Claudia EstradaCulture, Arts & Entertainment, Delaware Arts, Events, Headlines
The Wilmington International Film Festival, will make its debut October 9–12, 2025, including a new scholarship program awarding a full four-year Wilmington University scholarship. (Photo courtesy of Gordon DelGiorno)
WILMINGTON — The Wilmington International Film Festival will make its debut October 9–12, 2025, bringing four days of global cinema, arts, and community events to the city — including a new scholarship program awarding a full four-year Wilmington University scholarship to a local high school filmmaker.
The four-day festival will take place across multiple venues—including Theatre N @ Nemours, The Screening Room at 1313, Delaware Contemporary, and Penn Cinemas—and will feature 50 to 60 films from both international and regional filmmakers.
Spearheaded by festival director, longtime filmmaker, and founder of Film Brothers Productions, Gordon DelGiorno, the festival promises a mix of film screenings, live performances, art exhibitions, and cultural networking events. DelGiorno, who has over 25 years of experience in film and event production, including time as interim director of the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival, says this new Wilmington event will operate independently, focusing on artist-first.
“I want to do it like, sort of the artist’s way with business, and not, you know, not get caught up in the bureaucracy,” DelGiorno said.
While Wilmington has hosted local film events in the past, this marks the first international film. “We’re getting submissions from everywhere.”
“We’re bringing in films from all over the world, which you may never, ever see on a big screen.”
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On top of global entries, the festival will host the Brandywine Award competition, highlighting work from local filmmakers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.
But films are only part of the experience. The Chancery will serve as the festival hub, A central gathering space for live music, international cuisine, art vendors, and networking opportunities.
According to DelGiorno, the event is designed to be more than just a showcase of cinema.
“It’s not just going to be about film—it’s going to be about the arts in general,” DelGiorno said. With accommodations nearby at the Residence Inn and Hotel DuPont, the hub is expected to be a key destination for visiting filmmakers, artists, and attendees.
Scholarship opportunity for aspiring filmmakers
The Festival is also putting a strong emphasis on youth engagement and educational opportunity through a new scholarship initiative in partnership with Wilmington University. According to DelGiorno, the university has committed to awarding a full four-year scholarship, valued at approximately $80k, to a promising young filmmaker from Wilmington.
“I got their board of trustees to agree to give a full four-year paid scholarship — you’re talking about probably 80 grand — to an emerging filmmaker from Wilmington, Delaware,” DelGiorno said.
The scholarship will be awarded through a competitive summer program for local high school sophomores and juniors. Participants will take part in a hands-on filmmaking initiative, creating short films that will be screened during the festival weekend. Each entry will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and the winner will be announced at a formal awards brunch on the final day of the festival.
“Some kid’s going to get their life changed. Who didn’t have the opportunity- doesn’t have the money for it,” DelGiorno added.
The scholarship recipient will be formally recognized at the Sunday morning awards brunch, scheduled for 11 a.m., where university officials—including the president of Wilmington University—will present the scholarship in person.
Submissions now open
Currently, the festival is accepting submissions and expects hundreds of entries before the selection is finalized. DelGiorno emphasized the event’s focus on showcasing first-run films before they hit streaming platforms.
“It’s really about coming out to the movies again-when they see it on a movie screen and with the sound, and they’re surrounded, and there’s people and the place is packed, there’s something about the energy that’s different.”
From emerging student filmmakers to seasoned professionals and curious locals, the Wilmington International Film Festival is aiming to redefine what a local arts festival can be.
“It’s more like we’re expanding and bringing people in here from outsiders,” DelGiorno said. “There’s business, there’s students’ futures… we’re timing local businesses. This is different.”
For more information, to submit a film, or to get involved, visit wilmington.film.
Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.
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Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.
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The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion that occurred Tuesday night in Smyrna. Troopers are seeking the public’s assistance locating the suspect, 33-year-old Steven Mauthe of Smyrna, Delaware, for multiple felony offenses. On April 15, 2025, at approximately 8:39 p.m., troopers responded to a residence on Ivy Ridge Court in Smyrna, for a report of a home invasion and assault. The preliminary investigation revealed that Steven Mauthe entered the residence, which was occupied by the homeowner and a 76-year-old man, both of whom are acquaintances of Mauthe. Mauthe proceeded to get into an argument with the 76-year-old victim, during which he punched the victim’s face multiple times. Mauthe fled from the home; however, returned a couple minutes later, repeatedly punched the victim in the face, and then fled on foot in an unknown direction. The victim was taken to an area hospital by EMS for his injuries. The homeowner was not injured. Troopers conducted a search of the area for Mauthe, but were unable to locate him. Troopers continue investigating this incident, and are asking for anyone with information regarding this case or Steven Mauthe’s whereabouts to contact Corporal N. Mongiello by calling Troop 9 at 302-378-5749. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333. If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected]. The post State Police Investigating Home Invasion in Smyrna appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Ian Tolson and 34-year-old Jaaron Tolson, both from Dover, Delaware, for felony gun and drug charges following search warrants at two Dover residences. On April 9, 2025, members of the Kent County Drug Unit, Kent County Governor’s Task Force, and the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team, executed search warrants at a house on Harmony Lane and a house on State Circle, both in Dover. The search warrants were obtained following an investigation of Ian and Jaaron Tolson for the distribution of illegal narcotics from the properties. Before executing the search warrant on State Circle, detectives saw a red Cadillac Escalade, driven by Jaaron Tolson, leave the residence. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the Cadillac, and Jaaron Tolson was taken into custody without incident. Ian Tolson was taken into custody at the Harmony Lane residence without incident. A search of the State Circle property led to the discovery of the following items: 2 – 9mm handguns and ammunition Stolen .45 caliber handgun and ammunition Approximately .02 grams of crack cocaine Digital scale A search of the Harmony Lane property led to the discovery of the following items: 9mm handgun and ammunition Approximately 34.30 grams of crack cocaine Digital scale A computer inquiry revealed Ian Tolson is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. He was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $105,500 cash bond. Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) Possession of a Firearm Previously Convicted of a Violent Felony (Felony) – 3 counts Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited with a Prior Drug Conviction (Felony) Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony) – 2 counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts Possession of Drug Paraphernalia A computer inquiry revealed Jaaron Tolson is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. He was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $77,000 cash bond. Possession of a Firearm Previously Convicted of a Violent Felony (Felony) – 3 counts Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited with a Prior Drug Conviction (Felony) Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony) – 2 counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts Possession of a Controlled Prescription without a Prescription Possession of Drug Paraphernalia The post Search Warrants in Dover Lead to Arrests for Gun and Drug Offenses appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
Incident Number: 50-25-13006 Date/Time: Sunday, April 13th, 2025 at 10:13 a.m. Location: Lincoln Street Dover, DE Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected] Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Isiah Worthy, 28, of Dover, on graffiti charges following an incident that occurred early Sunday morning. The investigation began at 10:13 a.m., when Patrol Officers were checking the area of Simon Circle attempting to locate a suspect of an unrelated complaint. While there, a Patrol Supervisor was approached by a complainant/witness who advised that someone was writing in black magic marker on City owned poles and signs. The witness provided a description of the suspect and the last known direction of travel. The responding Officer located Worthy, who matched the witness description, walking in the area of Loockerman Street and South Kirkwood Street. The ensuing investigation revealed that Worthy had defaced a City of Dover Electric Pole and a Stop Sign in the area of Lincoln Street. It was also discovered that Worthy had an outstanding warrant. Worthy was taken into custody and transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned. It should be noted that the graffiti included references to the KKK but the context and intent of the reference is still undermined. After Worthy’s release, additional graffiti reports of similar style began to be received by the Police Department. The most concerning was the defacing of the marquee sign of one of our Downtown places of worship. The Department believes that there may be more victims related to this graffiti spree, particularly in the Downtown area. The Patrol Unit is scanning for more damage locations and the Dover Police Department Criminal Investigation Unit is continuing this investigation. Additional charges may be forthcoming based on investigative findings and a potential determination by the Department of Justice. If you have any information on this case, or were a victim of this incident, please contact Detective Goad at 302-736-7143. As it relates to the initial graffiti case, Worthy was released on OR bond after resolving his warrant. He has a pending court date on the following charges: -Graffiti -Possession of Graffiti Implements Worthy is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Isiah Worthy Dover, DE
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