HOLLYWOOD GLOBAL SCREEN – SPECIAL FESTIVAL EDITION

Indian Visionary Kumar Raj Storms Hollywood: Official Selection at Covellite International Film Festival, USA

UNN: Hollywood’s independent film circuit is buzzing with international energy as acclaimed Indian filmmaker Kumar Raj secures an official selection at the prestigious Covellite International Film Festival (CIFF) 2026, taking place April 9 – 12, 2026 (USA) at The Covellite, Butte, Montana.
Montana is a western state defined by its diverse terrain ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains. Its wide-open spaces include Glacier National Park, a vast wilderness preserve that passes into Canada. The park’s many snow-capped peaks, lakes and alpine hiking trails are showcased along its famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, stretching 50 miles.
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Montana Maps & Facts – World Atlas
Montana, the “Treasure State” (MT), is a vast, mountainous US state in the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains regions. Known as “Big Sky Country,” it is celebrated for its diverse terrain, including Glacier National Park and parts of Yellowstone. Helena is the capital, while Billings is the largest city.
Known for his powerful women-centric narratives, Kumar Raj continues to carve a distinct space for socially conscious cinema on the global stage. His earlier films Tara and Ameena have been widely appreciated for their bold portrayal of women empowerment, resilience, and emotional strength. With this new selection, Raj once again brings Indian storytelling into an international spotlight.
A Festival Forged in Grit and Truth
Founded in 2015 by Don Andrews and Brian Boyd during an unexpected halt in Butte while filming a road trip movie, CIFF quickly grew into one of America’s most heartfelt independent festivals. Over its first five years, it showcased more than 600 films from 36 countries, transforming historic Uptown Butte venues into immersive storytelling spaces.
After a brief dormant period, Covellite Presents 501(c)(3) re-emerged as a vibrant creative hub under the leadership of Demetrius Fassas in 2023. Don Andrews returned as Programming Director to reboot the festival in 2024 alongside new Festival Director Ainsley Sevier.
In 2026, CIFF returns to its core philosophy—honesty, resilience, and the everyday human experience. The festival stands apart from commercial glamour, celebrating authenticity over industry clout.
Their guiding spirit reflects the timeless thought often paraphrased by Neil Gaiman from G.K. Chesterton:
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
Why This Selection Matters
At Covellite, awards are not about red-carpet politics. They are earned in the theatre seats—in debates, in tears, in laughter, and in the lingering silence after the credits roll. Films that dig deep, heal wounds, challenge injustice, or reveal raw truths are the ones that resonate here.
For Kumar Raj, whose storytelling consistently addresses social realities and women’s dignity, this platform aligns perfectly with his cinematic voice.
Event Details
Festival Dates (USA): April 9 – 12, 2026
Location: Butte, Montana 59701, United States
Venue: The Covellite, 215 West Broadway Street, Butte, Montana
Festival Leadership 2026
• Festival Director – Ainsley Sevier
• Managing Director – Josh Peck
• Festival Coordinator – Paisley Wanamaker
• Programming Director – Don Andrews
• Programmer – Barb Knapke
• Programmer – Clint Connors
• Screenplay Programmer – Caleb Hill
• Tech Director – Phil Yanzick
• Marketing Assistant – Christine Moises
• Owner, Covellite Presents – Demetrius Fassas

A Global Moment for Indian Cinema
With this official selection, Kumar Raj strengthens his international footprint and reinforces the growing global appetite for Indian independent cinema rooted in purpose and courage.
From India to Montana, from Tara to Ameena, his films continue to echo a universal message — that strength, dignity, and truth can indeed overcome dragons.
April 2026 promises to be a defining moment in Kumar Raj’s cinematic journey — and perhaps another milestone in the global rise of meaningful storytelling.