Canadian filmmaker redefines indie genre filmmaking with the first neo-noir sci-fi short shot entirely on an LED volume
From the Heart Productions, the 501(c)(3) top-rated nonprofit dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers, proudly announces that Canadian filmmaker, actor, and artist Lovina Yavari has been selected as the Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant Winner for 2025 for her visually stunning and boundary-pushing short film, ARECIBO.
“Lovina’s ARECIBO is a breathtaking fusion of technology and artistry,” said Carole Joyce, Vice President and Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants at From the Heart Productions. “It embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking—original, daring, and deeply creative. Lovina’s vision proves that with imagination and skill, indie filmmakers can rival the visual power of major studios.”
As this year’s winner, Yavari will receive $3,000 in music and audio services from award-winning composer David Raiklen, $6,000 in animation from Emmy Award-winner Charlie Canfield (one-third off his normal rate for six weeks of animation), $500 in grip, lighting, or expendables from Filmtools, and thousands more in donated production goods and services from generous industry sponsors.
About the Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant Winner — ARECIBO
In a gritty futuristic world, Ryder, an independent motorcycle courier known as an Arecibo, must outwit ruthless bike gangs and a mysterious hacker called The Cryptkeeper after discovering a dangerous secret hidden in her latest delivery.
Described as Who Framed Roger Rabbit meets Akira, ARECIBO is the first Canadian indie neo-noir sci-fi short shot entirely on an LED volume, merging groundbreaking virtual production techniques with handcrafted artistry.
All environments were built in Unreal Engine 5 and integrated with practical sets, 2D animation, animatronics, and live-action performance, creating an electrifying mix of realism and stylization rarely seen in independent cinema. Unlike projects that rely on generative AI, every environment, prop, and character was meticulously hand-crafted by Yavari’s team—demonstrating what is possible when passion, technology, and artistry converge.
“ARECIBO isn’t just a short film—it’s a glimpse at the future of indie genre filmmaking,” said Yavari. “We wanted to show that creativity and collaboration can achieve what once required a studio. The Roy W. Dean Grant will help us complete this ambitious project and bring our world to life.”
The film is currently in post-production and set to premiere in July 2026. It was made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and now, From the Heart Productions.
About the Filmmaker
Lovina Yavari is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, and multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Canada. With a background that spans performance, visual art, and immersive storytelling, her work is defined by bold aesthetics, genre innovation, and a fearless embrace of emerging technology. As an actor, she has appeared in major productions including The Boys, Shazam!, and Polar, bringing a dynamic on-screen presence to both blockbuster and genre projects.
As a filmmaker, Lovina merges science fiction, anime influences, fashion-forward design, and high-concept world-building to create visually striking, emotionally driven narratives. Her previous short film, Red String of Fate, was featured on DUST and recognized for its stylized storytelling and genre sensibility.
Her latest project, ARECIBO, pushes the boundaries of independent filmmaking as the first Canadian indie neo-noir sci-fi short shot entirely on an LED volume. By integrating Unreal Engine 5, practical builds, 2D animation, animatronics, and live performance—without reliance on generative AI—Lovina demonstrates how indie creators can harness cutting-edge tools while preserving handcrafted artistry.
In addition to filmmaking, Lovina is co-director of the indie horror ARPG The Horror, currently in development and available to wishlist on Steam. Across mediums, her work reflects a commitment to imaginative world-building, technical innovation, and elevating independent genre storytelling on a global scale.
About the Roy W. Dean Grant
From its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished. Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. Prior winners of the Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant include Ruth, Stairway to the Stars, Hungry Ghosts, and Love Taps. Winners of other of the Roy W. Dean Grants include winner of the 2025 Truer than Fiction Spirit Award Winner A Photographic Memory, 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs, as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins
About From the Heart Productions
From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made. They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects. The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project.
President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts. Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding. Her new course, Learn Producing: The Ultimate Guide to Indie Film Production is a year-round course that provides filmmakers with the essentials they need to produce their projects.
