(West Palm Beach, FL – February 4, 2025) The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival© (SASIFF), presented by MorseLife, dazzled several thousand local movie lovers during its third successful season (January 23-February 2) with screenings of 27 memorable, world class movies, several sold-out events, and multiple in-person question-and-answer sessions with attending producers, directors, and co-stars.

Over 11 glittery days, SASIFF presented an audience-wowing assortment of comedies, dramas, and documentaries—with 18 screenings at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse in West Palm Beach and nine at EVO Entertainment in the Delray Marketplace. Under the cinematic guidance of Artistic Director Barbara Scharres, the Festival was a true celebration of independent cinema, storytelling, and community.

“Festival magic happened when our enthusiastic Sun & Stars audiences came together with filmmaker guests, demonstrating once again that film culture in the Palm Beach community is a vibrant interactive process with a promising future,” touts Scharres.

Among the sold-out screenings were LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC AND ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY on Opening Night with director Bruce David Klein attending; the Festival’s Centerpiece film, the hilarious BAD SHABBOS with director Daniel Robbins and producer Adam Mitchell; and the Closing Night screening of the comedy THE FRENCH ITALIAN along with producer Miranda Kahn and Emmy-nominated co-star Ikechukwu Ufomadu.

"What an incredible journey it has been,” gushes SASIFF Founder & Co-Chairs Donald M. Ephraim and Terri Sriberg. “Throughout this incredible Film Festival, we’ve witnessed bold visions, fresh voices, and extraordinary national and international talent that remind us why cinema matters. Thank you for being part of this magical celebration—see you again next year!”

According to Keith A. Myers, President & CEO of the Festival’s title sponsor MorseLife: “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring this level of artistry and cultural celebration to Palm Beach County. The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival is more than just a showcase of incredible films—it’s a gathering of creative minds, a celebration of global storytelling, and a gift to our vibrant community. MorseLife is pleased to illuminate Palm Beach with the power of cinema. Until next year, may the arts continue to inspire and unite us all.”

The fourth annual Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival will return to Palm Beach County in early 2026.

About The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival:

The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife, aims to bring highly anticipated, critically acclaimed, and thought-provoking films to Palm Beach County. As a world-class film festival, The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International represents a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County. For more information, please visit www.sasiff.org, www.facebook.com/DME.SASIFF and www.twitter.com/dmesasiff or www.instagram.com/dme_sasiff or contact [email protected] or 561.220.6735.

About MorseLife:

MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs also include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels, and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity, and compassion. For more information, visit morselife.org, www.facebook.com/MorseLife, www.twitter.com/MorseLifeHealth, www.instagram.com/morselifehealth or www.linkedin.com/company/morselife-inc-/ or contact [email protected].

Attached Images:

From Closing Night Screening of THE FRENCH ITALIAN – February 3 at EVO Entertainment in Delray Beach

(Photos Courtesy of Sun & Stars International Film Festival; Photo Credit: Samuel Wu)

1.   SASIFF Founder & Co-Chairs Donald M. Ephraim and Terri Sriberg with Artistic Director Barbara Scharres

2.   SASIFF Artistic Director Barbara Scharres with producer Miranda Kahn and co-star Ikechukwu Ufomadu

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart

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561.756.4298

[email protected]