By Tenny Gharibian, Special to the Van Nuys News Press
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA—The curtains are set to close on an era. The 25th edition of The Valley Film Festival (VFF25), ran from September 17-21, 2025, marked a monumental milestone and a bittersweet finale. After a quarter-century of championing independent cinema, particularly the talent born from the San Fernando Valley’s (818) area code, VFF celebrated its last traditional festival before transitioning to new initiatives, such as filmmaking residencies and retreats in 2026.
The Who, What, Where, and Why of VFF25
The historic send-off took place at the venerable Laemmle NoHo 7 theatre in North Hollywood, a longtime partner and a local hub for independent film enthusiasts. Over five days, the festival was a diverse showcase of approximately 50 films—a curated mix of local, national, and international works.
The filmmakers were from around the world, but the heart of the VFF remains its commitment to the “Made in the (818)” program. This signature showcase highlighted the San Fernando Valley’s role as a true production hub, proving the area is more than just a backdrop for Hollywood, but a source of vital, unique filmmaking talent.
The festival’s theme for its final year was a powerful focus on Reinvention, Resilience, and The Courage to Transform. This theme reflects not only the journey of the festival itself—from a small local event to a globally recognized platform—but also the narratives of the films it presented. This concept of emerging stronger after adversity serves as a guiding light for the programming.
A Theme of Transformation: Spotlight on Global & Local Triumphs
This thematic undercurrent of transformation is perfectly captured in the pairing of the feature film Mistura and the short film The Callback.
Mistura, a drama from Peru, exemplifies large-scale cultural and personal resilience. The story of a privileged French-Peruvian woman who is socially exiled. To survive, she is forced to embrace the communities she once disdained, ultimately finding a new identity through a successful culinary venture. Her journey—from social ruin to a cultural awakening that celebrates Peru’s national diversity—is a powerful testament to finding strength in self-redefinition.
Paired with it is the Colombian short, The Callback. This drama provides a more intimate, modern-day reflection of the same theme. The young actress must overcome her boss’s abusive treatment to be mentally and emotionally ready for an audition that could change her life. It’s a compelling, immediate portrayal of personal resilience—the necessary act of reclaiming one’s power and focusing on one’s destiny despite toxic external pressures.
More Than Screenings: The VFF Experience
Beyond the films, VFF25 was a true industry event, featuring Q&A sessions, networking gatherings like the “Fade Out/Hang Out” events, and educational panels. Notably, the “Focus On: Indie Film Distribution” session provided practical, forward-thinking advice for filmmakers navigating the modern market.
The five-day festival is not just a goodbye; it is a momentous celebration of a 25-year legacy that supported independent cinema when few others in Los Angeles would. As VFF shifts its focus to nurturing filmmakers through residencies in the future, this final traditional festival serves as a moving, dynamic capstone to a quarter-century of supporting community, culture, and the independent spirit of the (818).
