Flying in from Switzerland for the world premiere of his film Come and Find Me.

IndieX Film Fest is pleased to announce Carmine Carpenito as the first confirmed guest speaker for the 2025 Annual Awards Q&A Panel, scheduled to take place at 4:55 PM in Cinema #14 at Regal LA Live. Carpenito will join fellow filmmakers and industry guests for a conversation on independent filmmaking, creative challenges, and the storytelling process.

His participation in the panel follows the world premiere of his short film, Come and Find Me, which is part of Block 3. Horror & Other Stories, screening from 2:15 PM to 4:05 PM in Cinema #3.

About the Filmmaker

Carmine Carpenito is a Swiss-born film journalist, first-time director, screenwriter, and producer of Italian descent. Based in Switzerland, Carpenito began his career in film journalism in 2005 and is best known for his work with BlairWitch.de, a German-language horror platform he has managed since 2021. Over the years, he has conducted interviews with major Hollywood figures such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Charlize Theron, and Jodie Foster, earning widespread attention for his thoughtful approach.

In addition to his journalism, Carpenito has worked behind the scenes with press portals for major film studios including Universal Pictures, Disney, and Paramount. He is also a regular contributor to Film Guide, a Swiss publication aimed at national moviegoers.

In 2024, Carpenito made his directorial debut with Come and Find Me, a project he independently financed and produced.

About His Film Come and Find Me

Come and Find Me tells the story of a 14-year-old boy, played by Fflyn Edwards (known for portraying young Prince Harry in The Crown), who receives an unexpected call from the afterlife in the middle of the night. What unfolds is a mysterious and emotionally charged journey that leads to a shocking personal revelation.

The film features voice talent from Ward E. Sexton, widely recognized for his work in the Resident Evil video games. Shot over four days in a forest location without electricity, the production relied entirely on natural night settings, avoiding common techniques like day-for-night filming in favor of realism.

Directorial Approach

In his director’s statement, Carpenito describes the project as a significant personal and professional step. Without formal film school training or external funding, he chose to self-finance the film, guided by a strong belief in the story and its themes. He emphasizes the collaborative effort of the cast and crew and highlights the emotional core of the film — a fractured father-son relationship — as a central element.

Carpenito cites Life as a House as a source of thematic inspiration, noting his interest in stories that explore healing and overlooked emotional dynamics.

Festival Recognition

Come and Find Me is nominated for Best Mystery Short, Best First Time Male Director, Best Young Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score of the Year at the IndieX Film Fest 2025 Annual Awards. These nominations follow the film’s early recognition in February 2025, when it received the Award of Excellence (Special Jury Mention) during jury screenings — a distinction that qualified it for the annual competition and signaled its strong impression on festival curators.

Prior to its public screening, Come and Find Me has also received early acclaim at our associate festival Indie Short Fest, earning 9 awards, including Best Short of the Season last January 2025.

IndieX Film Fest 2025 Q&A Panel aims to offer attendees insight into the creative process behind independent films and the experiences of emerging voices in the industry. Carmine Carpenito’s participation is expected to provide a valuable perspective shaped by years in film journalism and a recent transition into directing.

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