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Marilyn the Bookworm

Behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Marilyn Monroe was a passionate book lover with a large library. She read a variety of genres, including novels, poetry, drama, and nonfiction.

"The positive energy and good intentions you show to Marilyn and in your filmmaking overall are greatly appreciated here!"

Tim Lee
Program Coordinator
Southeast Asia International Film Festival

SEAIFF Announces Early Bird Accepted Films and Scripts
Rhythm of Dammam, Marilyn the Bookworm, and Red Moon
Highlight the Field of 27 Films from Around the World

THAILAND—If you thought every secret (or lie) about Marilyn Monroe has been told, think again. On Dec. 13, the untold story will finally come to light with the SEAIFF premiere of “Marilyn the Bookworm,” directed by Mark Starks. The short film was among 27 selected worldwide during the film festival’s first “Early Bird” acceptance period.

“We are happy to announce Mr. Starks’ enlightening film about Marilyn among our early accepted works,” said Tim Lee, program coordinator. “We have three early bird acceptance periods. This gives filmmakers who wish to attend the film festival event on December 13 time to plan ahead. Also, the early acceptances give filmmakers greater value for their marketing campaigns.”
In all, films or scripts from 18 different nations were accepted, including 10 from USA and four from Southeast Asia. Additional “Early Bird” acceptance periods end July 31 and Oct. 31. We welcome your submissions.

https://filmfreeway.com/SoutheastAsiaInternationalFilmFestival

Authentic Global Film Awards Set to Celebrate Cinematic Diversity in Beverly Hills

The festival’s debut has drawn impressive attention,. with over 3,500 submissions from 170 countries, reflecting a kaleidoscope of cultures, and perspectives

Featured Finalists
The festival has announced a select group of finalists who exemplify its mission:
• Mazen Haj Kassem – "My Toy": A poignant tale of childhood and innocence.
• Joshua Badal – "Built Different: The Ryan Fisher Story": A powerful documentary on courage and resilience.
• Zhe Fu – "Autumn Leaves": A reflective piece on the passage of time and personal change.
• Mark Starks – "Marilyn the Bookworm": A whimsical and insightful story of curiosity and growth.
• Rustem Amirov – "Dear Little Soul or The Nuthouse": An emotional exploration of mental health and human connection.
• Carlos Berenguer Carrión – "Black Sanga: The Prototype": A dynamic animated film rooted in cultural heritage.
Roommate by Henry Jones 111
the Fix directed by Bobbie Chance

Dear Mark,

Hi. We are pleased to inform you that your film has qualified as a semi-finalist in our competition. Your artistic and humanitarian vision were the key elements that your movie has been chosen for this stage.

As you know, Godfrey Cheshire, renowned American film critic and author, will head our jury this year and the rest of the jury members are: Hayedeh Safiyari (Sweden), Babak Payami (Canada), Katayoun Riahi (Iran), Anne Demy Geroe (Australia), John Greyson (Canada), and Roya Sadat (USA).

You are now eligible to use our attached laurel as a semi-finalist in your film and share it in your social media.

Additionally, you will be informed if your film advances to the next qualification stage.

Thank you for your participation, and we wish you the best of luck!

All the best,
Woman, Life, Freedom Film Festival

Dear Mark Starks,

Congratulations! Your film "Marilyn the Bookworm" has been selected as an Award Winner at the Funartt Film Awards.

Your film received recognition in the following category(ies):

Best Documentary

This achievement highlights the excellence of your work and the powerful impression it made on our jury. We are honored to celebrate your success.

Stay updated at https://funartt.com/FilmAwards

With warm congratulations,
Funartt Film Awards Team

  • Mark Starks
    Director
  • Mark Starks
    Writer
  • Mark Starks
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 14, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Southeast Asia International Film Festival
    Pattaya Central
    Thailand
    December 13, 2025
    Asian Premiere
    Award - Best Documentary
  • Athens International Monthly Art Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    January 31, 2025
    Award - Finalist - Best Documentary
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Av. Municipal, CC Regina, Oficina 5 Puerto la Cruz, Anzoategui 6023
    April 4, 2025
    Nomination - Best Director - Mark Starks
  • Festival de Cine Antigua
    Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez 03001
    Guatemala
    February 7, 2026
    Award - Honorable Mention
  • Authentic Global Film Awards
    Beverly Hills, CA
    United States
    May 20, 2025
    Finalist
  • Love & Hope International Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    October 1, 2025
    Selection
  • Filmmaker Sessions @ Pinewood Studios
    London
    United Kingdom
    July 14, 2025
    Selection
  • Woman, Life, Freedom Film Festival
    Brisbane, Queensland
    Australia
    September 16, 2025
    Award - Semi-Finalist (Documentaries)
  • Funartt Film Awards
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    August 26, 2025
    Award - Best Documentary
  • INDIE FILM LA
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    April 12, 2027
    Selection
Director Biography - Mark Starks

Mark H. Starks is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated filmmakers within the contemporary independent film scene. The key evidence is the reported "over 180 awards and selections" from film festivals. This is an extraordinarily high number for any filmmaker, and particularly for an independent one, demonstrating consistent and widespread recognition. His awards and selections come from festivals across the globe, including various locations in the US, Canada, India, Netherlands, Greece, and more. This international reach signifies that his work transcends geographical boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences and juries.
- IMDb mini biography by: Google

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