The Crossover International Festival of Film and Art (CIFFA) continues to redefine what it means to be a film festival in today’s evolving cinematic landscape. More than just a showcase of talent, CIFFA https://owaf.org/
Following a remarkably successful 2025 edition, CIFFA https://owaf.org/ proudly announces a powerful slate of films that have been officially selected for worldwide distribution consideration, a testament to the festival’s commitment to elevating diverse voices and meaningful storytelling.
At CIFFA https://owaf.org/, the mission has always been clear: to bridge cultures through cinema, provide a platform for authentic storytelling, and guarantee real distribution opportunities for filmmakers worldwide. Unlike traditional festivals, CIFFA is built on a promise. Every selected project is given a path toward global exposure.
This mission is made possible through a passionate and dedicated team, exceptional global submissions, the continued support of visionary artists and creators, and strong partnerships with the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts and the City of Tracy.
The festival takes place at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, located at 715 North Central Avenue, Tracy, California 95376.
The selected films receiving distribution consideration represent the heart of global storytelling, each bringing a unique voice, culture, and perspective to the screen.
“Jalebi,” directed by Ayushi Khurana, tells the story of Anya, a successful lawyer from a traditional Indian family, who decides to break up with her boyfriend just before her engagement dinner. Her decision sparks a heated debate within her family, revealing deep-rooted cultural and generational differences while exploring the tension between personal happiness and familial obligations.
“How to Cook French Cousin,” directed by Hritik Mehta, follows a charismatic chef hosting a cooking tutorial on French cuisine, where beneath the elegance, a dark secret slowly begins to unfold.
“Rishtey,” directed by Dinesh More, explores the lives of Ria, an aspiring model, and Juhi, an award-winning creative director, whose close friendship is tested when a talented photographer named Vicky enters their world.
“The Madman,” directed by David A. Harris, is set in 1970s Jaipur, where two men face a tense standoff on a crowded commuter train against the backdrop of the Bangladesh War for Independence, raising questions about perception, sanity, and human volatility.
“Amina’s Song,” directed by Essam Hayder, follows the daily struggles of a young Egyptian student in Kazan who risks everything to pursue her dream of becoming a singer, leading to life-changing consequences.
“Storms Never Last,” directed by Gary Tucker, tells the emotional story of an idealistic filmmaker facing financial hardship, where love becomes the anchor as he navigates life’s most difficult storms.
“Fekry’s Thoughts,” also directed by Essam Hayder, offers a contemporary portrait of an Alexandrian framemaker born in the 1930s, capturing the profound transformation of Egyptian society over decades through the lens of one man’s life.
“2:30” is a short fiction comedy that follows an Egyptian man attempting to get his girlfriend out of his house before his parents arrive, only for everything to spiral into chaos in a conservative setting where privacy is nearly impossible. Director Essam Hayder
“Untethered,” written and directed by Eric Vinz S. Soledad, is a Filipino independent short film that explores the fragile ties that bind people together, portraying the tension between freedom and responsibility, love and loss, through emotional depth and striking imagery.
CIFFA https://owaf.org/ 2025 marked a major turning point for the festival. With an overwhelming number of high-quality submissions from around the world, the event experienced record-breaking participation, packed screenings, strong industry presence, and meaningful collaborations between filmmakers and audiences alike.
The success of the festival was driven by the quality and diversity of submissions, the passion of attending artists, the support of the Tracy community, and the continued partnership with the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts.
Looking ahead, CIFFA is continuing its rapid growth and expansion into 2026 and 2027. The festival remains committed to expanding global distribution partnerships, increasing international outreach, enhancing filmmaker visibility, and strengthening its position as a premier destination for global cinema.
At its core, CIFFA’s promise remains unchanged. Real opportunities, real exposure, and real growth for filmmakers around the world.
CIFFA’s continued success is built on a foundation of community, including a dedicated team working behind the scenes, filmmakers who trust the vision, audiences who support meaningful storytelling, and artists who bring authentic voices to the screen.
From Tracy, California to the global stage, CIFFA is more than a festival. It is a movement where stories begin and where they go further.
For media inquiries, partnerships, or more information, please contact CIFFA https://owaf.org/