ANIFAB 25 PROGRAM LOCKED AND READY FOR SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL LOVERS! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - San Antonio, Texas - October 21, 2025 By Tom McPhee, Festival Director, Animalis Fabula Film Festival (use the search box to the right to find any movie) The work is done - MOSTLY. The submissions have been reviewed, the international invites have been accepted, and the final schedule is coming into focus. We at Texas Media Maker Magazine - the primary media sponsor of the Animalis Fabula Film Festival (#AniFab25) - are proud to declare that our 2025 program, set for Friday and Saturday, November 28th and 29th, is not merely a festival; it is a civic statement, a cultural pilgrimage, and a powerful act of collective compassion. It is, to borrow a phrase, a film experience that will leave you richer for having seen it. This year, AniFab 25 moves beyond its already esteemed reputation and sets up its stage at the magnificent, 1,000-seat historic Woodlawn Theater. For two days over the Thanksgiving weekend, this theater will become the heart of a global conversation, uniting filmmakers from dozens of countries, local advocates, and two special guests whose presence confirms our festival’s unique weight: One of the 100 most influential and important people in the world today, Dr. Temple Grandin and Child Star Romy Fay of The Chosen Adventures animated series. ACT I: SHOWCASE OF GENIUS - DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN, AN OPEN DOOR The emotional and intellectual anchor of AniFab 25 is the confirmation of Dr. Temple Grandin as our honored guest. This is not a casual appearance; this is a landmark event. Dr. Grandin will join us fresh off her prestigious presentation at the National Portrait Gallery alongside none other than legendary director Steven Spielberg. Her attendance, secured alongside her partner, Future Horizons, transforms our festival into a crucial educational platform. Dr. Grandin’s genius lies in her ability to see the world not as humans traditionally interpret it, but as animals and visual thinkers experience it. Her work is the very embodiment of our festival’s theme, “An Open Door.” The closing night ceremony on Saturday, November 29th, at 7:00 PM, will be dedicated to her legacy. It begins with the screening of the compelling documentary, Temple Grandin: An Open Door. Following the film, Dr. Grandin will participate in a live, extended Q&A session, an extraordinary opportunity for our audience to glean insights from one of the world's most revolutionary minds. The night culminates with the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award, a well-deserved tribute to a woman who has fundamentally improved animal welfare globally. Her presence alone confirms that AniFab is not just screening art; we are celebrating the genius of compassion. ACT II: THE FAMILY HEART & THE FREE GIFT - ROMY FAY PRESENTS THE CHOSEN ADVENTURES A film festival must feed the soul, but it must also nurture the next generation of audiences and artists. That mission is beautifully fulfilled on Friday, November 28th, with The Chosen Adventures Experience, which is being presented FREE to the public (seat reservation required). We are absolutely delighted to welcome child star Romy Fay, the vibrant voice of the lead character, Abby, in the new animated series The Chosen Adventures. This young American actress is already a phenomenon, known for her Broadway debut in the Tony-winning Leopoldstadt (performing over 300 shows on Broadway to open the play!) and her roles in Best Foot Forward and The Wingfeather Saga. Romy will be in person to introduce the show, present four full episodes of the series, conduct a live Q&A with the audience, and even sing several songs from the show’s soundtrack! The Chosen Adventures follows nine-year-old Abby and her best friend, Joshua, navigating life in ancient Capernaum and encountering the craftsman and teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, all with the addition of a talking sheep and bird. This is family entertainment of the highest quality—whimsical, heartfelt, and deeply moral. This magnificent event is hosted by our esteemed nonprofit partner, God’s Dogs Rescue, ensuring that the joy and inspiration of Romy’s appearance directly supports the saving of canine lives in our community. ACT III: THE GLOBAL SLATE – AWARD-WINNING CINEMA The true heart of AniFab beats in the dark, where the projection light hits the screen. Our locked slate of over 25 movies represents the best in animal storytelling. Directors are flying in from around the world to present their work, demonstrating the global urgency of our shared mission. Feature Film Highlights: The Animalis Fabula Film Festival (#AniFab25) has always championed films that reveal hidden worlds, and this year’s documentary feature selection plunges us into the depths of crucial, untold stories. We’ve found a few films that are not just educational, but genuinely cinematic experiences that redefine what it means to be aware of the ecosystems around us.
Eye on the Short Film ShowcaseThe true delight of a film festival often resides in the short film blocks, those quick, potent bursts of storytelling that prove an entire universe can be created and explored in under thirty minutes. AniFab 25 has assembled a stunning lineup that spans genres, geographies, and emotional registers, offering many distinct perspectives on the human-animal bond.
ACT IV: CIVIC ACTION AND EMPOWERMENT – THE WORKSHOPS AniFab is not a passive experience; it is a call to action powered by practical workshops designed to empower both citizens and creators. The centerpiece of our civic programming is the Dogs of San Antonio Open Forum 2, led by Dr. Temple Grandin and moderated by acclaimed investigative journalist Michael Karlis (San Antonio Current). Karlis, known for his relentless and detailed reporting on the stray crisis in his "Once Bitten" cover story, will guide Dr. Grandin and local leaders through a structured discussion aimed at dismantling the systemic failures that perpetuate the crisis. Crucially, Dr. Grandin specifically insisted that youth from the Texas FFA Foundation and 4-H have a meaningful presence, stating that these young minds are necessary to solve the problem the current system has failed to fix. Other key workshops include:
A film festival’s true meaning is measured by the community it supports. AniFab 25 is built upon a foundation of dedicated, compassionate partners—local heroes who make our mission possible. We offer our deepest gratitude to our entire network, here is a shortlist of our partners:
Conclusion: Do Not Miss This Moment The program is set. The tickets are about to go on sale. This festival is the perfect blend of high-caliber cinematic art and urgent civic necessity. Do not just read about the moment when San Antonio became the epicenter of compassionate advocacy--be there. Secure your tickets, join the conversation, and leave inspired. Visit the AniFab website for more details, ticket sales and seat reservations today: https://www.animalisfabula.org/ 
0 Comments
SPECIAL TEXAS ONLY EVENT!Animalis Fabula Film Festival is honored to announce our Closing Night Film and a truly once-in-a-lifetime event on Saturday, November 29th! Join us for a special screening of the documentary Temple Grandin: An Open Door with the legend herself, Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Grandin will host a special workshop, sharing her unparalleled insights. And in the evening, we will celebrate her remarkable legacy by presenting her with a Lifetime Achievement Award following the film screening and Q & A.  A Cinematic Bridge to the Soul: Animalis Fabula Film Festival to Honor Dr. Temple Grandin with Lifetime Achievement Award Some films aren't just movies; they are vital acts of empathy, cinematic calls to action that open our eyes to a world we never truly saw before. This is the spirit that beats at the heart of the Animalis Fabula Film Festival, presented by Texas Media Maker Magazine, and it is with immense pride that we announce our closing night feature, "Temple Grandin: An Open Door." This is a film, and an event, that demands our full attention, celebrating a life that has reshaped our understanding of both animals and ourselves. The festival is honored to welcome the legend herself, Dr. Temple Grandin, to the historic Woodlawn Theater at 1920 Fredericksburg Rd. in San Antonio on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Dr. Grandin's work is a profound embodiment of our festival's theme, "An Open Door," an important element of the World Animal Awareness Society and a principle we follow in her inspired lead. Temple’s ability to translate the world of animals, to walk in their pastures and design with their senses in mind, is a gift to us all. Her story is a testament to the idea that a different perspective is not a liability, but a powerful asset. The evening will be a cinematic event for the ages. It will begin with a special screening of the documentary, An Open Door followed by a live and extended Q&A with Dr. Grandin. It is here, in the exchange of ideas and the warmth of a shared experience, that the true magic will unfold. We will also have the immense privilege of honoring her extraordinary life’s work by presenting her with a much-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. Before the evening’s main event, Dr. Grandin will graciously conduct a little meet and greet and a book signing, offering a personal connection to the minds she has so profoundly touched. This is a rare opportunity to engage with a true pioneer, a woman whose life is a living, breathing testament to the power of compassion and the courage to see the world differently. #AniFab25 is more than a film festival. It is a pilgrimage to the heart of what it means to be human. It is a celebration of a cinematic voice that rings with truth, and a tribute to a life that has been, and continues to be, "An Open Door" for all of us.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. Temple Grandin to Lead Public Forum on San Antonio’s Stray Dog CrisisSAN ANTONIO, TX — The Animalis Fabula Film Festival (#AniFab25) has announced a special public event to be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, featuring a prominent figure in animal science, Dr. Temple Grandin. As part of the festival's programming, Dr. Grandin will lead an open forum focused on the city's significant issue of stray, homeless, and roaming dogs. The forum, titled "Dogs of San Antonio Open Forum 2," is a follow-up to a previous discussion hosted by the World Animal Awareness Society and will be held at the historic 1,000 seat Woodlawn Theater. The event is free and open to all citizens of San Antonio, providing a platform for the community to collaboratively explore the complexities and reasons behind the ongoing crisis. Dr. Grandin expressed a desire to listen to and engage with the local animal welfare community. The forum is expected to bring together pillars of the San Antonio rescue and welfare community, including Gods Dogs Rescue, San Antonio Animal Care Services and every stakeholder in San Antonio, as they seek to gain insight from Dr. Grandin's renowned expertise in animal behavior and systems thinking. Dr. Grandin has insisted that youth from local 4-H and FFA chapters be given a meaningful presence at the forum. The festival reports that Dr. Grandin believes these young people, with their fresh perspectives and hands-on experience, may be the ones to identify the solutions that existing government and NGO leaders have been unable to solve. The forum's format is designed to be a formal yet open session, filmed to document the discussions and insights generated. The goal is to define a path that can be followed to address the city’s most pressing animal welfare issues. The event highlights the World Animal Awareness Society’s commitment with AniFab to create real-world impact and serve as a civic celebration for San Antonio. The forum is an opportunity to move the conversation forward from theory to actionable solutions. "We are incredibly honored to have Dr. Grandin's participation," said Tom McPhee, Festival Director of AniFab25. "Her willingness to engage with our local community on such a critical issue is a testament to her mission. We believe her unique approach to problem-solving could be ‘An Open Door’ for meaningful change right here in San Antonio." WHAT: "Dogs of San Antonio Open Forum 2" WHO: Dr. Temple Grandin, with participation from the public and local animal welfare leaders, as well as local 4-H, and FFA youth. WHEN: Saturday, November 29, 2025 WHERE: Woodlawn Theater, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX. ADMISSION: Free and open to all. CONTACT: Eugene Thomas, Festival Communications Director, AniFab25 Phone: 818-561-5109 Email: [email protected] AniFab Exclusive Event Partnered with God's Dogs Rescue  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Child Star Romy Fay to Present "The Chosen Adventures" at AniFab 25 in Free Public Event Presented by Texas Media Maker Magazine SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Animalis Fabula Film Festival (#AniFab25) is honored to announce that acclaimed young actress and musician Romy Fay will make a special appearance on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the historic 1,000-seat Woodlawn Theater. The event, which is free to the public, will feature an exclusive screening of four episodes from her new animated series, "The Chosen Adventures." Romy FAY on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11438769/ Romy Fay, who voices the series' lead character, Abby, will introduce the screening and participate in a live Q&A session with the audience afterward. "The Chosen Adventures" is a heartwarming animated series that follows nine-year-old Abby and her best friend, Joshua, as they navigate life in ancient Capernaum and encounter Jesus of Nazareth. The series, which features a talking sheep, is a playful and powerful way to bring biblical stories to a new generation. Romy Fay is a charismatic young actress known for her emotional depth, improvisational skill, and impressive work ethic. Romy began her professional journey at the age of six and has established herself as a rising star across television, film, theater, and voice acting. On Broadway, Romy originated the dual roles of “Young Sally” and “Mimi” in Tom Stoppard’s 2023 Tony Award–winning play, Leopoldstadt, delivering over 300 performances alongside co-stars Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, Josh Malina and David Krumholtz. Romy starred as “Luisa Dubin” in AppleTV’s Emmy Award–winning series Best Foot Forward and is also seen in acclaimed television shows Home Economics (ABC) and Face’s Music Party (Nickelodeon). She can be seen as “Ella,” the daughter of Allison Tolman’s character, on NBC’s new hit comedy St. Denis Medical, and in a co-starring role on the upcoming season three of LOOT on AppleTV. Romy plays a supporting lead role in the SXSW 2025 Audience Award–winning narrative feature film, Fantasy Life, starring Amanda Peet, Alexander Nivola, Judd Hirsch and Andrea Martin, directed by Matthew Shear. Romy’s notable voice work includes the lead role of “Iris” in the highly anticipated animated feature film, Arco, directed by Ugo Bienvenu, which also stars Natalie Portman, Will Ferrell, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Samberg, America Ferrera and Flea. Arco premiered at TIFF in September 2025 and opens nationwide in select theaters in November 2025. Romy also voices the lead role of “Abby” in the eagerly awaited animated series The Chosen Adventures from creator, Ryan Swanson, set to premiere on Amazon in Fall 2025. The series also stars Paul Walter Hauser, Yvonne Orji, and Jonathan Roumie and is directed by Keith Alcorn. She is recording an album of new music, produced by Capital Records, to accompany the series. Additionally, Romy stars in fan-favorite roles such as “Leeli Wingfeather” in Angel Studios’ successful animated series, The Wingfeather Saga (now recording its fourth season), where she is also a featured vocalist on the Season One soundtrack. Romy’s voice can be heard as “Nellie/Gosling” in the new Charlotte’s Web miniseries on HBO Max, starring Amy Adams, Elijah Wood and Cynthia Erivo, and she also recurs as “Kiera” on AppleTV’s animated Eva the Owlet (now in its second season). A multi-talented artist, Romy is a gifted singer-songwriter and musician who plays ukulele, piano, and harmonica. She is currently developing a full-length original musical (book, music, and lyrics) called “Princess and Paws.” She also has an album of original children’s songs released under the artist name, Mini Melodies, now streaming worldwide. When she’s not performing or creating, Romy enjoys dance, figure skating, horseback riding, needlepoint, board games and time with her family and animals. This exclusive screening, held with the permission of The Come And See Foundation, is a unique opportunity for San Antonio families to engage with a rising star and experience a faith-based animated series with animals that is both entertaining and meaningful. The event will conclude with a reception, allowing guests to celebrate the series and the festival. While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance due to high demand. Romy Fay’s attendance is supported in part by God’s Dogs Rescue, her nonprofit partner during AniFab 25. WHAT: Animalis Fabula Film Festival Special Screening of the new animated series "The Chosen Adventures" with Q&A featuring Romy Fay WHO: Romy Fay, star of "The Chosen Adventures" WHEN: Friday, November 28, 2025 WHERE: Woodlawn Theater, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX TICKETS: FREE to the public. Seat reservations required here: https://www.animalisfabula.org CONTACT: Eugene Thomas Festival Communications Director, AniFab25 Phone: 818-561-5109 Email: [email protected] To schedule an interview with Romy while in San Antonio, you must schedule it with Eugene Thomas. 
Texas Premiere!In the heart of the Bolivian jungle, a group of rescued howler monkeys — each from a different background of captivity, fire, or loss — begins the long journey toward freedom. At Ambue Ari Sanctuary, caretakers Gonzalo, Felipe, and Raúl dedicate their days to helping the monkeys rediscover what it means to live wild. When a wild howler joins the group, everything changes — the rescued monkeys start to learn from him, blurring the line between captivity and liberation. Through intimate moments and reflections, this 35-minute documentary reveals what it truly takes to return to nature — and what humans can learn from those who find their way back.  Raúl de Jesus Torres Godoy, who goes by the artistic name of Coyote, was born and raised in Mexico City. While studying design at Marista University of Querétaro, Mexico, he took a photography class taught by Mexican photographer and National Geographic collaborator, Ricardo Azarcoya. There, he found his passion for sharing stories through imagery. Raúl has been traveling through Central and South America since 2016. He's encountered unique cultures and stories, and is just beginning to share them with the world. In 2024, he was published twice in National Geographic Latin America in addition to completing Sanctuary, his first documentary. In 2025, he completed his second documentary, Tribu, and is continuing his exploration on bicycle, riding from Central Bolivia to the southern tip of Patagonia, finding and sharing stories along the way.
I am a seeker of truth, and at the same time I think that each one of us has a different truth, hidden in our journey from the place we come from; I love to translate what a look can say and turn it into a story that, when it reaches someone anywhere in the world, can change their life, can inspire them, can make them more human or can simply bring a smile to their face. Photography is my means of expression, to say things that words cannot describe.
United States Premiere This stop-motion animated film uses an original origami dog design and paper shapes to interpret the unique and universal experiences of dog ownership and loss. The narrative and narration come from supporters of the project who lent their stories and voices to the film. The films title and design makes the connection between memory/routine and the patterns creases left on a piece of paper when we unfold an origami model. Directed by James Lee Pollitt
 Masha and the Bear is a 3-D animated series that captures the hearts of children and adults alike. The show follows the enchanting adventures of a curious and hilarious little girl Masha and her kind and caring friend, the Bear. Together, they embark on heartwarming and humorous escapades, teaching valuable life lessons about friendship, kindness, and creative problem-solving. With its universal themes, playful humor, exceptional quality of animation, and catchy music, Masha and the Bear has become a treasured part of family entertainment worldwide, reminding us all of the simple joys of childhood. Episode synopsis: Masha and the Bear accidentally find themselves in a mountain valley hidden from prying eyes. They find two yeti kids there. These kids are so active and disobedient that even Bear is unable to cope with them. Masha suggests looking for a family for the kids, but in the mountains they only manage to find one young, stupid yeti who categorically refuses taking the kids. Directed by Lela Khitarova
Texas Premiere!Deep in the Appalachian wilderness, a solitary life is shattered by the accidental discovery of a mysterious extraterrestrial artifact — a force that tears apart the boundaries of the known world. As official institutions attempt to control the anomaly, the hero stands at a crossroads: submit to cold authority or heed the fierce call of something far beyond human understanding.  Bound by an extraordinary connection to an exotic companion — a humble creature transforming in impossible ways — they choose to abandon control and step boldly into the unknown. Together, they forge a bond that defies reason and reshapes reality itself. Director Alexey Kashpersky Started his journey in a small Ukrainian town, Alexey studied visual arts. His talent was recognized in the United States, where he was offered an O-1 visa. Since then, he has been featured in over 30 print publications, including magazine covers and books, collaborated with Nobel laureates, and received top industry awards.
Texas Premiere!In the wild heart of Kenya, ancient wisdom meets modern conservation in this powerful short documentary about indigenous protectors committed to saving Africa’s remaining wildlife and wilderness. We meet the men who have dedicated themselves as rangers, risking everything to defend wildlife from poaching. We listen to Maasai lion guardians, once lion hunters, now protectors who honor their ancestral bond to the land by safeguarding both people and predators. And we are given a glimpse into the lives of Samburu women, whose ancestral beadwork carries the stories of their identity, faith, and deep connection to nature. Together, their testimonies become a call to protect the earth—a reminder that conservation is, at its root, not only about saving animals, but about honoring the sacred connection between people, land, and all living beings.  A born image-maker, Cyril Guyot was raised in Paris. He currently lives and works in New York. Since graduating from prestigious New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Cyril has directed several art videos, music videos and commercials. Cyril is part of a new generation of multitalented filmmakers: his work includes directing, creative direction, editing, animation, graphic design, photography and illustration. His films often bridge artistic expression with storytelling rooted in nature, culture, and human connection, and he has collaborated with a wide range of international brands and organizations on projects spanning conservation, lifestyle, and visual innovation.
Texas Premiere! Michel d'Outremont, wildlife photographer, explores the marshes, forests and countryside around his home. Each of these environments reveals its own unique world: the fragile expanse of the marshes, where a discreet and elusive birdlife thrives; the depths of the forests, where shadow and silence shelter an attentive fauna; and the openness of the countryside, where wildlife comes to life with the changing seasons and light. Through his lens, he captures these fleeting encounters: the furtive silhouette of a deer, the discreet passage of a heron, the appearance of a fox at the edge of a field. These precious and fragile moments reveal a unique closeness to the wild world, often ignored but nevertheless very much present at our side. “Wild Proximity” offers an attentive look at the richness of this familiar nature and invites us to rediscover the secret life that unfolds just a few steps away from our daily lives.
Texas Premiere!Against the backdrop of the sixth mass extinction, an all-woman team of biologists set out to save bats from a deadly fungal disease, but when the COVID-19 pandemic interrupts their work, they are sent down a path of discovery that illuminates the connections between bat conservation and the spread of infectious disease.  Kristin Tièche is an award-winning filmmaker, producer and editor based in San Francisco, CA, with a passion for crafting immersive, character-driven stories that shine a light on sustainability, conservation, and science. With hundreds of hours of film and television credits to her name, she specializes in documentary storytelling that captivates, informs, and inspires action. Kristin’s distinct storytelling voice is evident in her acclaimed short films, including Forms of Identification (2011), The Spinster (2013), The Bat Rescuer (2016), and Velo Visionaries (2015-2017). Her first feature documentary, The Invisible Mammal, following a team of women scientists working to prevent the extinction of a species of bat, premiered in 2025 at DocLands Film Festival in Marin County and took home the Audience Choice award. Kristin holds an M.A in Television-Radio-Film from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. When she's not behind the camera or in the editing suite, she shares her expertise as a film instructor at Diablo Valley College and SF Film School, mentoring the next generation of visual storytellers. Kristin’s feature documentary editing credits include; Sundance Audience Award winning "Fuel" (2008), PBS/Independent Lens film, "Power Paths" (2009), "Healing a Soldier's Heart (2015), "We Rock Long Distance" (2015), "From India With Love" (2017), "Somebody Clap For Me" (2017), "UberLand" (2019), and "Onanya" (2023). She has edited non-fiction series for national broadcast such as "Building Impossible" (Nat Geo), "Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall" (Court TV), "Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield" (Court TV), "Aerial America" (Smithsonian), "Animals Gone Wild" (Nat Geo), "Design on a Dime" (HGTV), and "$40 A Day" (Food Network). Kristin also received regional Emmy nominations for episodes she edited for "Eye on the Bay" (KPIX/CBS-5).
Director Statement
As a woman filmmaker, I was immediately drawn to this fascinating story of a team of pioneering women in science working to find a nature-based solution to save a bat species from extinction. As soon as we scheduled our first day of filming with our lead participants, I knew that there was a lot more to the story than just bats. It was crystal clear that it was a film about the way that women work together, mentor each other, share in successes, strive for professional goals, see themselves as professionals, find inspiration and help each other overcome failures. It’s also about women finding their place in the field of science and making contributions heralded by the global scientific community. This particular theme of “The Invisible Mammal” is what helped me develop my unique lens to this nature/conservation film. The world of the characters in this film – one in which women are not only leading the way, but helping other women climb the ladder in a male-dominated profession – is not always represented in film and storytelling. Being a woman filmmaker gave me an opportunity to deeply connect with the women featured in my film, earn their trust, and more holistically portray them on-screen as real, relatable human beings. |
Buy Tickets For Any Movie Block Below
Archives
October 2025
|
RSS Feed
