Posted by Louis English’s surreal comedy Thanks For Eating Me serves up satire, suspense, and standout performances, earning Best Short of the Season. El Alma de la Sed, a poignant and visually compelling work by Colleen Ryan, receives the Special Jury Award for Best Foreign-Language Short.
We are thrilled to announce that Louis English’s darkly surreal comedy Thanks For Eating Me has been awarded Best Short of the Season at the February/March 2025 edition. This 14-minute film is a masterclass in psychological satire, blending absurdist humor with sharp social commentary.
The story follows Daniel, an aspiring Australian writer, who arrives disastrously late to lunch at his girlfriend’s British country estate. What begins as an awkward social gathering quickly spirals into a bizarre descent: an uncle whispers to paintings, a mother weaponizes etiquette, and a brother’s theatrical display borders on romantic overture. All the while, the mansion’s unseen patriarch surveils the proceedings through crackling intercoms and an archaic security system. By dawn, “Daddy’s” crushing monologue forces Daniel to confront the reality that he’s not the next great novelist—just fresh meat in this family’s twisted funhouse.
Directed by Louis English, an emerging talent from Sydney now based in London, the film showcases his transition from commercial directing to narrative filmmaking.
The film’s production, completed on a modest budget of £3,000, features a standout performance by Ben Smith-Petersen as Daniel, alongside Ines English as Samantha and Penny Ryder as Margaret. The ensemble cast delivers performances that oscillate between the comedic and the unsettling, perfectly complementing the film’s tone.
Thanks For Eating Me is a testament to the power of short-form storytelling, delivering a rich, layered narrative within its brief runtime.
Congratulations to Louis English and his team for this well-deserved recognition.
Best Foreign-Language Short of the Season: “El Alma de la Sed” by Colleen Ryan
Indie Short Fest is also honored to present the Special Jury Award for Best Foreign-Language Short of the Season to El Alma de la Sed, a poignant and visually compelling film directed by Colleen Ryan.
Set against the backdrop of Panama’s ongoing water crisis, this 18-minute narrative introduces us to Luis, a young boy from a low-income family in Panama City. Inspired by the legend of an ancient spirit believed to bring nourishment to those who believe, Luis embarks on a journey that intertwines folklore with the harsh realities of his community’s struggle for access to clean water. The film masterfully captures the innocence and determination of youth, symbolizing the power of hope and the belief that individuals can instigate change.
Colleen Ryan, a senior studying Film and Television at the Savannah College of Art and Design, brings a deeply personal touch to this project. As a Panamanian citizen, she sheds light on the pressing issue of water scarcity affecting lower-income communities in Panama. Her direction seamlessly blends the rich cultural heritage of Panama with contemporary challenges, resulting in a narrative that is both enlightening and emotionally resonant.
The film’s cinematography is noteworthy, utilizing the Alexa Mini to capture the vibrant yet challenging environment of Panama. The performances, particularly by Kahled Caballero Prado as Luis, convey authenticity and depth, drawing viewers into the heart of the story.
El Alma de la Sed stands as a testament to the resilience of communities facing adversity and the enduring power of belief and hope. It serves as a reminder of the pressing global issues that demand our attention and the role of storytelling in amplifying marginalized voices.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Colleen Ryan and her dedicated team for crafting a film that not only informs but also inspires. El Alma de la Sed is a deserving recipient of this season’s Special Jury Award, and we eagerly anticipate the future contributions of this talented filmmaker.
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