Following a remarkably successful 2025 edition, official selections from the Crossover International Festival of Film and Art will now stream worldwide on CPICS.TV beginning May 22, 2026 — continuing the festival’s mission of elevating diverse voices and meaningful global storytelling.
Presented in partnership with OWAF, the selected films represent a major step forward in providing independent filmmakers with real worldwide exposure through digital streaming distribution.
At Crossover International Festival of Film and Art, the mission has always been clear: to bridge cultures through cinema, provide a platform for authentic storytelling, and create real distribution opportunities for filmmakers around the world. Through its collaboration with CPICS.TV, selected projects now have an opportunity to reach audiences internationally through a growing streaming platform focused on independent and culturally driven content.
This vision continues to grow through the dedication of filmmakers, artists, audiences, and strong community partnerships with the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts and the City of Tracy.
The festival takes place annually at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts.
The selected films premiering on CPICS.TV reflect the heart of global storytelling, each bringing a unique voice, culture, and perspective to audiences worldwide.
“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.
The success of the 2025 festival was driven by the quality and diversity of global submissions, the passion of attending artists, strong audience engagement, and continued support from the Tracy community and festival partners.
Looking ahead, Crossover International Festival of Film and Art continues its rapid expansion into 2026 and 2027 through broader international outreach, increased visibility for filmmakers, and expanded digital distribution opportunities through platforms including CPICS.TV.
At its core, the mission remains unchanged: creating real opportunities, real exposure, and meaningful growth for filmmakers worldwide.
From Tracy, California to audiences around the globe, these selected films represent more than entertainment — they represent a growing international movement in independent cinema and storytelling.
For media inquiries, partnerships, or more information, please contact CIFFA https://owaf.org/