ConnectHER 12th Annual International Film Festival Announces 2025 Program at historic Paramount Theatre

Soulful performances and world premieres from 11 countries to inspire global change through women’s stories

(Austin, Texas) — ConnectHER Film Festival (CFF), presented by ConnectHER and Eloise DeJoria, returns Friday, April 4th, and Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at the historic Paramount Theatre in Austin. Opening the festival will be Ley Line, a soulful Austin-based music group praised by NPR's Bob Boilen of All Songs Considered:

"Ley Line is four singers, including a pair of twin sisters, who find inspiration in music from Latin America, West Africa, and Europe as well as North America. The simplicity is what I loved most about this Austin-based group, both in its spare percussion and lovely harmony."

The festival will also feature a special spoken word performance by Emi Mahmoud, a Sudanese-American world champion slam poet and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Through her award-winning writing and powerful performances on global stages such as the UN General Assembly, COP, and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Emi has raised awareness of the global refugee crisis, creating empathy and advocating on behalf of the forcibly displaced.

The event celebrates the power of young filmmakers under 25 years old to inspire change, with World Premieres of short films from 11 countries!

“It’s never been more important to prioritize and elevate women and girls’ stories and voices,” says Ian Somerhalder, actor, activist, and festival partner. “When the world at large is trying to keep them quiet, it’s our job to find ways for them to be heard and seen on the biggest stages.”

Films were submitted from 23 countries across 5 continents for the 2025 festival. This year’s lineup of judges includes long-time festival partners Elizabeth Avellán (Austin-based film producer), Eloise DeJoria (Philanthropist), Sydney Chandler (Austin-based actress), Zain Asher (CNN News Anchor and Journalist), and Tara Emad (Egyptian actress and Global Ambassador).

“As always, we are amazed by the passion and range of our entrants across the U.S. and the world,” said Lila Igram, founder of ConnectHER. “To date, more than 2,000 youth from 93 countries have taken an impressive step through our Festival in creativity and activism to bring attention to serious issues that impact women – and societies – worldwide.”

TWO-DAY FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Friday, April 4, 2025

• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Opening Night Screening & Filmmaker Q & A

Saturday, April 5, 2025

• • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Red Carpet 
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Awards Ceremony

• 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Private VIP Reception

At the Awards Ceremony, $32,500 in awards will be presented for this year’s winning submissions. Suggested age for viewing is 13+.

Ticket levels include:

• $15 General Admission (need to purchase separately if attending both nights)
• $125 VIP All-Access ticket option (includes both nights and VIP reception)

Venue: Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701.

For tickets and more details, visit the Paramount.

About ConnectHER Film Festival

ConnectHER Film Festival (CFF), launched in 2012, is a film festival and scholarship program that invites 13–25-year-old filmmakers of all genders to submit original short films addressing global women's issues. To date, ConnectHER has received more than 2,000 submissions from 93 countries. More than $30,000 in prizes is awarded each year by a distinguished panel of judges, with more than $300,000 in awards given to date. Presenting sponsor is Eloise DeJoria. To learn more about ConnectHER and to view past winners, visit https://connectherfilmfest.org.

About ConnectHER

ConnectHER’s vision is to elevate the status of women and girls everywhere. Since 2011, this nonprofit has spotlighted global issues facing women and children through its online platform, which raises funds and matches donors to high-impact partner projects like education, leadership and healthcare that advance women and girls globally. ConnectHER extended its mission and global reach with the creation of ConnectHER Film Festival in 2013. Learn more at ConnectHER.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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