ILLUMINATE Film Festival Announces Inspirational 2025 Film Lineup

March 27, 2025 | Santa Barbara, CA

Conscious Cinema Showcases “Looking Through the Lens of Love”

The ILLUMINATE Film Festival, the world’s leading showcase for conscious cinema, has unveiled its official line-up, including transformative works executive produced by Richard Gere, SIA, Mark and Jay Duplass. The festival, now in its 11th year, takes place May 1-4, 2025 in Santa Barbara, with a global Virtual Festival running May 5-11.

Inspired by this year’s theme, “Looking Through the Lens of Love,” the festival will present over 20 films including 14 feature-length documentaries, plus a curated selection of powerful micro-shorts that explore human potential, spiritual growth, and social change during a time of global division. You can see the full line-up here.

“In today’s fractured world, these films illuminate our shared humanity by doing what films do best – inviting us to see the world through others’ eyes,” says Téana David, ILLUMINATE’s Artistic Director. “Each selection creates space for awe, wonder, and curiosity so we can collectively dream a new way forward together.”

Festival Highlights

Opening Night Film: Wisdom of Happiness

Executive produced by Richard Gere, this intimate heart-to-heart with the Dalai Lama presents a powerful cinematic experience where the world’s greatest ambassador of compassion offers practical advice for navigating the 21st century’s challenges. The evening begins with a soul-stirring performance by renowned recording artist Donna De Lory, followed by Lynne Twist’s keynote address, inspiring attendees to find meaning and purpose in these uncertain times.

Headlining Films

The festival will showcase several highly anticipated films, including:

  • Wisdom of Happiness – A deeply intimate cinematic heart-to-heart with the Dalai Lama offering practical wisdom for navigating today’s challenges, executive produced by Richard Gere.
  • Between the Mountain and the Sky – The inspiring story of humanitarian Maggie Doyne, mother to over 50 Nepalese children. Executive produced by Mark and Jay Duplass.
  • The Journey – Executive produced by SIA, musical brothers Isaac and Thorald Koren guide brave participants to free themselves from negative life stories and become their truest selves through song, rhythm, and raw creativity.
  • Feeding Tomorrow – Up against a broken food system, a brave group of visionary leaders in agriculture, healthcare, and education work to build a more regenerative and resilient system in their local communities.
  • Rescued Hearts – Personal stories and scientific studies illuminate the profound and often miraculous connection between humans and horses.

Micro-Short Film Contest Celebrates Unity

The festival will also highlight its $25,000 “Oneness of Humanity: Love, Kindness, and Joy” Micro-Short Film Contest inspired by the Dalai Lama’s message that “we are all the same.” The contest features a $10,000 Grand Prize, with $15,000 in additional prizes including a People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced on May 4 during the festival’s closing ceremonies.

“ILLUMINATE isn’t just a festival—it’s a movement for positive transformation,” says Kia Kiso, Interim Executive Director. “At its highest potential, media doesn’t just entertain—it awakens, connects, and reminds us of who we truly are. This year’s lineup invites us to look through the lens of love—at ourselves, at each other, and at what’s possible when we choose to lead with compassion.”

A Global Celebration of Consciousness

The 11th annual ILLUMINATE Film Festival represents a unique opportunity to experience transformative storytelling that bridges divides and inspires connection. With both in-person and virtual options, the festival makes conscious cinema accessible to audiences worldwide.

The 2025 ILLUMINATE Film Festival is made possible through the generous support of The Holomovement and Spiritual Life TV Channel.

Festival Information:

Media Contact:
 Mari Angulo
 ILLUMINATE Film Festival
 mari@illuminatefilmfestival.com