FirstGlance Philadelphia Film Festival Announces Call for Entries for 29th Annual Event New Submission Categories for 2026 Include AI, Animation, and International
Philadelphia, PA, November 14, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– FirstGlance Film Festival, a leader in mid-sized film festivals and North America’s first bi-coastal festival held annually in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, is excited to announce its official call for entries for the annual Philadelphia Festival scheduled for May 7-10, 2026, at the Film Society Bourse, 400 Ranstead Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Filmmakers at all career levels from around the world are invited to submit their work for consideration in one of the most recognized events on the independent film festival circuit.
Entering its 29th year, FirstGlance continues its mission to spotlight original storytelling; connect filmmakers with audiences and fellow filmmakers; and support students, first-time, and professional independent filmmakers through their social media channels using the supportindiefilm hashtag.
Starting November 1, 2025, categories open for submission include live-action and animated films in all genres including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, drama, and comedy in every category.
Feature Film (over 45 min.) Feature Documentary (over 45 min.) Short Documentary (under 45 min.) Short Film (under 45 min.) Animated Shorts (under 30 min.) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Shorts (under 30 min.) Shorts Too (under 10 min.) Student Shorts (under 25 min.) Music Videos (under 7 min.) Web Series Pilots (under 15 min.) Trailers (under 5 min.) International (under 30 min.)
Selected films will be showcased during the festival and will be eligible for a variety of awards in 25 nominating categories for Official Selections, plus Audience Choice in each category, BEST OF FEST awards, and a Special Shot in Philly Category that welcomes submissions produced and shot in the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania regions. Winners are announced at a live awards ceremony on closing night.
FirstGlance awards over $25,000 in prizes and giveaways annually. And, as a celebration of Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary in 2026, FirstGlance will award a $250 cash prize to the Best of Fest winner. Additionally, for any category that reaches 250 entries, the winner will be awarded $250 cash prize.
Submissions open on November 1st exclusively via FilmFreeway at https://filmfreeway.com/FirstGlanceFilmFestivals.
FirstGlance Founder and Director Bill Ostroff said, “With more filmmakers using AI tools, we felt it was time to open up a call for entries for shorts in that category for our 2026 Philadelphia festival. We are also adding animation and international shorts to our growing list of submission categories to recognize world cinema directors who excel in filmmaking.”
Call for entries runs through February 2026. For rules, submission details, and prize packages, visit https://filmfreeway.com/FirstGlanceFilmFestivals.
Celebrating everything indie, FirstGlance Film Festival has grown and expanded to both coasts since its founding in 1996. To find out more about the FirstGlance Film Festival, please visit https://firstglancefilms.com/.
About FirstGlance Films FirstGlance Films began in 1996 as an indie film festival in the basement of a small theater in Center City Philadelphia. FirstGlance Films has produced more than fifty festivals in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. In addition to producing its award-winning bi-coastal film festivals, FirstGlance promotes and champions indie filmmakers year-round using the supportindiefilm hashtag on social media. For more information, please visit firstglancefilms.com.
Philadelphia, PA, November 14, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– It was announced today that Temple University has received a landmark philanthropic contribution from Dr. Alan LeSabintino Bess, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Health Systems Corporation and founder of StoneBridge Oasis Cinema Productions.
The transformational gift is designated to advance artificial intelligence (AI) research, innovation, and education across the university, with a special emphasis on integrating cutting-edge AI technologies within Temple’s undergraduate programs and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
Dr. Bess, a 1980 graduate of Temple University’s School of Medicine, said the donation reflects his belief that AI will define the future of discovery and clinical care. The contribution includes funding for new AI research initiatives and the creation of a future Endowed Chair in Clinical Innovation, ensuring long‑term leadership in this rapidly evolving field.
“Medicine and science are converging with technology in extraordinary ways,” said Dr. Bess. “Temple gave me the intellectual foundation to pursue my work in research, development, and healthcare leadership. Now, Kathryn and I want to help equip the next generation of students — both in the college and the medical school — to lead in this new era of intelligent medicine.”
Strengthening a Legacy of Research and Education Temple University faculty are applying AI to fields ranging from radiology and pathology to biomedical engineering and robotic surgery. Undergraduate programs in data science, biology, and computer engineering will also benefit from the gift, connecting foundational learning to real‑world clinical applications.
“This investment allows Temple to accelerate our exploration of AI’s role in medical and scientific discovery,” said Dr. Matthew Kaufman, Professor of Computer Engineering. “It positions Temple as a national leader in AI‑driven healthcare education and research.”
A Career Built on Innovation Dr. Alan LeSabintino Bess’s engagement with artificial intelligence in medicine began in the early 1990s, when he was involved with various Intelligent Systems Application Centers. His organization assisted research and collaborated with regional research institutions to explore how emerging computational systems could be applied to healthcare and life sciences.
Before founding American Health Systems Corporation and StoneBridge Oasis Cinema Productions, Dr. Bess held senior research and executive positions with Abbott Laboratories, Hoffmann‑La Roche, and Novartis, where he advanced initiatives in Research and Development, Drug Safety, Epidemiology, Quality Control, and Data‑Driven Medical Innovation.
“That early work showed how intelligent systems could enhance insight and precision in science and medicine,” said Dr. Bess. “Those ideas are now transforming nearly every field of healthcare.”
Faith, Philanthropy, and Community Outside their scientific and academic work, Dr. Alan LeSabintino Bess and Kathryn Bess are deeply committed to community service throughout Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, providing philanthropic support to several local churches and faith‑based organizations that focus on education, health, and family well‑being.
“Our giving is guided by faith and gratitude,” said Kathryn Bess. “We want to invest in institutions and communities that build hope and create lasting impact.”
“The Bess family’s leadership is extraordinary,” said Dr. Kimberly Sautter, Vice President of Human Resources at American Health Systems Corporation. “Their dedication to both scientific progress and community service embodies the values that make Temple University and American Health Systems proud partners in innovation.”
A Vision for Future Generations Dr. Bess entered Temple Medical School in 1976 as a student and has remained closely connected to the university throughout his career. He hopes this gift will help students from all backgrounds gain access to the tools and training that will define the next generation of medicine.
“Artificial intelligence isn’t about replacing physicians and health care professionals- it’s about empowering them,” he said. “Temple students will be the innovators who carry that power forward into every corner of healthcare.”
Media Contact Office of University Communications Temple University press@temple.edu (215) 204‑1234
Phoenix, AZ, November 12, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– USA Movie Cars, a top provider of authentic Movie Cars and Picture Car Rental services nationwide, launches New Mexico Picture Cars and Vegas Picture Cars websites. These platforms boost the Southwest Movie Car Rental fleet, adding hundreds of Picture Cars across Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Joining flagship Arizona Picture Cars, the trio now offers over 1,000 production-ready Picture Cars: classic muscle, vintage sedans, police, military, emergency, exotics, and period props.
“No more shipping from LA,” says CEO Rob Rutledge. “Filmmakers in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and Reno access local Movie Cars instantly with full on-set support.”
The move aligns with booming regional production: New Mexico’s $850M+ spend, Nevada’s commercial surge, and Arizona’s Western/sci-fi demand.
Vehicles are online for instant client review. Car owners register free on sites and earn money when their Picture Cars are rented for film, TV, or events.
Learn more at New Mexico Picture Cars and Vegas Picture Cars. Contact: Rob Rutledge – info @ usamoviecars .com (602) 882-2705.
