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

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