25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEVERLY HILLS FILM FESTIVAL® WRAPS WITH PROCLAMATION FROM MAYOR SHARONA NAZARIAN AT ANNUAL AWARDS GALA

Notable Attendees for the six-day fest included Kevin Smith, Jesse Metcalfe, Eric Roberts, Haley Joel Osment, Ann-Margaret, Beau Bridges, Tricia Helfer, Frances Fisher, Amy Yasbeck, Jack Wright, Tyler Posey, Alessandra Williams, Arielle Raycene, Emile Hirsch & more

Founder and President Nino Simone and newly sworn-in **Mayor of Beverly Hills Sharona Nazarian** at the annual Awards Gala, held for the first time ever at **The Beverly Hilton** on Sunday.

The 25th Annual Beverly Hills International Film Festival® (BHFF) concluded its landmark season with a historic moment: a special proclamation bestowed by newly sworn-in Mayor of Beverly Hills Sharona Nazarian at the annual Awards Gala, held for the first time ever at The Beverly Hilton on Sunday.

“Beverly Hills, the city that's known around the world for its stars, but it's not just the stars on the screen, or the ones that light up Rodeo Drive, it’s the people who come together, create, inspire and build communities, like all of you that are here tonight,” remarks Mayor Nazarian. “As we celebrate storytelling, film has a unique power to bring people together across cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. When I was an immigrant girl coming to America dreaming of freedom, film gave me hope that anything is possible, and look at me now.”

Nazarian recently made history as the first Iranian, Jewish woman mayor in the U.S., and took to the stage just days after her swearing-in on April 1, 2025 - coinciding with the festival’s Opening Night.

“As Mayor, it's my honor and privilege to recognize someone who has made that connection possible for a quarter of a century,” she continued. “His vision, passion, and heart helped keep Beverly Hills a home for filmmakers and dream-makers alike. Here’s to many more years of storytelling, celebration and unity. On behalf of the Beverly Hills City Council, it is my privilege to present this proclamation in honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Beverly Hills Film Festival and to the extraordinary man and entrepreneur, Mr. Nino Simone.”

The 25th Silver(Screen) Anniversary edition of Beverly Hills Film Festival wrapped its six-day celebration with more than 350 films from over 65 countries, including the festival’s Best Foreign Film: How Kids Roll directed by Loris Lai, a co-production, 10 years in the making, between Italy, United States and Belgium - a story of two boys, one Palestinian and the other Israeli, who form an unlikely friendship due to their mutual love for surfing, amidst the war in the Gaza Strip during the Second Intifada.

In addition to world-class films, the Beverly Hills Film Festival hosted an educational POWER Panel for all festival attendees to make CINEMATIC CONNECTIONS in the courtyard of Ovation Hollywood, learning from literary managers and industry experts on how to get their stories produced and distributed outside traditional Hollywood pipelines. Sponsored by Neft Vodka, Voss Water, Wolfgang Puck Catering and Ovation Hollywood.

The Spotlight World Premiere film for the 2025 BHFF is Hello Beautiful, directed by Ziad Hamzeh, starring Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) as Willow, a successful model whose life is shattered by a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. This film is based on the best-selling novel, Walk Beside Me, written by Executive Producer and self-proclaimed Cancer Disruptor, Christine Handy, who lived through this real-life story. “The Beverly Hills Film Festival has historically honored movies that spur conversation and creativity from creators that do impactful work, said Handy. “Hello Beautiful is a movie seeking to do important work in the world. It is truly a privilege to have won the Golden Palm award at the 25th Golden Anniversary of the Beverly Hills Film Festival.”

The Beverly Hills Film Festival welcomed many celebrity guests, including Jesse Metcalfe and Eric Roberts, for the West Coast Premiere of The Comic Shop, directed by Jonathan Bowen. Roberts also starred in the short film, The Method. Iconic Ann-Margret, most notorious for Bye Bye Birdie and for being a sex symbol in the sixties, made a rare red carpet appearance, as the Executive Producer of the short film, WANDER WOMEN, directed by Drew Denny. Beau Bridges, alongside his son Ezekiel (Zeke) Bridges returned to the BHFF for the second year in a row, but for the World Premiere of Welcome to Klyde’s Kitchen, directed by Sonia Bajaj, starring the father and son, alongside actress Sana Saeed.

25TH ANNUAL BEVERLY HILLS FILM FESTIVAL OPENS TUESDAY FOR SILVER (SCREEN) ANNIVERSARY FEATURING WORLD PREMIERE FILMS & RED CARPET ARRIVALS AT TCL CHINESE 6 THEATRES. 2025 FILMMAKER OFFICIAL SELECTION

Video, photos and Trademarks Courtesy of Beverly Hills Film Festival

The 25th Annual International Beverly Hills Film Festival is a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. This year's festival takes place from April 1-6, 2025, at the iconic Beverly Hilton, showcasing world-class screenings, exclusive industry events, and a glamorous red carpet Awards Gala.

Founded in 2000 by award-winning filmmaker Nino Simone, the Beverly Hills Film Festival has established itself as a beacon for groundbreaking talent and innovative storytelling. By bridging the gap between international filmmakers and industry experts, the festival has become a launching pad for emerging voices and a platform for cinematic innovation.

Don't miss this opportunity to:

Discover fresh perspectives and emerging talent
Connect with industry professionals and like-minded enthusiasts
Commemorate 25 years of cinematic artistry

BEVERLY HILLS FILM FESTIVAL AFTER PARTIES

A round of applause to guests, including celebrities, filmmakers, writers, actors, and actresses, as well as sponsors!

Everyone looked absolutely stunning!

Credits: Directed by: Mr.cbenitez | Produced by: ACCA | Post-Production: ACCA | Special Thanks to: @affinity.nightlife

BEVERLY HILLS FILM FESTIVAL: After Party , held at the E.P. & L.P.

Beverly Hills Film Festival arrives on the red carpet for The After Party at E.P. & L.P on April 05, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mr.Cbenitez / ACCA Images for Afiinity Nightlife)