ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival is a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County. Now in its second year and attracting the work of both emerging and established film makers from around the world, it will once again bring the best in cinema to Palm Beach County.

From February 27 through March 10, 2024, the Festival will screen films spanning a wide range of themes and cultures and explore an eclectic mix of voices and perspectives. Its vision is to be known as the annual celebration of dynamic cinematic storytelling, where people with a passion for movies gather each year to share experiences and ideas.

Presented by MorseLife and founded by Donald M. Ephraim, the Festival was originally named The Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Film Festival. After experiencing the excitement generated by its compelling movies and creative interactions with stars and filmmakers in its inaugural year, the Festival changed its name to the Sun & Stars International Film Festival, capturing the essence of its Palm Beach location.

FESTIVAL FOUNDER

Donald M. Ephraim

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL FOUNDER

Donald M. Ephraim

The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival is a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County. Now in its second year and attracting the work of both emerging and established film makers from around the world, it will once again bring the best in cinema to Palm Beach County.

From February 28 through March 10, 2024, the Festival will screen films spanning a wide range of themes and cultures and explore an eclectic mix of voices and perspectives. Its vision is to be known as the annual celebration of dynamic cinematic storytelling, where people with a passion for movies gather each year to share experiences and ideas.

Presented by MorseLife and founded by Donald M. Ephraim, the Festival was originally named The Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Film Festival. After experiencing the excitement generated by its compelling movies and creative interactions with stars and filmmakers in its inaugural year, the Festival changed its name to the Sun & Stars International Film Festival, capturing the essence of its Palm Beach location.

MEET OUR CAST OF
FILM FESTIVAL EXPERTS

Barbara Scharres, Artistic Director

Barbara Scharres is a film scholar, writer, and lecturer who has published feature articles in criticism in film magazines and journals, including Film Comment, American Cinematographer, Chicago Reader, Variety, The Independent, Chicago Sun-Times, and www.RogerEbert.com, an outlet for which she has contributed extensive coverage of the Cannes Film Festival for more than twenty years. After receiving an undergraduate degree in art from St. Xavier University, she was awarded a master of fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2006, the French government awarded Scharres one of its highest honors by designating her a Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Audrey Votaw, Development Officer

Audrey Votaw joined the Festival from the Norton Museum of Art in Palm Beach, where she served as development officer. She began her career in the local arts scene serving as an executive assistant and membership assistant at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Audrey received her bachelor’s degree in art history from Florida State University.

Nathalie Glaze, Film Festival Manager

Nathalie Glaze,
Film Festival Manager

A native of Palm Beach County, Glaze brings experience with two of the nation’s most significant film festivals, having assisted with coordinating and managing VIP events for the Tribeca Film Institute and having served as a festival coordinator for advancement events for the Sundance Film Institute. She received a bachelor’s degree in business media and arts management from Marymount Manhattan College in New York.

Whether you prefer light-hearted comedy or thought-provoking drama, you’ll love the
Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival, presented by MorseLife!

Whether you prefer light-hearted comedy or thought-provoking drama, you’ll love the Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival, presented by MorseLife!