Miracle Makers International Film Festival (MMIFF) concluded its third season following five days of screenings, Q&As, industry panels, a VIP Pitch Fest, Newport Harbor yacht interviews, veterans programming, and an Awards Show Gala celebrating excellence, purpose, and meaningful storytelling.
Held September 2 through 6 at Regal Edwards Big Newport and the American Legion Post 291, Season 3 presented short films, documentaries, and features across the festival’s Faith & Family and Open divisions, bringing together “Makers,” actors, producers, entertainment executives, veterans, and audiences from across the country.
“Our Season 3 slogan, ‘Faith Gives You Wings,’ could not have been more fitting,” said Erin Miracle, Founder and Festival Director of MMIFF, in a statement. “This festival was carried for months by faith, prayer and more miracles than we could possibly measure. What began as a vision took flight and reached heights we never could have imagined. Our mission is ‘Entertainment with Eternal Impact,’ and we celebrate the Makers creating exactly that. Season 3 isn’t an ending. It’s only the beginning. We believe God has positioned Miracle Makers for even greater work ahead, and with the continued support of our community, we can create more opportunities and serve more Makers.”
Season 3 offered an extensive program of short films, documentaries and features alongside Q&As, panels and conversations with the artists and industry professionals behind the work.
The festival opened with an inspirational industry conversation led by Brad Silverman, Chief Content Officer of Kappa Studios, setting the tone for five days designed not only to exhibit films, but to encourage, equip and connect the people creating them.
Opening day programming included “Miracle on the Precipice” from filmmaker Nathan Todd Sims, with members of its cast and crew in attendance, including Venice Wong, who later received the festival’s Best Young Actress award.
The evening also featured “The One,” starring Martin Sheen, with Noah Red Clay, Olivia Sanabia, writer and producer Erin Elizabeth Cook, and other members of the cast and creative team in attendance.
The festival welcomed Fellowship of Christian Athletes Orange County leader Tony Gomez in connection with a documentary by Biola graduate Joshua Craig, as well as Kids in the Spotlight, whose work empowering youth in foster care through filmmaking was later recognized with an Eternal Impact Award.
Actor Neal McDonough, one of the stars of the upcoming Burns & Co. Entertainment feature “Jimmy,” about the life of actor and WWII veteran Jimmy Stewart, shared a film trailer with audiences.
These programs represented only a portion of an extensive five-day schedule.
The event culminated on September 6 with an “It’s a Wonderful Life” themed Awards Show Gala at American Legion Post 291 on the Balboa Peninsula, attended by more than 200 Makers, entertainment professionals, veterans, special guests, and supporters.
The evening recognized achievement across filmmaking, acting, directing, producing, writing and technical disciplines, while specialty awards honored individuals and organizations whose work reflects the festival’s mission.
Karen Covell, Founder of Hollywood Prayer Network, received the Miracle Maker Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her decades of service to the entertainment community.
Steve Rosansky, President and CEO of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, received the Believer Award in recognition of his support for MMIFF.
Rob Hollman, Executive Director and Board Chair of the Grateful Film Fund and the festival’s fiscal sponsor, received the Eternally Grateful Award.
Kids in the Spotlight received an Eternal Impact Award recognizing its work empowering youth in foster care through filmmaking.
Newport Beach City Councilmember Michelle Barto attended the event.
“I met Erin and was really impressed by what she was doing, and I wanted to see how we could help,” Barto told the NB Indy. “I feel like we need more of that family-friendly kind of content in our city. I have a marketing agency, and my agency helped with the marketing pro bono because we were just so excited. We really believe in it, and I think it’s just grown beyond my wildest dreams. It’s really everything’s fallen into place in such a wonderful way.”
The closing celebration drew inspiration from Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” and welcomed Karolyn Grimes, beloved by generations for her portrayal of Zuzu Bailey in the classic 1946 film.
Grimes addressed the more than 200 guests gathered for the Gala, sharing memories of working with Jimmy Stewart on “It’s a Wonderful Life” and Cary Grant on “The Bishop’s Wife.” She also reflected on her own remarkable relationship with the film.
Grimes shared that she did not see “It’s a Wonderful Life” until she was 40 years old and that one of her greatest regrets was not having watched it every year with her children before then. It has since become an annual tradition.
“The movie gives people hope,” Grimes told the NB Indy. “I have people write to me and say, ‘I was on that bridge, and I saw the movie, and it saved me. I realized my life could be made better. I could find myself, and then every time I get down again, I watch it again, and it saved my life.’ So many people have told me that.”
Beyond screenings, panels and awards, MMIFF emphasized community and relationship building. Makers attended one another’s screenings, emerging creatives connected with established professionals, veterans shared their stories with new generations, and new creative and professional relationships formed throughout the week.
Special guests and participating talent throughout Season 3 included Neal McDonough, Karolyn Grimes, Nate Boyer, Cyrus Nowrasteh, Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh, Jeff Celentano, LazRael Lison, Karen Covell, Brad Silverman, Rick Altizer, LyNea “LB” Bell, Alicia Godmasch Elliott, Anne Yancey, DJ Hale, Jesse Edwards, Erin Elizabeth Cook, Olivia Sanabia, Noah Red Clay and numerous additional Makers and entertainment professionals.
With Season 3 concluded, MMIFF has already opened submissions for Season 4.
Festival organizers are evaluating dates, locations and formats for the next season, including a possible return to Newport Beach or a move closer to Los Angeles while maintaining a Southern California coastal setting. MMIFF is also exploring opportunities for smaller pop-up festivals in other states.
Miracle Makers International Film Festival (MMIFF) is a global platform dedicated to empowering storytellers whose work inspires, uplifts and creates lasting change.
Founded by filmmaker, producer, and actress Erin Miracle, the festival celebrates film, television, writing, music, dance, content creation, and the many crafts that bring stories to life.
Through its Faith & Family and Open divisions, Miracle Makers welcomes Makers from a broad range of creative backgrounds while remaining committed to its mission of Entertainment with Eternal Impact.
Beyond screenings and awards, MMIFF connects Makers with industry professionals, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders through panels, pitch opportunities, networking, press, special events, and year-round initiatives designed to extend the impact of meaningful stories beyond the festival itself.
For more information, visit https://miraclemakersiff.com/.
