‘Risa and the Wind Phone’ has been crowned the winner of the Miami Film Festival Gems 2026 Audience Award, with director Juan Cabral's film following the story of a young woman who discovers she can communicate with her deceased father from beyond the grave. The film's emotional challenges and family secrets will test her faith in what she thought was possible.
At a Glance
- ‘Risa and the Wind Phone’ wins Audience Award at Miami Film Festival Gems
- Juan Cabral's film explores themes of grief and family secrets
- ‘Elsinore’ and ‘I Play Rocky’ take first and second runner-up spots
Miami Film Festival Gems 2026 Audience Award Winner
‘Risa and the Wind Phone’ is a supernatural drama that follows the story of Risa, a young woman who discovers she can communicate with her deceased father from beyond the grave. The film explores themes of grief, family secrets, and the emotional challenges that come with these revelations.
The film's win at the Miami Film Festival Gems is a testament to its emotional resonance and thought-provoking themes. The Audience Award is voted on by attendees of the festival, making this win a significant achievement for the film and its director, Juan Cabral.
First and Second Runner-Up Films Announced
‘Elsinore’, directed by Simon Stone and written by Stephen Beresford, took the first runner-up spot. The film tells the true story of actor Ian Charleson stepping into the role of Hamlet at London's National Theatre while privately battling AIDS.
‘I Play Rocky’, directed by Peter Farrelly, took the second runner-up spot. The film is based on a true story and follows the account of an unknown actor who believed he wasn't meant to just write ‘Rocky’, but to play Rocky Balboa.
Amblin Entertainment CEO Elected to Ronald McDonald House Board of Trustees
Amblin Entertainment CEO Jeff Small has been elected to the board of trustees of Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles. The organization is currently engaged in a $50 million capital campaign to support the acquisition and transformation of a former boutique hotel in Westwood Village into a four-story Ronald McDonald House.
The organization aims to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. Jeff Small's election to the board of trustees is a significant achievement, given his experience in the entertainment industry and his commitment to philanthropy.
American French Film Festival Winners Announced
The American French Film Festival announced the winners of this year's awards during the closing ceremony on Nov. 8. The films were voted on by audiences attending the festival, members of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, a jury of entertainment professionals, and a student jury consisting of high school and college-age participants.
The winners included ‘De Gaulle’, ‘La Gradiva’, and ‘Alice: Pioneer Of Cinema’. These films showcase the best of French cinema and demonstrate the country's continued commitment to producing high-quality films that resonate with audiences worldwide.
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