VALENTINE'S DAY - FEBRUARY 14TH

Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day,is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

The Feast of Saint Valentine was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honor of Saint Valentine of Rome, who died on that date in AD 269. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the "lovebirds" of early spring. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. In Italy, Saint Valentine's Keys are given to lovers "as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver's heart".  LEARN MORE 

The 32nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, honoring the best achievements in film and television performances for the year 2025, will be presented on March 1,2026, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Actress Kristen Bell will host the ceremony. Here 

Roll Out the Red Carpet: It’s The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA

Your complete digital guide to The 32nd Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA is now live! Read about Life Achievement honoree Harrison Ford and get the scoop on everything you need to know to maximize your Actor Awards experience. Here’s what you need to do: READ THE ISSUE

YOUNG PERFORMERS: RULES ON THE SET!

Join the SAG-AFTRA President's Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement for a primer on the special rules and protections for Young Performers working on set. Hosted by SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair with SAG-AFTRA National Director, Background & New York Entertainment Contracts Stephanie Perry. Filmed in 2023, it is still a great watch.  WATCH NOW

Grip qualifications funded through Northern Ireland Screen and ScreenSkills. 

Northern Ireland Screen 2026 is partnering with ScreenSkills High-end TV and Film Skills Funds to support Level 2 Diploma training for grips in Northern Ireland. Up to six participants will receive funding support of up to £4,500 toward the £6,000 qualification. LEARN MORE

NORTHERN IRELAND SCREEN NEWS

Filming begins on series two of crime drama Crá. Filming begins on series two of crime drama Crá, with new cast members joining some familiar faces.

The hugely successful first series, produced by Fíbín Media and Zoogon Ltd. In series two, the personal and professional lives of law enforcers who are operating in a lawless borderland are explored as Conall, now a trainee detective, must confront his past to secure his future. LEARN MORE

76th Berlin International Film Festival

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market will open on February 12-22, 2026. This German festival brings filmmakers from all over the world to the city of Berlin to celebrate films and filmmakers. Learn More

2026 AACTA Awards and Festival 

With the AACTA Awards and Festival boasting more than 110 events, we’ve selected some of the highly anticipated sessions and screenings that we’ll be attending over the five-day program. From panels packed with homegrown talent to exciting opportunities to level up your career as well as all the glitz and glamour of premieres and award galas, the AACTA Festival has something for everyone. Read More

The Whickers Film & TV Awards 

Jewish Film Institute 2026 Completion Grants

Filmmakers, applications are now open for the 2026 JFI Completion Grants! These grants from the Jewish Film Institute provide crucial finishing funds to film projects that expand understanding of Jewish life, culture, and experiences worldwide. Submit your film by the early bird deadline (January 25) or the final deadline (March 8th). LEARN MORE

World Cinema Fund

As the largest federal funder of the humanities, NEH offers 47 grant programs to support museums, historic sites, colleges, universities, K-12 teachers, libraries, public television and radio stations, research institutions, independent scholars, and nonprofits nationwide. Find the best funding opportunity for your project using our grants search.  

SEARCH FUNDING

Catapult Development Grant application open 

Step 1 deadline - February 2,2026

The development grant provides critical early-stage support to documentary filmmakers when funding is hardest to find. LEARN MORE

North Mercer School District has received a Graduation Grant from the World Film Federation to help with the graduation students of 2026. Mercer County has recently seen a surge in arts funding and the World Film Federation is proud to be a part of your future. The Federation wishes the recipients a wonderful start of their new careers. 

Catherine O'Hara, who starred in 'Home Alone' and 'Schitt's Creek,' dies at 71.

Canadian born actress and screenwriter Catherine O'Hara has died at her home in Los Angeles, following a brief illness, according to her agent and manager. She was 71 years old and was known for absurdist comedy. She enjoyed a six-decade career in TV and film playing sometimes over-the-top, but endearing characters. Our prayers go out to her family.