Celebrating the start of our festival, this exciting evening will be held at the Catherine Cummings Theatre in Cazenovia.
Attendees will experience a curated selection of award-winning experimental and avant-garde films, along with immersive sound bath experiences and opportunities to connect with filmmakers and fellow film enthusiasts. The event begins at 4:30 PM with doors opening for guest check-in and a welcoming lobby, followed by the immersive sound bath at 5:00 PM. After opening remarks at 6:15 PM, the evening features screenings of Spheres directed by Martin Gerigk, Silent Echoes by Carlo De Togni, and Evil Usher by Lomai.
Spheres directed by Martin Gerigk Spheres is an immersive cinematic meditation that invites audiences to journey through the interconnected layers of existence—from the microscopic to the cosmic. Through stunning visuals and poetic storytelling, the film explores the unseen rhythms that unite nature, humanity, and the universe, reminding us that every moment is part of something far greater.
Martin Gerigk is an internationally acclaimed composer and audiovisual artist whose award-winning experimental films have been showcased at prestigious festivals around the world. His work masterfully blends music, science, nature, and visual art into unforgettable cinematic experiences that challenge audiences to see—and feel—the world differently. Silent Echoes by Carlo De Togni
Silent Echoes reimagines forgotten silent film performers from 1926 and places them in a fractured digital world where questions of creativity, ownership, and artificial intelligence take center stage. Through a unique blend of historical imagery and contemporary visual storytelling, the film examines the human instincts behind technology—from the desire for recognition to the search for connection—and asks an important question: Who controls the story when humans and algorithms create together?
Carlo De Togni, founder of Mondo Novo, is an internationally recognized filmmaker exploring the intersection of generative AI and human creativity. His innovative work has received recognition at festivals around the world for challenging traditional ideas of storytelling and artistic expression.
Evil Usher by Lomai (NO LOGLINE OR SYNOPSIS)
Lomai is a Chicago-based writer and director whose work spans short films, independent features, and experimental projects that challenge conventional storytelling. His debut film, the sci-fi/faux documentary Proven, marked the beginning of a diverse career that includes screenplays recognized by the Nicholl Fellowship and collaborations with Jupiter Films on large-scale projects. Beyond filmmaking, Lomai is an accomplished hip hop artist and producer, integrating music and cinema to explore new forms of expression. His recent science fiction anthology Paradigm Grey showcases his innovative approach to genre, blending narrative experimentation with cultural commentary.
Lomai’s films have been featured at festivals across the United States and internationally, earning recognition for their bold creativity and multidisciplinary vision. His work continues to push boundaries at the intersection of film, music, and community-driven storytelling.
The night concludes with an audience Q & A led by our talented Adria Dawn and networking session at 8:29 PM, leading into closing remarks and a festival preview at 8:45 PM.
This event sets the tone for a multi-day celebration of innovative cinema and community engagement across Central New York, drawing audiences from Madison County, Onondaga County, and beyond.
