News

'Punch's Journey' and 'Running' to premiere in Hollywood

7/31/2026

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.

'Rita's Song' by Marcelle Abela and Michael Levine Included in Ukraine's Frontline Cinema-for-Schools Program

7/24/2026

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.

Drawing created by a child participating in Ukraine's Cinema for Schools program after viewing Rita's Song.

'Punch's Journey' and 'Running' Receive Honorable Mentions at the Athens International Art Film Festival

7/24/2026

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 based on 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.

'America 250 EP' Receives Bronze Medal at the 2026 Global Music Awards

7/24/2026

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:

Capitol Reflections – for solo piano, performed by Maria Ricci
Washington Desert – for solo piano, performed by Maria Ricci
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.

'Punch's Journey' Wins Best Original Score

7/2/2026

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.

'Rita’s Song' Claims Grand Prize for Music Video, Celebrating a Profound Story of Late-Life Transformation

3/8/2026

Music 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

'Whispers From the Core' to Make its French Premiere at the 21st Festival Autour de l'Europe in Paris

2/10/2026

Whispers From the Core, the acclaimed experimental cinematic elegy directed and written by Marcelle Abela, has been officially selected to have its French premiere at the 21st Festival Autour de l'Europe. The festival - renowned for showcasing arthouse cinema and auteur films - runs from March 30 to April 13, 2026, at the Multicine Les 7 Parnassiens in Paris. This powerful nine-minute film binds the haunting legacies of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl. Through stark realism and poetic surrealism, Whispers From the Core explores the unspoken burdens of survivors and the ghostly echoes that resonate across generations.

Produced by Avinu Films, Whispers From the Core features an international cast, while the score - also composed by Marcelle Abela - showcases solo performances by violinist Nino Chikviladze, cellist Robert Cohen, and the young vocalist Daniel Miller. The film has already earned international recognition, including from the Hiroshima and Rochester International Film Festivals. Jurors have praised it as “a visually stunning, chilling reminder of something everyone needs to remember and never forget,” with “a haunting musical score.” The screening at Festival Autour de l'Europe marks a significant moment for Whispers From the Core to reach French audiences, offering a timely reflection on memory, survival, and the pursuit of peace.

New Zealand premiere for 'Whispers From the Core'

1/27/2026

Avinu Films proudly announces the Oceania premiere of the critically acclaimed short film Whispers From the Core, written and directed by Marcelle Abela. The 9-minute experimental cinematic elegy, which binds together the haunting legacies of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl, will screen at the Third Culture New Zealand Film Festival from March 9-15, 2026, at the Luxe Cinemas in Tauranga, New Zealand. Based on true events, Whispers From the Core explores survivors’ unspoken burdens, betrayal, and the generational silence that echoes across history.

Shot on ARRI Alexa with an original score by Abela featuring renowned soloists, the film has earned international recognition, including awards for Experimental Film and Original Score, Official Selections at prestigious festivals worldwide, and praise for its visceral reminder of humanity’s endurance and the urgent need for peace. “This film is a tribute to survivors and a call to confront uneasy truths about destruction and healing,” said director Marcelle Abela. For press inquiries, screenings, or interviews, contact: [email protected]

Award-Winning Experimental Film 'Whispers From the Core' and Inspiring Music Short 'Rita's Song' to Premiere Next Month in Hollywood

1/23/2026

Iconic Screenings Scheduled at TCL Chinese Theaters

Acclaimed Maltese-American filmmaker Marcelle Abela is set to have the Hollywood premiere of her poignant, award-winning experimental film Whispers From the Core and the collaborative music short Rita's Song as Official Selections at the prestigious Golden State Film Festival. Both works will screen at the legendary TCL Chinese Theaters on Hollywood Boulevard from February 27 to March 5, 2026. Whispers From the Core is a cinematic elegy that weaves together the haunting legacies of the nuclear catastrophes in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl. Based on true events, the film explores the survivors' search for redemption amid treachery and loss, blending evocative visuals with a haunting original score. Meanwhile, Rita's Song is an uplifting music short documenting the real-life transition story of Rafaela Amrita Crevoshay (Rita), who embraced her true gender identity at the age of 76 years. Produced by Marcelle Abela in collaboration with composer Michael A. Levine (of Hans Zimmer fame), who wrote the original music and lyrics, Rita's Song features heartfelt performances by Angelica Innocente (vocals), Sam Levine (saxophone), and Michael Levine himself (keyboards), on a deeply personal narrative celebrating courage, authenticity, and transformation.

Marcelle Abela is an award-winning Maltese-American filmmaker, composer, and screenwriter, whose compelling feature and short documentaries have earned multiple accolades at international film festivals. Michael A. Levine is an accomplished composer and former Governor of the Emmy's, whose work spans film, television, and innovative projects. These premieres of Whispers From the Core and Rita's Song at the legendary TCL Chinese Theaters represent a milestone celebration of independent cinema, resilience, and artistic collaboration. Audiences are invited to experience these transformative stories on the big screen. For screening schedules and tickets, visit the Golden State Film Festival website.

'Whispers From the Core' Earns Acclaim for Original Score and Experimental Excellence

11/5/2025

Marcelle Abela's poignant experimental film Whispers From the Core has been honored with two prestigious awards at the 2025 IndieFest Film Awards: the Award of Merit Special Mention for Original Score and the Award of Recognition for Experimental Film. Based on true events, this haunting cinematic elegy explores survivors' untold stories under the charred veil of nuclear cataclysms, where generational silence echoes with the shrieks of forgotten ghosts. Directed, written, and produced by award-winning filmmaker Marcelle Abela, the 9-minute short features evocative performances, alongside a mesmerizing original score that amplifies its emotional depth.

"These awards validate the raw vulnerability we poured into Whispers From the Core," said Abela. "It's a tribute to the resilient spirits scarred by history's deepest wounds, reminding us that whispers can roar when given voice."

Whispers From the Core marks Abela's latest festival darling, following its world premiere at the Amadeus Cinema in Estonia and its upcoming American debut at the Culver City Film Festival. The film continues its acclaimed run, with a soundtrack album available via Avinu Films.

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Music video rocks Hollywood's Golden State Film Festival

Iconic Screenings Scheduled at TCL Chinese Theaters

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