FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOTOS: https://bit.ly/JTIFF2025MEDIA

Jim Thorpe, PA — The 8th Annual Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival (JTIFF) returns May 1–4, 2025, bringing four unforgettable days of groundbreaking cinema, electrifying live music, and vibrant celebrations to the historic Victorian town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. This year’s festival will feature ten first-run feature films and 80 short films from across the globe, alongside live performances, surprise guests, filmmaker Q&As, and immersive art experiences.

For marquee features, audiences will experience three 2025 SXSW world premieres, including a Special Jury Award winner. All three directors will travel from Los Angeles to present their films in person.

For 2025, JTIFF leads with heart: the theme “Jim Thorpe Loves Philly” celebrates Pennsylvania’s largest city with a curated spotlight on the raw talent and cultural richness of the Greater Philadelphia region — from visionary filmmakers and beatmakers to ambient composers and visual artists — alongside feature films of national significance. This year’s program includes powerful new work from emerging and established filmmakers whose voices are reshaping the indie landscape.

All events will be held at the historic Mauch Chunk Opera House, located at 14 West Broadway in downtown Jim Thorpe. Jim Thorpe is a short drive from Philadelphia, New York City, the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, and North Jersey — making it the perfect day-trip destination filled with small-town charm, indie spirit, mountain views, and artsy vibes. For tickets, festival passes, film descriptions, full schedule, lodging, and more, visit www.jimthorpeindiefilmfest.com.

The Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival channels the rebellious spirit of the Molly Maguires, welcoming the boldest, most defiant filmmakers to present their work, shatter convention, and incite spirited debate. Genres represented include drama, documentary, comedy, horror, sci-fi, experimental, animation, and LGBTQ+ subjects.

"Our credo is 'Eyes and Minds Wide Open,' and we mean it," said JTIFF Founder, Co-Director Jocelyn O’Neil. "JTIFF cares deeply about diversity and strives to give underrepresented filmmakers a chance. We make a concerted effort to promote films by women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and young student filmmakers."

"JTIFF has grown by leaps and bounds over the past eight years," said JTIFF Founder, Co-Director, and Juror Todd Morris. "We have maintained our place in 'The Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals' out of more than 8,000 listed on FilmFreeway, and we have premiered more A-list festival films in Pennsylvania — with more attending directors — than nearly any other festival in the state. Once again, we are welcoming films of every genre and budget level, especially work by maverick filmmakers who strive to break boundaries without fear of controversy. In short, this ain't your daddy’s film festival."

FEATURE LINEUP — JTIFF 2025

Opening Night sets the tone with Alma and the Wolf, a chilling psychological horror directed by Michael Patrick Jann. Set on the fog-drenched Oregon coast, the film follows a sheriff’s deputy who stumbles upon a blood-covered former classmate, unraveling a tale of violence, folklore, and surreal transformation. Opening Night will begin with a live performance by Philadelphia’s genre-bending art-rock band, Upholstery, known for their theatrical performances and cinematic soundscapes, presented by Philly’s own Great Circles music collective. Director Michael Patrick Jann will present the film in person and participate in a live Q&A. Alma and the Wolf had its world premiere last month at the Boston Underground Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Best Feature.

Other highlights include:

• Fktoys**
  Written, Directed by, and Starring Annapurna Sriram
  SXSW 2025 Special Jury Award Winner
  A gritty, feminist dark comedy shot on 16mm and set in the deranged alternate universe of Trashtown, USA. Annapurna Sriram will be in attendance for a live Q&A.

• New Jack Fury
  Directed by Lanfia Wal
  A high-octane 1980s action-comedy blending Blaxploitation flair and synth-heavy soundtracks. World Premiere at SXSW 2025. Director Lanfia Wal will attend for a Q&A.

• 40 Acres
  Directed by R.T. Thorne
  A gripping near-future thriller about land, legacy, and survival. World Premiere at TIFF 2024, U.S. Premiere at SXSW 2025.

• Brother Versus Brother
  Directed by Ari Gold
  A radically personal musical odyssey filmed in one unbroken shot through San Francisco. Executive Produced by Francis Ford Coppola. Ari and Ethan Gold will present the film in person.

• Sister Midnight
  Directed by Karan Kandhari
  A bold, genre-blending dark comedy set in Bombay. World Premiere at Cannes 2024. BAFTA-Nominated.

• Crocodile Tears
  Directed by Tumpal Tampubolon
  A suspenseful psychological drama set on a crocodile farm. World Premiere at TIFF 2024.

• In the Mouth
  Directed by Cory Santilli
  A quirky, dark suburban comedy. World Premiere at Slamdance 2025.

GRINDHOUSE MIDNIGHT BLOCK — SATURDAY, MAY 3, MIDNIGHT

Meat Machine
Directed by Jefferey Garcia
Garcia returns with his outrageous new feature — an adults-only, chaotic ride through a Texas town on the brink of nuclear annihilation. No one under 18 admitted. World Premiere.

Also Screening:

• Caveman’s Valentine directed by Stewart O'Nan — A gritty noir about a paranoid poet solving a murder from his cave in Riverside Park.

SHORT FILMS, STUDENT SPOTLIGHT, AND LOCAL HEROES

JTIFF’s 80 short films showcase daring, diverse storytelling. Highlights include:

• Student Film Block — Saturday, May 3, at 11:00 AM
  Featuring standout student films from across the region.

• Local Heroes Block — Sunday, May 4, at 11:00 AM
  Showcasing exceptional short films by regional artists.

PARTIES, GUESTS, AND GOOD VIBES

• Opening Night Afterparty — Marion Hose Bar, 16 W Broadway

• Filmmakers Gala — Friday, May 2, 9:00 PM, Mauch Chunk Ballroom, 41 W Broadway
  Featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live 3D visuals by Luminous Abstract, carnival performances by Dani Long Legs & The Eclectic Circus, and DJ sets by Philly’s Great Circles.

• Closing Night Wrap Party — Sunday, May 4, at OUROS, 70 Broadway

Attendees will have the rare opportunity to meet directors, writers, and stars face-to-face throughout the festival weekend.

ABOUT THE JIM THORPE INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

Founded on the credo "Eyes and Minds Wide Open," the Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival champions bold, personal, and provocative storytelling. Screenings take place in the historic Mauch Chunk Opera House—a jewel of the Poconos that draws cinephiles, creatives, and artists from across the region and beyond.

Festival Dates: May 1–4, 2025
Venue: Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Website: www.jimthorpeindiefilmfest.com
Instagram: @jimthorpeindiefilmfest
Hashtags: #JTIFF2025 #JimThorpeLovesPhilly #EyesAndMindsWideOpen

Media Contact:
Kory Aversa
Aversa PR
kory@aversapr.com
215-840-9216