Iris Indie International Unveils Award-Winning Films at AFM 2025

Iris Indie International Showcases Award-Winning Slate at AFM 2025

Iris Indie International is preparing for an exciting showcase at the American Film Market (AFM), taking place from November 11 to 16, 2025, in Century City, California. The company will feature a carefully curated selection of award-winning films that have garnered attention in various film festivals. This year's AFM marks a significant milestone for Iris Indie International as they celebrate the completion of their very first feature film produced in-house at their newly established studio in North Carolina.

A New Era for Iris Indie Studios

The debut production, titled "May and the Woodsman," is a collaboration led by industry veterans Hal Lieberman and Joshua Russell. This film stars Percy Hynes White, known for his role in "Wednesday," alongside Cassady McClincy from "The Walking Dead." The film is produced at the Iris Indie Studios located in Burlington, North Carolina, which boasts an impressive 20,000 square-foot sound stage complete with a 70-foot wrap-around volume. This advanced facility is equipped to support filmmakers with state-of-the-art technology, including the largest LED volume in North Carolina, achieving a stunning resolution of over 8K for in-camera final pixel results.

Joshua Russell, a Producer and Partner at Iris Indie International, expressed pride in their new North Carolina facility, emphasizing its role in enabling filmmakers to produce compelling independent narratives. He stated, "It's a cornerstone of our creative vision — combining sustainable infrastructure with profile talent to produce multi-picture slates."

Expanding Global Reach

In addition to their impressive lineup for AFM, Iris Indie International is also expanding its worldwide distribution network to cater to buyers across all major markets. With a catalog of 20 titles, the company is forming strategic partnerships across various distribution channels including traditional, AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD platforms. This multi-platform approach aims to provide high-quality independent films with guaranteed delivery and marketing support.

Milena Rimassa, President of Distribution at Iris Indie International, emphasized their goal, stating, "We're building an agile, multi-platform ecosystem that gives independent filmmakers global reach. Our aim is to make high-quality, story-driven cinema accessible everywhere while supporting streamers and traditional buyers looking for exceptional independent content."

Featured Screenings at AFM 2025

During AFM 2025, several noteworthy films will be screened:

1. The Long Shot (Comedy/Drama) – This heartwarming story follows a down-on-his-luck coach who leads a community underdog team towards redemption. Premiere screening will be on Tuesday, November 11 at 3:30 PM at AMC 12.

2. Warrior's Journey (Documentary) – The true story of a decorated U.S. Air Force pararescueman, this documentary explores how he turns trauma into purpose, guiding fellow veterans through emotional and spiritual healing. Screening is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) at 1:00 PM at AMC 11.

3. In the Same Boat (Documentary) – A profound portrait highlighting the shared struggles of Israelis and Palestinians during times of conflict. This film will be screened on Thursday, November 13 at 1:30 PM at AMC 12.

4. The Collaborator (Drama) – Set in 1990s Kashmir, this coming-of-age story examines loyalty and survival amidst war and conflict. It will be shown on Wednesday, November 12 at 11:00 AM at AMC 11.

5. Do No Harm (Psychological Thriller) – A dedicated nurse finds himself in a moral quandary after a seemingly minor mistake results in a patient's death. This intense thriller will screen on Friday, November 14 at 3:30 PM at AMC 10.

In addition to traditional screenings, Iris Indie International is rolling out online Live Video on Demand (LVOD) events to encourage greater audience engagement and provide filmmakers with global visibility.

About Iris Indie International

Iris Indie International specializes in developing, funding, producing, and distributing award-winning feature films and documentaries. The company collaborates with both new and established filmmakers, recognized for its curated slate at prestigious festivals and markets like Cannes and MIPCOM. With principal offices in Los Angeles and North Carolina, the Iris Indie team, co-founded by Mark Goldberg and Joshua Russell, is committed to delivering exceptional independent films that resonate and engage audiences worldwide.