Thank you, Blackmagic Design and HSMC for Sponsoring the DaVinci International Film Festival and the Jr Leos!
(2025-10-09, Los Angeles, CA, Special to the U.S. Times) The 2025 DaVinci International Film Festival opens its doors on Friday, October 11th at the Grove shopping center in Los Angeles – 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
With a prestigious lineup of boundary-pushing films from independent filmmakers pursuing excellence in narrative, documentary, animation, and screenwriting, DIFF looks forward to a weekend dedicated to fostering the future of visual storytelling, and nowhere is that more true than in its Jr Leo Program.
Blackmagic Design and High School Media Collective are helping to sponsor this prestigious event for future filmmakers in collaboration with camera retailer Samy’s and others. The Jr Leo Program is DIFF’s dedicated award category for student films, with 12 nominees selected.
And…The winner of this year’s Jr. Leo award will take home a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, and great gear from other prestigious vendors.
The Jr. Leo Awards will be hosted at the Grove’s AMC theater on October 12th, from 11am – 12:30pm.
Here’s a link to the program and to buy tickets: https://davincifilmfestival.com/program/
From Chadwick Pelletier, DaVinci Film Festival Director, “We are especially excited to announce that Samy’s is offering to help ‘Learn about BlackMagic’s Pocket Cinema Camera 6K and AI tools that help independent creators DIY their productions. This year’s Jr. Leo Award Winner will take home their own Pocket Cinema Camera 6K sponsored by BlackMagic Camera.‘”
Visit Samy’s Fourth Floor Photo Classroom, 431 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 during the Festival and talk in person with Blackmagic’s Kendall Eckman and Mark Thompson to answer your questions from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, October 11th.
Kendall Eckman is a Senior Leader at Blackmagic Design, working with studios, universities, and reseller channels to educate and inspire the adoption of Blackmagic Design’s diverse product line. Known for his collaborative approach and passion for bridging technology with creativity, he helps content creators unlock the full potential of Blackmagic’s tools across film, broadcast, and live production.
Mark Thompson is a Senior Product Specialist at Blackmagic Design, helping television and film creatives design smarter, more efficient production workflows. Known for his hands-on approach and deep technical expertise, he partners with storytellers to solve complex challenges and unlock the full potential of Blackmagic Design’s tools.
All DIFF Badge holders will receive special offers with Samy’s Camera’s Equipment Rentals. To redeem your offer, contact Michael Delaney, Asst Mgr Rental Dept, mdelaney@samys.com
If you haven’t bought tickets to the Festival…here’s the link! https://davincifilmfestival.com/program/
Join DIFF Badge Holders for Coffee Networking sponsored by the restaurant Sogno Toscano at the Grove and enjoy three days of free To-Go coffees for badge holder guests.
Sogno Toscano is offering a 20% discount for DIFF badge holder guests when dining with them during the Festival on the 10th, 11th and 12th of October. To redeem your discount and make your reservation at Sogno Toscano, contact Giselle at 310-709-3596 or events@sognotoscano.com
Fuel your creativity with complimentary coffee at Sogno on Saturday October 11th and Saturday October 12th from 11am – 12pm.
And on Friday, October 10th, 4pm – 5pm, Kick off your festival experience with more complimentary coffee and happy hour discounts for cocktails & appetizers
For more information about the DaVinci International Film Festival, visit www.davincifilmfestival.com
