]]>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:26:56 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/punchs-journey-wins-best-short-film-and-best-director-at-the-7th-roshani-international-film-festival"Total command of the filmic craft" - Michael Davis, Veteran Animator
We are delighted to announce that Punch's Journey has won Best Short Film and Best Director at the 7th Roshani International Film Festival in Maharashtra, India. These two awards add to the film's growing international recognition, including Best Original Score during its World Premiere in Romania, ahead of its Hollywood and Italian premieres later this year. 
]]><![CDATA['Punch's Journey' to Make its Italian Premiere at the Burano AI Film Festival]]>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:18:24 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/punchs-journey-to-make-its-italian-premiere-at-the-burano-ai-film-festival
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We are delighted to announce that Punch's Journey has been selected for its Italian premiere at the Burano AI Film Festival, running October 13–17, 2026, at the Fondazione Querini-Stampaglia in Venice. The festival is presented in conjunction with RAI Cinema and the Webby Awards. This marks Punch's Journey's second major international premiere this year, following its Hollywood debut at the Indiewood Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theaters in September.
]]><![CDATA['Punch's Journey' and 'Running' to premiere in Hollywood]]>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:37:06 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/punchs-journey-and-running-to-premiere-in-hollywood
We are delighted to announce that the award-winning films Punch's Journey and Running have both been selected for the 2026 Indiewood Film Festival. As Official Selections of the festival, both films will receive their Hollywood Premiere at the legendary TCL Chinese Theaters in Hollywood, California, this September. The TCL Chinese Theaters have welcomed generations of filmmakers and remain one of the world's most recognizable cinema venues. The 2026 Indiewood Film Festival will thus bring together filmmakers from around the world, and we are proud to present both films as part of this year's program.
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]]><![CDATA['Rita's Song' by Marcelle Abela and Michael Levine Included in Ukraine's Frontline Cinema-for-Schools Program]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:12:28 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/ritas-song-included-in-ukraines-frontline-cinema-for-schools-program
Rita's Song (2026), directed by Marcelle Abela with original music by Michael A. Levine, has been included in Ukraine's Cinema for Schools cultural and educational program. As part of the initiative, the film is being screened for young people in Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages on the front line, providing students with access to international cinema and encouraging artistic expression, creativity, and discussion.

In recognition of the film's educational and cultural contribution, Rita's Song has been awarded a Certificate for Significant Cultural Contribution, which states in part:

​"Your movie is being screened as part of a cultural and educational initiative across Ukraine. Young people in Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages now have access to it as a true example of world cinema. Rita's Song will inspire new generations, promote critical thinking, and stimulate interest in art and culture."

One of the most meaningful moments for Abela and Levine came when children participating in the program sent an original drawing (right) inspired by the film.

"Of all the things a filmmaker can receive, a drawing made by children is among the most meaningful," said Abela. "We shall treasure it."

This recognition highlights Rita's Song's continuing journey beyond the festival circuit, demonstrating the role independent cinema can play in education, dialogue, and cultural exchange, particularly in wartime.
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Drawing created by a child participating in Ukraine's Cinema for Schools program after viewing Rita's Song.
]]><![CDATA['Punch's Journey' and 'Running' Receive Honorable Mentions at the Athens International Art Film Festival]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:41:48 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/punchs_journey_and_running_receive_honorable_mentions
Two recent short films by filmmaker and composer Marcelle Abela have received Honorable Mentions at the Athens International Art Film Festival. Punch's Journey, a fictionalized short inspired by the viral true story of Panchi-kun at Ichikawa City Zoo, received an Honorable Mention following earlier recognition with Best Original Score at the Cinematic European Film Festival. Meanwhile, Running, a poetic music short exploring resilience, memory, and the courage to keep moving forward, also received an Honorable Mention, adding to its growing festival journey. These recognitions continue a productive 2026 festival run for both films, reflecting the ongoing appreciation of auteur-driven independent cinema.
]]><![CDATA['America 250 EP' Receives Bronze Medal at the 2026 Global Music Awards]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:49:56 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/america-250-ep-receives-bronze-medal-at-the-2026-global-music-awards
The America 250 Commemorative EP, composed by Marcelle Abela, has been awarded the Bronze Medal for Composition at the 2026 Global Music Awards. Written to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, the EP comprises three original piano compositions:
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  1. Capitol Reflections – for solo piano, performed by Maria Ricci
  2. Washington Desert – for solo piano, performed by Maria Ricci
  3. America 250 – for two pianos, performed by Maria Ricci and Marcelle Abela.

The Global Music Awards is a top-tier international music competition that recognizes outstanding independent musicians and composers from around the world, celebrating artistic achievement across a broad spectrum of musical genres. It is a showcase for musical gems and unique voices. The Bronze Medal recognizes Abela's original compositions and marks another international distinction for Abela's and Ricci's collaborative work. The America 250 Commemorative EP is available worldwide on the usual streaming platforms.
]]><![CDATA['Punch's Journey' Wins Best Original Score]]>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:21:08 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/punchs-journey-wins-best-original-score
We are delighted to announce that Punch's Journey has received the Best Original Score award at its World Premiere in the 2026 Cinematic European Film Festival. This award recognizes the film's original music composed by writer, director, and composer Marcelle Abela. From the beginning, Punch's Journey was conceived as a film in which image and music would evolve together. Rather than treating the score as something added after the edit, the music became part of the filmmaking process itself, influencing rhythm, pacing, and emotional structure as the film gradually found its final form. The result was a score that does more than accompany the images. It forms an integral part of the film's narrative, helping to express emotion where words are absent. As a dialogue-free film, Punch's Journey relies on the interplay of image, sound, silence, and music to guide the audience through its emotional journey. The original soundtrack can be listened to on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and multiple other online venues. Punch's Journey now continues its festival run which has just commenced. 
]]><![CDATA['Rita’s Song' Claims Grand Prize for Music Video, Celebrating a Profound Story of Late-Life Transformation]]>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 07:37:45 GMThttps://www.marcelleabela.com/news/ritas-song-claims-grand-prize-for-music-video-celebrating-a-profound-story-of-late-life-transformationMusic video rocks Hollywood's Golden State Film Festival
The acclaimed music short film Rita’s Song has been honored with the Grand Prize Music Video award at the prestigious 9th Golden State Film Festival, held February 27 to March 6, 2026, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theaters in Hollywood. This poignant 4-minute music short, which had its Hollywood premiere on March 3rd as an Official Selection at the festival, documents the inspiring story of Rafaela Amrita Crevoshay (Rita) who courageously transitioned from male to female at the age of 76 after a lifetime of concealing her authentic self. Produced by Michael A. Levine (former governor of the Emmys) and director Marcelle Abela, with original music and lyrics composed by Levine himself, the film features soaring vocals by Angelica Innocente, keyboards by Michael Levine, saxophone by Sam Levine, and chorus by the TQ Choir. Notably, raw footage for the music video was innovatively created using Grok Imagine technology, the prompt artist being Abela herself.

Rita’s Song began with a profound encounter: the true story of Rafaela Amrita Crevoshay – Rita – who, at the age of 76 years, summoned up the courage to transition from male to female after decades of concealing her authentic self. In their producers’ statement, Levine and Abela said, “Rita’s journey of late-life liberation struck us as both heartbreaking and triumphant – a reminder that the pursuit of truth can arrive at any stage of life and that it is never too late to live fully.” 
They added: “In an era when transgender stories are too often marginalized or told from the outside, if not dismissed altogether, we wanted to center Rita’s voice and presence, celebrating the beauty and dignity of embracing one’s identity albeit later in life. Rita’s Song is, at its core, a message of hope: that suppressed truths, once spoken, can become sources of profound joy and connection. We are deeply grateful to Rita for entrusting us with her story and hope this short film resonates with anyone who has ever felt the need to hide a part of themselves.”

Rated PG-13 and presented in 16:9 aspect ratio with 5.1 surround sound, the film blends powerful original music with gentle, authentic documentation — allowing Rita’s own presence, the lyrics capturing a lifetime of hidden truth finding freedom, and the emotional music to carry the narrative weight. Viewer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with comments including “Got goosebumps,” “A marvelous tribute,” “Absolutely stunning,” and “Truly a heart-tingling work of art.” The Grand Prize recognition at the Golden State Film Festival, one of Hollywood’s celebrated venues for independent cinema, underscores the film’s artistic excellence and its timely, uplifting message of resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring power of authenticity. Rita’s Song is available for streaming and screening inquiries. For more information, press kit, social media assets, or to view the film, visit http://ritassong.com. Follow updates on social media and IMDb: https://imdb.com/title/tt39321328
 
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