Connect with us

Entertainment

Houston Comedy Film Festival 2024 Recap

Published

on

The Houston Comedy Film Festival Fall 2024 was a resounding success, attracting filmmakers and comedy enthusiasts worldwide for its 15th consecutive year. The event showcased an impressive array of comedic films, provided valuable networking opportunities, and celebrated excellence across various sub-genres.

Credit: D-Shot Productions | Fall 2024 Houston Comedy Film Festival

The festival kicked off with an engaging acting workshop that set the tone for the days to come. Participants were treated to a hilarious skit performed by festival winners, demonstrating the exceptional talent present. This interactive start energized attendees and created a lively atmosphere that persisted throughout the festival.

Credit: D-Shot Productions

Notable highlights included inspiring sessions, such as The Newbie Film Academy led by industry veteran Joan Montreuil. Joan captivated the audience with her inspiring journey in the film world, sharing personal anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom. Her insights into the often-complex film distribution process were particularly valuable, offering aspiring filmmakers a roadmap to navigate this crucial aspect of the industry.

DD’s Showbiz and The now offering curriculum for filmmakers with the Houston Comedy Film Festival and Bolanle Media

 

Delores from DD’s Showbiz conducted an interactive workshop that proved to be both educational and entertaining. Participants gained hands-on experience in various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to directing. This practical approach allowed attendees to learn directly from an industry professional, enhancing their skills and understanding of the craft.

Festival Winner Hannah Rose Vernot and Director Roselyn Omaka

The festival celebrated excellence across a wide range of comedy sub-genres, with notable winners including:
  • Best Animated Comedy Film: “Truth Detector” by William Reliford (Nebraska)
  • Best Comedy Film: “French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury” by Joel Edmiston & Conrad Osei-Bonsu (Canada)

  • Best Comedy Micro Film: “ChatGPT Boy Meets Girl” by Simeon Williams (Texas)
  • Best Comedy Series Episode: “Feet On The Street with Alyssa Poteet” by Jessie Sanchez (California)
  • Best Comedy Short Screenplay: “The Paranormal Prankster: Casefile 002 – Probing Aliens” by Sean Whitley (Texas)
  • Best Comedy Teleplay: “Summer’s Holes” by Emily Hyde (Florida)

Credit: D-Shot Productions

  • Best Dark Comedy Feature Screenplay: “The Infinity Thieves” by TK Sheffield (Wisconsin)
  • Best Dark Comedy Film: “Hitch Hiking Is Safe” by Ylia Trotter (Australia)
  • Best Dark Comedy Micro Film: “A Bit Much” by Youssef Mutawe (Canada)
  • Best Dark Comedy Screenplay: “Bloodbath And Berets (South Park Spec)” by Elizabeth Crane (Florida)
  • Best Director: “God Be With Us,” directed by JaNarie Rhambo (California)
  • Best Horror Comedy Film: “Sock It To Me,” directed by Joelle Marie Velez and Peter Anthony Castillo (Illinois)
  • Best Horror Comedy Screenplay: “Another Night at Beaver’s,” written by Jeremy Sumrall (Texas)

Joell Edminson and Ben S- Festival Winners for ‘French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury’

  • Best Mockumentary Film: “Profiles Of Remarkable Neophytes,” directed by Gavin Michael Booth (California)
  • Best Mockumentary Micro Film: “Cinching Saddles,” directed by Kevin Sengara and Aman Pannu (Canada)
  • Best Picture Award: “Enjoy Your Evening,” directed by Justin Norman (Iowa)
  • Best Proof of Concept Award: “Up To Par,” directed by Daryl Gil and Kentrell Newton (California)

Festival Winner Emily Hyde and Director Roselyn Omaka

  • Best Romantic Comedy Feature Screenplay: “MIC CHECK; KARAOKE LOVE,” written by Gregory Bonds (California)
  • Best Romantic Comedy Micro Film: “The Trade,” directed by Ren Olivieri and David Kalinauskas (Canada)
  • Best Sketch Comedy Film: “Joan & Samuel: A Tale of Gaslighting and Independence,” directed by Karissa McKinny (California)
  • Best Stand-Up Comedy Video: “I Love Watching Movies But Hate When The Titles Are So Misleading!” directed by Jonathan Yates (North Carolina)
  • Best Teleplay Award Winner: “Stocktonian Exchange – Kill Your Spirits,” written by Hannah Rose Vernot (California)

Filmmaker Kris Adams and DD’s Showbiz owner Deloris

Bolanle Media’s presence at the festival provided a valuable resource for attendees, offering access to industry connections and potential distribution channels. As a new media company sparking buzz within the filmmaking world, Bolanle Media focuses on generating excitement through social media and press interviews with filmmakers, directors, screenwriters and behind-the-scenes crew members. Their innovative marketing strategies help amplify voices in the industry, ensuring that emerging talents gain recognition without needing to relocate to Hollywood.

Credit: D-Shot Productions | Screenwriter Tom Renville and Director Roselyn Omaka

 

This partnership with Bolanle Media enhanced the festival experience, particularly for filmmakers looking to break into the industry. The event’s success was further evidenced by the diverse range of countries represented, including Canada, Australia, and various states across the US. This international flavor contributed to a rich exchange of ideas and cultural perspectives in comedy filmmaking.
Overall, the Houston Comedy Film Festival Fall 2024 proved to be more than just a screening event. It served as a vibrant hub for comedy in all its forms, from slapstick to dark humor, providing a platform for both emerging talents and established names in the industry. The festival’s commitment to fostering creativity, facilitating networking, and recognizing excellence has solidified its position as a key event in the comedy film calendar.

Credit: D-Shot Productions

The festival’s ability to bring together industry professionals, filmmakers, and comedy enthusiasts from around the globe has made it a standout event in the entertainment industry. As the Houston Comedy Film Festival continues to grow and evolve, it remains a premier platform for showcasing comedic talent and promoting innovative storytelling.

Credit: D-Shot Productions

With its impressive lineup of films, engaging workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, the Houston Comedy Film Festival Fall 2024 has set the bar high for future events. As the comedy film community looks forward to next year’s festival, one thing is certain – the Houston Comedy Film Festival will continue to be a driving force in promoting comedic excellence and celebrating the art of comedy filmmaking.
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

DJ Shinski Brings AfriqueFest To Life

Published

on


AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.

Spotlight on DJ Shinski

At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.

He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.

DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.

At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.

DJ Tunez and the rest of the night

Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.

Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.

Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir

Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.

Advertisement

If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Entertainment

STREAMING PREMIERE · JUNE 13, 2026

Published

on

Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel

A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.

It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.

A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs

Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.

The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.

Advertisement

Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.

The Women Behind the Show

Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:

  • Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
  • Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
  • Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)

“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star

Already a Festival Favorite

The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:

  • 🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
  • 🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
  • 🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
  • 🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
  • 🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
  • ⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
  • 📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez

Where and When to Watch

Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.

Click Here To Get Tickets

Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:

For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.


About Christin Jezak

Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.

About The Roku Channel

Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.

About Encompass Digital Media

Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.

Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

What Filmmakers Should Actually Steal From Euphoria

Published

on

Most of the talk about Euphoria asks one question: was it realistic? That’s the wrong question if you make films. The better one is simpler. How did Sam Levinson get an audience to feel addiction from the inside? And what did it cost him to end the show the way he did?

Strip away the noise and Euphoria is a clinic in three choices: point of view, style, and the ending. Here’s what’s worth taking — and what isn’t.

1. Put the Camera Inside the Character

Most shows about drugs watch from across the room. Euphoria doesn’t. When Rue is high, the camera is high too. Walls breathe. Floors tilt. Time skips. You’re not watching her — you’re stuck inside her head.

That’s the lesson: point of view is a decision you make with the camera and the cut, not a mood you add later in color. Levinson builds it into the lens, the blocking, and the edit.

So before you shoot a scene through a character’s eyes, ask one thing on set: whose eyes is this lens standing in for? Then make every cut respect that.

2. Your Style Has to Mean Something

The glitter. The slow push-ins. The impossible club lighting. Euphoria‘s look got copied everywhere. That’s the trap.

Advertisement

The style worked because it carried weight. The beauty wasn’t decoration — it was the lie addiction tells you, the reason the next high looks worth it. The camera made self-destruction gorgeous on purpose.

The copies missed that. A thousand music videos took the look and left the meaning behind, and you can feel how hollow they are. So here’s the test: if your signature style could be swapped onto any other project and still “work,” it’s not a style. It’s a filter. Every choice should have a reason behind it.

3. The Ending Tells the Audience What It All Meant

When Euphoria ended for good in Season 3, Levinson killed Rue — an accidental, fentanyl-laced overdose. He called it “the honest ending,” saying he wanted to tell a true story about addiction and grief in a time when one mistake can be the last one. Reportedly, that wasn’t the original plan; the death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, changed the script.

Forget whether you agree with the choice. Study how it works. An ending is the last instruction you give your audience about how to read everything before it.

By ending on consequence instead of recovery, Levinson reframed seven years of beautiful chaos as a story about cost — not a celebration of it.

It’s also the show’s most debatable move, and that’s worth noticing too. A show that spent years making pain look beautiful had to fight to make that pain land as loss. Did it earn the ending, or enjoy the wreckage too long to stick it? Smart filmmakers will disagree — and that argument is exactly what a good ending is supposed to start.

Advertisement

What Not to Take

The neon grief is the most copied part. It’s also the least useful. Take the surface — the colors, the slow-mo, the trauma-as-texture — and you get the costume without the body.

The real craft is underneath. Commit your camera to a real point of view. Make every stylistic choice earn its place. Treat your ending as the point of the whole thing. Do that, and your work won’t look like Euphoria. It’ll do what Euphoria did.


This piece touches on addiction and substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Continue Reading

Trending