Moonless International Film Festival

The Moonless International Film Festival is more than a celebration of creativity—it’s a non-profit festival dedicated to making a lasting impact.

Our mission goes beyond honoring incredible filmmakers, screenwriters, musicians, authors, and artists worldwide. We are committed to reinvesting directly into the community, with a special focus on supporting and growing opportunities in the arts.

Every submission, every event, and every partnership helps us continue to create programs that inspire creativity, open new doors for local and global artists, and strengthen the cultural fabric of our community.

When you participate in the Moonless International Film Festival, you're not just showcasing your talent — you're helping build a brighter future for the arts.

Meet the Hosts

Meet the spectacular Hosts of the 2025 Moonless International Film Festival Awards Show being held on May 18, 2025 at the esteemed Sumter Opera House.

  • ACTRESS & PRODUCER

    Our Co-Host starts with the Amazingly Talented Jacklyn Collier, actress, producer, and co-founder of The Bundle Game. She is best known for co-hosting Hallmark Channel ’s The Bubbly Sesh, the Hallmarkies Podcast , and Deck The Hallmark Podcast . Her standout roles include The Engagement Plot, Fit for Christmas, and The Deuce.

    Her vibrant personality and love for storytelling make her the perfect fit to lead this celebration of entertainment.

Meet the 2025 Special Guests

  • ERIN CAHILL

    ACTRESS, PRODUCER, & HALLMARK LEADING LADY

    Erin Cahill is a distinguished American actress and producer, widely recognized for her emotionally resonant performances and enduring presence in television and film. With a career defined by depth, warmth, and grace, Erin has become one of the most beloved stars of the Hallmark Channel, where her work continues to inspire audiences across the globe.

    A graduate of the prestigious Governor’s School for the Arts in Virginia, Erin first rose to fame as Jen Scotts, the iconic Pink Ranger in Power Rangers Time Force. Since then, she has carved a remarkable path in the entertainment industry, delivering critically praised roles on network television and starring in numerous fan-favorite films.

    Erin has become a hallmark of Hallmark, headlining some of the network’s most cherished original movies. Her growing roster of leading roles includes Sleigh Bells Ring, Every Time a Bell Rings, The Secret Ingredient, A Timeless Christmas, Christmas Bedtime Stories, Hearts in the Game, and the recently released Journey to You, which premiered Easter weekend 2025. In Journey to You, Erin delivers a heartfelt performance as a woman on a cross-country quest to reconnect with her family and rediscover her faith, a story that beautifully blends themes of redemption, love, and renewal.

    Her collaborations with Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have also showcased her ability to portray nuanced, compassionate characters navigating life’s most meaningful moments. With each project, Erin brings authenticity, elegance, and emotional intelligence that resonate deeply with viewers.

    Outside of the Hallmark universe, Erin’s versatility shines through her guest-starring roles in acclaimed television series including Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS: Los Angeles, Supernatural, How I Met Your Mother, and Criminal Minds. She has also made her mark in the world of voice acting, contributing to hit video games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Resident Evil: Vendetta.

    In addition to acting, Erin is an accomplished producer and philanthropist, passionate about creating content with purpose and supporting causes close to her heart, including children’s education, health initiatives, and animal welfare.

    Erin Cahill’s dedication to storytelling, both on and off the screen, continues to captivate audiences and industry professionals alike. With her ever-expanding filmography and unwavering commitment to impactful work, she remains a shining light in the world of entertainment—especially within the cherished tradition of Hallmark’s legacy.

  • CHELSEA GILSON

    ACTRESS, PRODUCER, & DIRECTOR

    Chelsea Gilson is an American actress and television host from Massachusetts. She has appeared in various television series and films, including "DollFace," "Hawaii Five-0," "Lucifer," "Dolemite Is My Name," and Hallmark's "Sister of the Bride."

    Chelsea is also an extremely talented Director & Writer as well as Casting Director. Her short film Special Will is one of our featured films at the festival.

    In addition to her acting career, Chelsea maintains a travel blog called Traveling Fig, teaches yoga, and works in real estate.

  • KAREN WALDRUP

    SINGER & SONGWRITER

    Waldrup is a BMI songwriter, a member of NARAS/The Recording Academy (the “Grammy” organization), the CMA’s, and has partnered with Mission of Hope: Haiti.

    Waldrup was a Top 5 Finalist on Season 25 of NBC's The Voice and has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, People Magazine, Netflix, The Hallmark Channel, Bravo TV, Facebook Artist of the Day, NASCAR ESPN Live, the NFL Experience Superbowl XLVII, CMT, Fox, Military.com and hundreds of other outlets world-wide. She has scored 12 Nashville Industry Music Awards and won the 2019 Torch Award from the Keith Whitley Fingerprint on Country Music Awards. Waldrup was named 2023 Top 5 Artist to Watch by Country Evolution. She just released her newest song "Louisiana Hurricane" and is preparing to release her new singles "Fix It" March 2025 and "Blue Cowboy Boots" May 2025. She has recorded 7 studio albums and released over 50 songs internationally.

  • LAURA MITCHELL

    ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, & WRITER

    Laura Mitchell is a versatile actress, director, and writer known for her dynamic performances across film and television. Born in Singapore, she spent her early years in Jakarta before relocating to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she cultivated her passion for the arts. Surrounded by nature and the ocean, Laura's upbringing fueled her imagination and creative pursuits.

    Laura has portrayed a diverse range of characters, earning acclaim for her role as Kate Middleton in Lifetime's trilogy: "Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance," "Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal," and "Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace." Her filmography includes leading roles in romantic comedies such as "Blueprint to the Heart," "Love at the Ranch," "A Great North Christmas," and "Just Add Love." In 2022, she expanded her creative repertoire by writing and directing "Meeting Mr. Christmas," in which she also played a supporting role. Produced by Screen Media and Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, the film aired during the 2022 holiday season.

  • SPENCER FOLMAR

    WRITER, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, & TALENT MANAGER

    Director & Producer Spencer T. Folmar's theatrical debut, "Generational Sins," has spurred a national debate surrounding the interplay of faith and film. The New York Post, The Los Angeles Times, FOX, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Washington Times, CBN, Christian Post, and more have all joined the conversation in about the film's release. In response, Folmar coined the term "Hard Faith" to describe this new genre of film, written for audiences who are hungry for hope in the midst of gritty real-life stories.

    Folmar's career began at the ambitious age of 17 when he directed and produced his first feature film. He then continued to his undergraduate and post-graduate academic career. Folmar attended NYU for his MFA in film and received his Master's in Theology from Reformed Theological Seminary. His desire to combine these two passions is a driving force in his current slate of films. Folmar's goal is to "Shine light in the darkness by telling stories of hope."

    In 2018, Folmar formed the non-profit Veritas Arts INC and started on another new endeavor of owning a historic theatre. Veritas Arts acquired the historic Guthrie Theatre in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Under the Veritas Arts name, Folmar also started a film festival in western PA. Veritas Arts mission is "Tell Stories That Liberate" and do so with education, distribution, financing, and developing feature films.

    While planning another film, Folmar felt compelled to bring light to the overwhelming opioid epidemic ravaging America. When he visited his home in central Pennsylvania, and after hearing so many heartbreaking stories he felt the best way to bring attention in the media was through film. "Shooting Heroin" was then brought to life. A film about a small town taking justice into their own hands to stop the spread of drugs by whatever means possible. This movie began its theatrical tour in 2019 and is planning a wide release in the first quarter of 2020.

  • ANDREW ROGERS

    ACTOR, PRODUCER, & WRITER

    Andrew Philip Rogers is a French-American actor known for his work in film and television. Born in La Rochelle, France, to a French-English father and a French-Italian mother, he spent his formative years between France and the United States, living in cities such as Bordeaux, New York, Paris, and San Francisco. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy of Industrial Societies.

    Films include, “A Merry Single Christmas”, “Christmas Matchmakers”, “How I Met Your Father”, and “Stream”.

  • SIRILAK COLON

    ACTRESS, PRODUCER, & CASTING DIRECTOR

    Sirilak Colon is a very talented actress, producer, & casting director. Her love for acting began when she was offered a role as a police officer in the Indie film "Keys: The Biggest Bank Heist." This sparked her love for film and production.

    Along with acting and production, Sirilak has a talent for martial arts (such as Muay Thai) and can handle heavy artillery from prior weapons training. She later starred in "Walker Texas Ranger" and a "John Wick 4" promo for ESPN. She received an award with the RCCI for "Best Documentary" for her story as a survivor of domestic violence. She acts as an advocate awareness to stop domestic violence and support women.

  • ROCKDIESAL SANTIAGO COLON

    ACTOR, STUNTS, & STUNT COORDINATOR

    Raul colon was born in Bronx, Ny 1970 to Puerto Rican parents . At the age of 6, Raul became a foster child and moved to Watertown Connecticut where he was raised by his foster parents Mel and Virginia Lee Gabey. Raul was one of the few children they kept in their care long term. Eventually, Raul and his new found family move to Florida where he still lives today. He found his love of acting in the shows he watched with his mother and always wanted to be a Cowboy. Raul's journey in life first began as a boxer at the age of 14 which lead him to become a body builder and a cagefighter. In 2012, After a cage match he was asked to do some stunt work on an indiefilm which finally lead him down the path to pursue his dream of acting.

    Since then, Raul colon has been in many films both in the indie market and the main stream market, as a stunt fighter, stunt coordinator and actor. Some of his films include Pain and Gain, Aztec warrior, Graceland (stunts), he as well; stunt doubled for Marcus Taylor in the movie called Paying Mr. Mcgetty, worked along side Dwayne Johnson in an episode of Ballers and served as stunt coordinator in quite a few indie films. Raul has taken the industry by storm and has proven to be quite a formidable up and coming actor and stuntman.

  • WELSH WOLF

    SINGER & SONGWRITER

    Electric and dynamic, Welsh Wolf has emerged as a must-see Artist in the Los Angeles scene. The current single “When You Cry” is an alternative smash that doesn’t shy away from its catchy, melodic songwriting. “When You Cry” signals the coming of Welsh Wolf's debut EP, due out in early 2025.

    Helmed by singer/songwriter Paul Freeman, Welsh Wolf is a departure from Freeman’s roots as a wildly successful songwriter and performer. Freeman, who is no stranger to big moments, has toured the world and performed with a veritable “who’s who” of pop and rock music: James Blunt, The Who, Chris Cornell, and Brandi Carlisle just to name a few.

    He’s played guitar on Blunt’s iconic recording of “You’re Beautiful,” written a Top-40 Billboard hit for Sleeping with Sirens, and has written songs covered by Robbie Williams, Meat Loaf, and Mark Owen of Take That. He has landed incredible syncs over the years in films including "The Break-Up”, as well as, hit TV shows "Jessica Jones” and “Insatiable”.

  • STEVE "THE REAPER" LIVENGOOD

    ACTOR, MUSIC ARTIST, & PODCAST HOST

    Steve "Reaper" Livengood is an Indie Horror Actor of 2 plus years playing multiple creature roles and expanded into speaking roles in different subcategories within the horror genre but open to all genres of film. Published Alternative Model for 3 years and on the cover of 3 magazines.

    He is also the host of a podcast Network that he started 3 years ago called Reaper's Underground and has an international fan base which blends horror, Heavy metal, comedy and an interview show for those in the industry.

    Reaper is a character that was created by Steve that blends the occult with a seductive and sadistic allure with clown and demon elements in its construction for the past 10 years.

  • JERROD WILLIAMS

    ACTOR & MODEL

    Jerrod Williams is a dedicated and humble actor and model whose passion for storytelling is evident in every project he undertakes. He began his professional journey with Bellah Modeling Agency in 2022 and quickly distinguished himself within the entertainment industry through his diverse performances in television and film. Raised in a supportive and nurturing environment, Jerrod credits his success to his unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and perseverance. Despite his growing recognition, he remains deeply family-oriented and consistently expresses gratitude for the opportunities he has received.

    Jerrod's television credits include appearances on Max’s "The Righteous Gemstones" and the second season of "Secrets in Plain Sight." His film accomplishments feature notable roles such as the lead character William in "Diaries of the Miller Family: Part 2," which premiered in theaters in August 2024, and the lead role of Curtis in "Asking For A Friend," streaming on Tubi TV. Additionally, he portrayed Pastor in "Against All Odds," appeared in a background role for Pure Flix’s "God’s Not Dead," and took on the character of Mr. Brown in the independent film "Cream of the Crop."

    Jerrod's dedication to his craft has earned him a prestigious scholarship from BET, highlighting his commitment to continuous growth and excellence in the entertainment field. With ongoing projects like "Reflection of the Inner Me," where he leads as Benjamin, Jerrod Williams continues to inspire audiences through his genuine performances and humble demeanor. His promising career trajectory ensures he will remain a captivating presence in entertainment for years to come.

  • GARY WALES

    ACTOR, PRODUCER, & DIRECTOR

    Gary Wales is a talented Scottish actor and filmmaker known for his captivating performances in both film and television. Born in Falkirk, Scotland, Gary discovered his passion for acting at a young age, leading him to roles in a variety of genres, from drama to thriller. He gained recognition for his portrayal in the popular series Game of Thrones, where he showcased his versatility and commitment to his craft. Beyond acting,

    Gary is a passionate storyteller, often taking on projects that push boundaries and deliver compelling narratives. His dedication to his art, combined with his Scottish roots and commitment to authentic storytelling, make him a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry.