Nancy LaPook Diamond – The Whistle

Nancy LaPook Diamond (USA), The Whistle, Film Short – From Oscar-winning Six Point Harness studio, with deft direction from notable industry veteran Greg Franklin – the film transports audiences to 1938 Cologne, Germany, where a Jewish doctor defies a Nazi law forbidding him from treating non-Jews. As the consequences mount, his courage, integrity, and future hang in the balance. The Whistle is a poignant testament to empathy, hope, and moral courage. Based on a true story, the film features exquisitely drawn characters whose nuanced expressions communicate deep emotion without dialogue. Masterful animation, striking color palettes, and thoughtful design immerse the viewer, while pitch-perfect pacing and a compelling narrative arc make the story unforgettable.  A story that immerses viewers in the courage, sacrifice, and moral conviction that define humanity when tested by darkness.  Producer Nancy LaPook Diamond (Sophie and the Rising Sun) Executive Producer Josh Gad (Frozen, The Book of Morman, Beauty & the Beast). Written by Wendy Willis and Greg Franklin.

Sugandhi Gadadhar – My Otter Diary

Sugandhi Gadadhar (India), My Otter Diary, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – In this breathtaking, beautifully shot, and deeply engaging documentary, wildlife filmmaker Gadadhar, in collaboration with Emmy winning & BAFTA nominee EP Caroline Hawkins and Emmy & BAFTA winning Oxford Scientific Films, delves into the intertwined lives of otters and humans along one of India’s most rapidly changing waterways. In the lush wetlands of the Cauvery River, Maya, a spirited smooth-coated otter, leads her family through a world of wonder and danger. Over three years, the film traces their fight for survival against shrinking fish stocks, pollution, and the encroaching pressures of human life—while following Gadadhar’s own journey into this fragile ecosystem. Tensions flare between otters and fisherfolk, yet the otters’ cleverness, playfulness, and resilience shine through, offering moments that are as moving as they are delightful. Stunning cinematography and a lush score by Emmy-winner Brollyman complete this fully immersive experience. Produced by Raghunath ‘Rana’ Belur – Aranya Parva Creations, Distribution: All3Media International.

Jon Bowermaster – WindShipped

Jon Bowermaster (USA), WindShipped, Doc Short – Industry luminary Bowermaster presents a captivating documentary chronicling the revival of sail-powered cargo on New York’s Hudson River. The 65-foot steel-hulled schooner Apollonia, painstakingly restored and powered entirely by wind, solar, and occasionally vegetable oil, has spent three seasons delivering local goods—malt, honey, pumpkins, whiskey, hot sauce, and more—without burning a drop of fossil fuel. A passionate, charismatic crew brings the ship to life, creating some of the film’s most emotionally resonant moments while connecting river communities. Blending history, adventure, poetry, and environmentalism, the film highlights a small but meaningful alternative to fossil fuel dependence and inspires reflection on low-carbon logistics and community-based supply chains. Under the expert direction of Bowermaster—filmmaker, adventurer, and six-time National Geographic Expeditions Council grantee—it’s a stirring testament to what vision, determination, and respect for the natural world can achieve.

Fiona Cochrane – The Language of Light: Ashley Gilbertson

Fiona Cochrane (Australia), The Language of Light: Ashley Gilbertson, Doc Short – Expertly helmed by acclaimed director Cochrane as part of a seven-episode series, the film presents an unflinching, intimate portrait of photographer Ashley Gilbertson. From the anguish of refugee camps to the brutal frontlines of the Iraq War, Gilbertson has confronted humanity at its darkest. Witnessing a Marine killed mere feet away left him traumatized and forever altered his perspective on the world.  These experiences fueled his groundbreaking work, including Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: A Photographer’s Chronicle of the Iraq War, which lays bare the stark realities of conflict, and Bedrooms of the Fallen, which humanizes the stories behind the headlines. Through candid, deeply affecting interviews, Ashley exposes both his profound compassion and the harrowing toll of what he has endured, drawing viewers into the man behind the lens—a witness to the unimaginable, capturing humanity in its rawest, most unforgettable form.  With authentic cinematography by Emmy-Nominee Mark Street. Airs SBS TV and Apple TV. Distribution – Ronin Films. f-reel Film and Television.

Mike Hill and Lorraine Kabbindi White (Australia), Take Heart: Songlines – Close the Gap Day Featurette, Doc Short – Emmy-winner Hill and Kabbindi White expose the relentless impact of Rheumatic Heart Disease on Indigenous Australians, claiming at least two young lives weekly. Blending intimate storytelling with urgent advocacy, it amplifies the voices of families and communities striving to eliminate RHD by 2030.

David Arrow, 4A Films (USA), The Drive, Film Short – Set in the early 1960s, Liz’s routine carpool pulls her into a tense, defining moment, exposing human decisions under strain and the collision of everyday life with historic events. A compelling and intimate glimpse into a pivotal moment in 20th Century history. An outstanding, layered performance by Amber Paul and a believable Allen Guy Wilcox.

Noel Belknap (USA), Guys Next Door, Animation – Emmy-winner EP Eric Kaplan teams up with Emmy-nominee Belknap and a brilliant cast and crew to deliver a wickedly delicious romp with razor-sharp, witty characters. Ordinary people clash with rogue assassins, racing through chaotic, cosmic bio-tech intrigue, absurd secret missions and mind-bending philosophical mayhem. Emmy-nominees Dave Stone, Jared Faber.

Rahul Dayanand Shetty (India), JAHAAN – THE LAST GIFT, Experimental. Filmfare Award Nominee Tiger Shroff stars in this expertly crafted, visually stunning film, navigating a ravaged, toxic, and polluted world. Directed by Filmfare Nominee Shetty, it blends lush cinematography, cinematic lighting, and daring stunts – as a single selfless act revives Earth, delivering a thrilling, urgent environmental wake-up call.

John DeMaio (USA), ThoughtWaves, Doc Short – Emmy-winner DeMaio delivers a gripping doc tracing the rise of the internet and fiber broadband. Expertly crafted, meticulously researched, and carefully paced, it spans five decades of innovation, spotlighting visionary pioneers and compelling interviews that show how technology transforms human connection, narrows the digital divide, and shapes our modern world.

Gina Hole Lazarowich (Canada), Robert, Film Short – Decades after Vietnam, a haunted veteran lives alone, tormented by PTSD, loss and his best friend’s death. The weight of the past makes each day a battle with ghosts of a war that never ended for him. Raw, real and heartbreaking. Tightly crafted and impactful – with achingly authentic performances by Philip Granger (The Order) and Michelle Harrison (The Flash).

Kirsty McKenzie (Australia), The Trial, Film Short – A woman haunted by abuse joins a drug trial, facing the dark corners of her mind. Exploring trauma, shifting realities and moral tension, it’s a gripping journey through fear, memory, and courage. Chilling premise, sharp storytelling, a standout performance by Kirsty McKenzie and a very talented cast. Anthony Brandon Wong, Nicholas Hope, Ella Scott Lynch, Andy Rodoreda.

Ben Knight and Berne Broudy (USA), Best Day Ever, Doc Feature – Adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi conquer disability with grit, humor and attitude. On Vermont’s first expert-level adaptive trail, their ride becomes a triumphant celebration of courage, resilience, and camaraderie. Striking cinematography, gripping storytelling and heartfelt reflections illuminate communities, cultures and the ecosystems they cherish.

Rohit Relan (USA), Patakha, Film Short – Radha, an 11-year-old girl in rural India, has her school bag taken on her first day at a firecracker factory. With sensitive direction, the film follows her confronting harsh treatment and obstacles. Her courage and resilience shine, and through her actions, she holds on to her dream and hope for a brighter future in this heartfelt, poignant short.

Gina Margillo (USA), Night Train Last Stop, Doc Short – 82-year-old mensch, Ted Grossman, has been wooing Miami audiences with his velvet voice on WLRN’s Night Train for 47 years. Boisterous and unapologetically himself, Ted faces life’s challenges with humor and heart, while his beloved community cheers him on. With lively pacing, the doc delivers laughs, wisdom, and warmth, proving age is no barrier to joy and living boldly.

4 A Films (USA), The Drive, Cinematography (Mark Raker), Direction (David Arrow), Editing (Joseph Huba), Original Score (David Robins), Actress: Leading (Amber Paul as Liz), Costume Design (Leon Dobkowski)
Agusta Fanney Snorradottir (Iceland), A Rare Journey, Disability Issues, Documentary Short
Alan Williams (USA), Estefan, Original Score
Andrew Jowett and Brett Langolf (USA), SERVUS Boots Spot – Build for What Matters, Film Short, Script / Writer
Aranya Parva Creations and Oxford Scientific Films and All3Media International (India / UK), My Otter Diary, Women Filmmakers
Ben Knight and Berne Broudy (USA), Best Day Ever, Disability Issues
Carlie Mantilla-Jordan and John Eliot Jordan (USA), Mid-lennial Life Crisis, Television – Pilot Program
Chance Fuerstinger and Julien McGregor (USA), Bric-à-Brac: Reconcile, Actor: Leading (Chance Fuerstinger as Son), Script / Writer

Cobra Yu (USA), Silent Scream, Animation (Student)
Dante Bellini (USA), LILLIAN, Documentary Short
David Jobanputra (United Kingdom), Any Other Day: A Cholera Story, Documentary Short, Nonprofit / Fundraising, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Fan Tzu Liu (Taiwan), Gazing at Mount Da-Jian, Documentary Short, Asian Theme, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Fiona Cochrane (Australia), THE LANGUAGE OF LIGHT: ASHLEY GILBERTSON, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Gina Hole Lazarowich (Canada), Robert, Actor: Leading (Philip Granger as Robert), Direction, Film Short, Special Effects: Non-Animation / Stunts
Gina Margillo (USA), Night Train Last Stop, Women Filmmakers
Harishankar Thiyagarajan (India), Prompted, Asian Filmmaker, Documentary Short
Jason Joel Lethcoe (USA), LANTERN WALKER, Animation (Mark Dindal), Original Score (Olivia Lethcoe)
Jeremy McCarthy (USA), Jonah and the Whale, Christian Theme

Jeremy McCarthy (USA), Forty Three, Animation
Jim Belcher (USA), Northstar Garden, Filmmaker with Disability
John Norris Ray and Maria Victoria Sanchez (USA), The Family Photo, Animation, Original Score (Jhonatan Faria)
Kirsty McKenzie (Australia), The Trial, Actress: Leading (Kirsty Mckenzie as Leah)
Mike Hill and Lorraine Kabbindi White (Australia), Take Heart: Songlines – Close the Gap Day Featurette, Dramatic Impact, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Nancy LaPook Diamond (USA), The Whistle, Jewish Filmmaker, Jewish Theme, Women Filmmakers
Pam Renall and Carissa Blades (USA), Still Morning, Actress: Leading (Pam Renall as Ashley Morrow), Ensemble Cast, Dramatic Impact
Rohit Relan (USA), Patakha, Direction
Salar Korangy (USA), Choosing Our Religion, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Yihfen Chou (Taiwan), Mimi’s Day, Animation, Children / Family Programming

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