News Summary
The documentary ‘Welcome To My Roots,’ directed by David Serero, will premiere at the HollyShorts Film Festival, featuring the Sports Icon Culture Award recipient Jeff Hamilton. The festival, showcasing diverse storytelling, will also provide a global streaming option. The film explores Hamilton’s artistic journey and his return to Morocco, intertwined with reflections from notable figures in the industry.
Los Angeles, CA – The documentary “Welcome To My Roots”, directed and produced by David Serero, is set to have its premiere at the prestigious HollyShorts Film Festival on August 7, 2025. This Oscar-qualifying festival will kick off its 11-day celebration of film at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and will feature a red carpet event just before the film screening.
Jeff Hamilton, the celebrated celebrity jacket designer renowned for his custom designs for sports icons and entertainers, will receive the Sports Icon Culture Award at this premiere, recognizing his significant contributions to the celebrity fashion landscape. The screening will begin at 6:00 p.m., following a glamorous red carpet event starting at 5:00 p.m., and will be followed by a Q&A session with Hamilton and Serero.
The festival is scheduled to run from August 7 to 17, showcasing a diverse array of bold and innovative storytelling through the lens of various genres. This year, a record number of 7,000 submissions were entered into the festival, with “Welcome To My Roots” being included in the highly-competitive Sports Category.
“Welcome To My Roots” presents a deeply personal narrative centered around Hamilton’s life and career. The documentary not only explores his artistic accomplishments but also chronicles his emotional return to his ancestral roots in Morocco. Hamilton is known for his striking designs worn by a host of celebrities, including legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, and Madonna. The film captures the essence of his journey through intimate insights and reflections from himself and notable figures such as Mike Tyson, LeBron James, DJ Khaled, and Snoop Dogg.
Furthermore, the documentary places Hamilton’s story within a broader historical context, inviting audiences to understand the impact of culture and identity on creativity. Director David Serero emphasizes that Hamilton’s journey is not just one of professional success, but also one of personal discovery tied to his heritage, underscoring how a person’s background can inspire their creative expression.
The HollyShorts Film Festival stands out for its commitment to highlighting the cultural significance of sports narratives beyond mere athletic prowess. The festival will culminate in the HollyShorts Awards Gala on August 17, where award winners will be announced. In addition to in-person screenings, this year’s festival will offer a global streaming option through Bitpix TV, allowing audiences from around the world to engage with the rich lineup of films.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of “Welcome To My Roots”, it promises to be a compelling exploration of a designer’s journey influenced by culture, identity, and creativity, set against the vibrant backdrop of Hollywood’s film festival scene.
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- Variety: Stormzy, Michael Madsen, Idris Elba at HollyShorts Festival
- Wikipedia: HollyShorts Film Festival
- Theatre Full Stop: HollyShorts 21st Annual Film Festival Line-Up Announced
- Google Search: HollyShorts Film Festival
- Variety: Minecraft Director Jared Hess at HollyShorts Film Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festivals

Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.