St. Augustine Film Festival Returns Jan. 5-11 with Diverse Lineup and Special Guests
Dec. 30, 2025, 12:20 p.m. ET
the St. Augustine Film Festival returns to America’s oldest city Jan. 5-11.
Spearheaded by Gregory von Hausch and Bonnie Adams, the annual event, now in it’s 16th year, features 40 indie, international, local and regional dramas, comedies and documentaries from 25 countries, plus evening soirees in cool venues across St. Augustine. The collection of eclectic autonomous films also includes question-and-answer periods and meet and greets with the filmmakers and fellow movie buffs.
Movie venues include Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, the Gamache-Koger Theater, also at Flagler College, and City Hall’s Alcazar Room.
This year, the festival collaborated with the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain to offer four free films from Spain scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5, at Flagler college’s Lewis Auditorium.
According to a news release issued by von Hausch, SAFF is designed “to enrich the cultural landscape by highlighting the artistic achievements of independent and foreign filmmakers.”
“Through its diverse film selections and engaging events, the SAFF offers unique insights into various cultures, the global bonds of humanity, and the profound art of storytelling,” he said. “In collaboration with SJC Cultural Events Inc., and supported by the St. Johns County Tourist Growth Council and the St. Johns Cultural Council, the festival underscores St. Johns County’s commitment to the ethos of “Culture Around Every Corner.”
Von Hausch said the St. Augustine Film Festival is the sole Northeast Florida film festival that showcases films from Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Toronto, Tribeca, Sundance and the New York Film festival.
Special guests include actors Morena Baccarin and Ben McKenzie,along with producer Kristi Zea.
St. Augustine Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup, Featuring Dance Documentary and Award Presentation by Karen Allen
The St. Augustine Film Festival (SAFF) has announced its diverse 2025 film lineup, showcasing a range of genres and impactful stories. The festival will feature the documentary “A Wolf Among Swans,” chronicling the remarkable journey of Brazilian hip-hop dancer Soares as he rises to become a principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in London. https://www.staugfilmfest.com/
Adding to the festival’s prestige, actress Karen Allen, known for her iconic role in the “Indiana Jones” film series, will host the presentation of awards as chair of the National Advisory Board.
The festival’s program includes a variety of compelling films:
* “Blue world – The Sea Turtles”: This documentary, hosted by Jonathan Bird, explores the underwater world of Sipadan, Malaysia’s sea turtles, and follows the work of a Cape Cod Sea Rescue team. Proceeds from the film will benefit the St. Augustine Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Labs. https://whitney.ufl.edu/sea-turtle-hospital/
* “The Count of Monte Cristo”: A French film (with english subtitles) that received 14 nominations at the French Oscars (likely referring to the César Awards), this adaptation tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a man wrongly imprisoned who seeks revenge as a masked avenger. https://www.cesaracademy.com/
* “Salt!”: A comedic short film centered around a simple request at a high-end restaurant.
* “For the Living”: This poignant documentary recounts the experiences of Marcel Zielinksi,a Holocaust survivor who,as a 10-year-old prisoner at Auschwitz-Birkenau,walked to Krakow,Poland,in 1945 in search of his family. The film also depicts a modern-day Ride for the Living,where 250 cyclists retrace Marcel’s journey with the now 84-year-old survivor.
* “Legacy Lives Here”: this film profiles St. Augustine resident Hazel Henderson, a renowned futurist, pioneer in green economics, and dedicated environmental activist, as she shares her vision for a lasting future.
* “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk”: This intimate documentary offers a first-hand account of life under siege in Gaza through video calls between Farsi and Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, who tragically died in an airstrike.
* “in the Shadow of the Mountain”: The film follows John Adams, a first-time playwright from Southwest Virginia, as he attempts to stage his ambitious Civil War musical in a small Southern town.
For a complete movie and event schedule, visit the St. Augustine Film Festival website: https://www.staugfilmfest.com/.
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