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 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.

'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.

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

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

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

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

'Punch's Journey' Wins Best Original Score

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