Annual Award Winners 2024/2025

Learn more about each film below

Alpha 27 by Nick Azzaro (USA)

Best LGBTQ Short

After a decade on Earth, Diego must protect the life he’s built when unforeseen events pressure his return to his space colony of origin.

Recognized for its emotional depth, visual excellence, and the universal themes it portrays.

Beverly Hills Exorcist by Rem Scobell (USA)

Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Score

An elite exorcist is called to a lavish Beverly Hills mansion, where dark forces threaten to unravel the glamorous facade.

Recognized for the captivating and emotionally charged performance of Eileen Dietz, bringing depth and authenticity to the film’s chilling narrative, and the haunting melodies and atmospheric tension of Jarryd Elias’ original score, which enhances the film’s eerie tone.

Blue Marks by Gal Salomon (Israel)

Best Romantic Comedy Short

During a motorcycle ride, an honest conversation about their relationship forces a couple to confront their feelings with humor and vulnerability.

Recognized for its charming and authentic performances, capturing the complexities of modern relationships with humor and heart, and for its witty and heartfelt screenplay that strikes the perfect balance between comedy and romance.

Brotherly Blood by Alejandra Lopez (USA)

Best Crime Short

Two step-brothers seek revenge against the killer accountable for their parents’ death.

Recognized for its intense and gripping performances, portraying the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, and for its sharp, suspenseful screenplay that masterfully builds tension and emotional depth.

Casa Paraíso by Mateo Sicilia (USA)

Best Student Male Director

​A submissive hotel manager must orchestrate a flawless experience for a family of potential buyers, all while dealing with room issues, bad smells—and a dead body.

​Recognized for its dark humor and sharp social commentary, with Sicilia’s direction skillfully balancing suspense and satire. ​

Catacombs by Chad Cunningham (USA)

Best Mystery Short

​During a raging thunderstorm, a correctional officer must face the horrors that haunt the maximum security prison where he works.

​Recognized for its intense atmosphere and gripping narrative, effectively blending supernatural elements with psychological tension. ​

Cry Like a Guy by Anthony Rubinstein (UK)

Best Microfilm

An educational and humorous exploration into the hidden world of male tears, challenging societal stigmas surrounding men’s emotional expression.

Recognized for its creative approach, blending humor and authenticity to spark meaningful conversations about mental health and masculinity, and for its strong technical execution, with sharp editing, polished cinematography, and a well-crafted narrative structure.

Epinephrine by Crosbie Theodora Roper (USA)

Best Experimental Short

A young biracial woman navigates college life, majoring in architecture while working at a strip club to fund her education, confronting issues of race, colorism, sexism, and generational trauma.

​Recognized for its innovative storytelling and bold exploration of identity, combining striking visuals with a thought-provoking narrative to challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful dialogue.​

Frank and 3 by Charles A Ullrich (USA)

Best Comedy Short and Best Actor

Frank’s journey toward personal redemption takes a darkly comedic turn, blending sharp humor with emotional depth.

Recognized for its clever writing and strong direction, striking a perfect balance between humor and emotional depth. Steven Ogg delivers a standout performance, showcasing impeccable comedic timing and emotional nuance.

Giselle by Lauren Goetzman (USA)

Best Women Short

​A grieving woman denies a series of spiritual signs urging her to confront the death of her brother.

​Recognized for its poignant exploration of grief and denial, delivering a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with audiences. Goetzman’s direction brings sensitivity and depth to the film, offering an intimate portrayal of personal loss.​

Go-Chi by Lolly Sawant (India)

Best Sci-Fi Short

​Set in 2045, “Go-Chi” portrays a high-stakes battle between the government satellite Meghnath and the elusive hacker Nector, a member of the tech cult Black Ego.

​Recognized for its innovative storytelling and compelling narrative, the film masterfully explores themes of surveillance and rebellion, delivering a thought-provoking experience. ​

Harbor by Keegan Duncan (USA)

Best Acting Duo

When past debt threatens the family boat, a brother and sister must look past their differences to save their father’s pride and joy.

Recognized for the heartfelt and nuanced performances of Jack Norris and Pamela Portnoy, whose chemistry and emotional depth bring authenticity to the sibling dynamic, making their connection both relatable and deeply moving.

Here by Mark Lynch (Ireland)

Best Student Short

“Here” tells the story of Leon, who returns to his childhood home after starting college, only to find it transformed into a shrine to his late mother.

Recognized for its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth, beautifully exploring the complexities of loss and family bonds.

Hoteling by Ryan Buffa (USA)

Best Young Actor

“Hoteling” follows a young boy navigating an unfamiliar world as he adjusts to life in a hotel after his family faces sudden upheaval.

Recognized for his authentic and emotionally resonant performance. Jackson Abram captures the vulnerability and resilience of his character with remarkable depth.

July 4th, 2020 by Joe Juanyao Zheng (China)

Best Original Screenplay

July 2020, at the peak of the pandemic in Los Angeles, misunderstandings and conflicts between a Chinese immigrant father, a white restaurant owner, and a young Black man escalate into a tumultuous climax.

Recognized for its sharp dialogue and layered storytelling, skillfully capturing the complexities of human connection and societal unrest.

Just For Now by Victor Kuchmaner and Elliot Wilks (USA)

Best Thriller Short

Jessica may have made the biggest scientific discovery in history. While celebrating at her best friend’s diner, a flirtatious encounter with Isaac takes a dark turn, forcing her to make a life-changing decision.

Recognized for its gripping narrative and unexpected twists, skillfully balancing suspense and emotional stakes.

Nerot Shel Shabbat by Lital Mizrahi (USA)

Best First Time Female Director and Best Supporting Actor

A young Jewish couple decide to flee the Soviet Union during the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Recognized for its powerful direction skillfully capturing the strength of faith and the resilience of the human spirit, with visual and emotional impact, while Hovhannes Babakhanyan delivers a standout performance.

New Idea by Marko Bosanac (Serbia)

Best Animation Short

Pensilio, Loopito, and Lensio—representing creativity, research, and production—as they navigate challenges that reflect the ups and downs of the creative process.

Recognized for its originality and charming execution, “New Idea” offers a clever and heartwarming exploration of the creative journey, brought to life through vibrant animation and engaging characters.

Paper Flowers by Todd Lien (USA)

Best Children Short and Best Young Actress

A poignant coming-of-age story that centers around the unlikely friendship between two Asian American children. The film delves into themes of loneliness, cultural identity, and the transformative power of friendship.

Recognized for its well-crafted and emotionally resonant storytelling by Todd Lien, who captures the delicate balance between childhood innocence and the deeper struggles of identity and belonging, along with the heartfelt performance of Sylvia Ye, whose ability to convey deep emotions with subtlety brings depth to the film.

Pascal Ball by Ai Xin (China)

Best Film Noir Short

Set against the neon-lit streets of Shanghai, Pascal Ball follows Stan, a solitary, middle-aged film buff and writer, who becomes captivated by a mysteriously alluring woman. His impulsive decision to follow her pulls him into a surreal adventure, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, ultimately altering his perception of the world.

Recognized for its evocative storytelling and striking visual style, Ai Xin’s direction skillfully captures the essence of classic film noir while infusing it with contemporary sensibilities.

Pike by Charles Delaney (UK)

Best Web Series/TV Pilot

“Pike” is a dark comedy that follows a talent agent who reaches his breaking point after dealing with one too many talentless clients—leading him down an unexpected path. Blending sharp satire with a twisted sense of humor, the series offers a bold take on ambition, frustration, and the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry.

Recognized for its sharp wit, unapologetic approach, and darkly comedic edge, “Pike” delivers a refreshing and cleverly crafted take on the genre, balancing satire and absurdity with genuinely funny moments.

Pretty Please by Vanessa Zamarripa (USA)

Best Music Video

Featuring a song by Peng Peng, “Pretty Please” is a visual journey of resilience and empowerment. Set within the emotional world of boxing, it captures the essence of perseverance.

Recognized for its striking imagery and dynamic storytelling, “Pretty Please” highlights Vanessa Zamarripa’s artistic vision and thoughtful direction.

Punjabi Protector by Daniel Locicero (USA)

Best Action Short

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, Keeran, a resourceful and determined British Indian secret agent, embarks on a mission of revenge.

Recognized for its well-executed action sequences and engaging narrative, “Punjabi Protector” highlights Daniel Locicero’s skill in bringing dynamic action to the screen.

Retrieval by Fatimah Asghar (USA)

Best Female Director

“Retrieval” is a visually evocative exploration of memory, loss, and identity. Following a journey to reclaim a part of herself that had been severed, the protagonist seeks to rewrite a painful memory, confronting the past to find healing.

Recognized for its nuanced storytelling and distinct directorial vision, “Retrieval” showcases Fatimah Asghar’s skill in crafting emotionally resonant cinema.

Satya by Naveen Vijay Krishna (India)

Best Drama Short and Best Cinematography

“Satya” follows the journey of a young woman stepping beyond an overprotected childhood into the freedom given to her by her husband, who is silently fighting his own battles. Through a deeply emotional narrative, the film explores love, sacrifice, and personal growth.

Recognized for its heartfelt storytelling and visually striking cinematography, “Satya” highlights Naveen Vijay Krishna’s artistic vision as a filmmaker, while Balaji Subramanyam’s cinematography enhances the film’s emotional depth through its compelling visual style.

Slough by Yuzhu Lan and Yutong Wang (UK)

Best Student Female Director

Set in 1980s rural China, Slough follows Hu Xiaolong, a girl raised as a boy by her father. Struggling with her gender identity, she is forced into an arranged marriage with a blind girl, Ruixin. Through this unexpected bond, Xiaolong begins to embrace her true self, challenging the traditions that confine her.

Recognized for its delicate approach to identity and tradition, “Slough” stands out for its evocative storytelling and visually immersive direction, showcasing the talent of Yuzhu Lan and Yutong Wang.

Somber Tides by Chantal Caron (Canada)

Best Screendance Short

A poetic and visceral dance film, “Somber Tides” portrays a desperate struggle for survival against the forces of nature. Through movement, it captures the tension between resilience and extinction—a final breath before surrender or a battle to endure.

Recognized for its powerful choreography and evocative visual storytelling, “Somber Tides” immerses viewers in a raw and haunting exploration of the human connection to nature, showcasing Chantal Caron’s distinct artistic vision.

Still Scattered by Dominic Burgess and Jeff Lorch (USA)

Best Dark Comedy Short and Best Ensemble Cast

After the loss of his wife, a struggling gallery artist returns to his small hometown seeking support from the very people he’s long tried to distance himself from.

Recognized for its sharp wit and the strength of its ensemble cast, “Still Scattered” masterfully blends dark humor with poignant storytelling. Dominic Burgess and Jeff Lorch craft a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant, bringing depth and humor to themes of grief and connection.

The Missing Peace by Michael Raymond-James (USA)

Best Indie Short and Best First Time Male Director

In the desolate streets of Atlantic City, a man searches for his missing sister, lost to the opioid epidemic. A powerful exploration of addiction’s devastating impact on families and communities.

Recognized for its raw portrayal of the opioid crisis and compelling performances, “The Missing Peace” marks Michael Raymond-James’s directorial debut, demonstrating his skillful storytelling and deep empathy for complex social issues.

Two Breaths by Kateryna Kurganska (USA)

Best Fantasy Short

After a devastating man-made disaster, 11-year-old Ava is left stranded on an island that was once her home. Guided by a mystical manta ray named Two Breaths, she embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery, uncovering the strength within herself.

Recognized for its imaginative storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, “Two Breaths” blends fantasy with a powerful environmental message, highlighting Kateryna Kurganska’s ability to craft emotionally resonant and visually striking cinema.

Unforgiven by Justin Suttles, Bryan Tan, and Jesse Scimeca (USA)

Best Western Short

A fugitive on the run across the American West fights to outpace his pursuers, driven by a final chance to reunite with his estranged daughter. Told in three acts, this music-driven Western explores themes of redemption and the lasting weight of generational trauma.

Recognized for its gripping narrative and evocative cinematography, “Unforgiven” brings a fresh perspective to the Western genre, showcasing the directorial trio’s ability to merge action, emotion, and music into a powerful cinematic experience.

Wake by Sean Carter (USA)

Best Horror Short, Best Male Director, Best Actress, and Best Editing

As a hurricane barrels down, two nurses must transport a young girl’s body to the morgue before the hospital floods. But when they uncover the corpse, they’re faced with a disturbing revelation—she was bound, blindfolded, and marked by a crucifix driven into her chest. What starts as a routine task soon spirals into something far more sinister.

Recognized for its gripping atmosphere, chilling performances, and razor-sharp editing, “Wake” delivers a haunting exploration of fear and the unknown. Sean Carter crafts a tense and immersive horror experience, elevated by the standout lead performance of K Steele and a masterful direction.

We Are Flying Stars by Todd Antony (UK)

Best Documentary Short

In the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2002), which claimed over 50,000 lives and left thousands with amputations inflicted by rebel forces, the Flying Star Amputees emerged—a group of football teams formed by survivors. This documentary delves into their stories, showcasing how football has provided joy, confidence, and hope for a better future for disabled individuals in Sierra Leone. ​

Recognized for its powerful storytelling and intimate cinematography, “We Are Flying Stars” offers a profound look into resilience and community. Todd Antony’s direction captures the indomitable spirit of the Flying Star Amputees, presenting an inspiring narrative of hope and determination that resonates deeply with audiences.​

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