This fall, Times Square will once again roll out the red carpet for one of New York City’s most inspiring celebrations of independent cinema: the 11th Annual ICP Entertainment Film Festival, happening October 24–26, 2025. Founded in 2014 and led by Richard Oliver Jr., the festival has become a hallmark of diversity, artistry, and humanitarian advocacy. Expect a true “night out” energy—flashbulbs, chef-driven dinners, and a who’s-there buzz right in midtown.
What makes ICP Entertainment’s film festival unique is its blend of red-carpet premieres and social purpose. Alongside innovative films from across the globe, a portion of this year’s proceeds will be donated to charities helping Haiti, the Congo, Sudan, and Gaza—underscoring the belief that storytelling and humanity go hand in hand.
The weekend opens on Friday, October 24 with a Red Carpet Dinner Gala at Saar Indian Bistro (241 West 51st Street). Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner curated by Michelin-lauded executive chef Hemant Mathur, plus one complimentary drink. VIPs, sponsors, and celebrity guests will also receive curated gift bags—quantities are limited for opening and closing nights. The glamour continues with media coverage and the first of the festival’s four fashion themes: Indian, Haitian, African, and Palestinian attire—a symbolic gesture bringing attention to communities often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
On Saturday, October 25, the spotlight shifts to The Producer’s Club Theater. From 3:00–8:00 pm, festivalgoers will enjoy screenings of 11 award-winning films spanning drama, comedy, documentary, and animation, followed by an awards ceremony recognizing this year’s outstanding storytellers. The festival wraps with a Closing Gala on Sunday, October 26 back at Saar Indian Bistro—another evening of fine dining, fashion, and celebration.
Two standouts headline this year’s conversation: “Out of Order” by Guy Jacobson (USA), winner of Best Comedy (title to be confirmed with production); and “Maria” by Abdelhakim Majed Abudaqen (Gaza), winner of Best Documentary, a poignant portrait of resilience that deserves global attention. Music fans will note Best Music Video winner “Until the Last Minute” by Ilya Noyabrev (Ukraine), and the festival welcomes international lyric soprano Oleksandra Hrabova—a reminder that ICP’s stage bridges film and performance.
Other winners: I Am Duck (Best Animation, USA); America, I Can’t Breathe (Best Black Lives Matter, USA); The Axe Forgets (Best Horror, Ireland); Kay Pacha Initiative: The Amazon Phase 3 (Best Climate Change, USA); No Nation (Best Drama, USA); Lox (Best Mental Illness, USA); The Story of Megan Jacoby (Best Web Series, Germany); AI’s Silent Omissions (Best Humanity, Japan).
From its inception, ICP Entertainment has been more than a showcase—it’s a celebration of perseverance. Independent filmmakers often work for years, overcoming financial and creative challenges, to bring their visions to life. As host Veena Kondapalli notes, “We wanted to create a platform where filmmakers feel special, celebrated, and rewarded for their dedication.”
Tickets: https://www.filmfreeway.com/icpentfilmfestival/tickets
Details / RSVP / Sponsorship: http://www.icpentertainment.org
Press & media: [email protected] • 212-470-0871
Trailer: https://youtu.be/julWsNS3CtI?si=286gsgVyjxiuGGF2
Mark your calendars for October 24–26, 2025—and be part of a weekend where art, humanity, and community come together on the red carpet.
