Damian Walshe-Howling – Unspoken
Damian Walshe-Howling (Australia), Unspoken, Film Short – Award-winning Walshe-Howling delivers a powerful film set against the 1979 Croatian protests in Australia. As unrest erupts in Sydney, Croatian-born Marina is forced to reveal her secret love for her Australian boyfriend, leading to devastating consequences in her childhood home. Unspoken intertwines personal struggle with historical context, it explores the taboo romance between two students from different cultural backgrounds, skillfully reflecting the fractious political landscape of the Croatian community at the time. With gritty and intimate visual style showcasing the fractious volatility between the characters. Featuring a talented cast, including authentic Croatian actors, it captures the immediacy, volatility and humanity of the characters and resonates with themes of justice, equality, and the liberating nature of shared truth. Stars: Kat Dominis (The Messenger), Goran Grgić (Behind Enemy Lines), Tom Wilson (Heartbreak High), Matthew Alexander (Home and Away), Steve Mouzakis (Clickbait), Ella Scott-Lynch (NCIS: Los Angeles), Max Mayer-Rayment (North Shore) and Mariana Rudan.
Sandra Lopez Cabrera – Langobardi-Grimoaldo, the First Friulian King
Sandra Lopez Cabrera (Italy), Langobardi – Grimoaldo, the First Friulian King, Doc Short – This vibrant docufilm explores the remarkable journey of Grimoaldo, a noble heir of the Alboino lineage, born in the enchanting town of Cividale around 600 A.D. As he ascends to become the first Lombard king of Friulian descent, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a rich 7th-century Italy. Interesting and well-informed experts provide context and narrative to the story and it’s interpretations in modern life. With breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling, the film intricately weaves masterful reenactments and expert commentary, breathing life into the captivating legacy of Lombard heritage.
Tierney Elizabeth Bonini – The Gaza Man
Tierney Elizabeth Bonini (Kenya), The Gaza Man, Doc Short – Emmy-nominee Bonini and veteran producer Tatham present a gripping tale of resilience through the life of Mohammed Hamada, a professional weightlifter from Gaza. As he prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics, he recalls the destruction of his hometown and the mass grave he dug for neighbors, experiences that have shaped him into a unique athlete. Despite the devastation of recent bombings, Mohammed and his brother Hussam remain steadfast in their dream of representing Palestine on the world stage, determined to carry a message of hope and existence.
Lee Phillips (United Kingdom), Upstate Purgatory, Doc Short – BAFTA-winner Phillips presents a raw and searing portrait of four hardened inmates in upstate New York, where they confront the devastating consequences of their past. Through intimate interviews, painful truths emerge, humanizing their stories and revealing shared dreams, regrets, and uncertainties that bind us all, transcending labels of crime and addiction.
Ling Han (China), Chain, Animation – A vibrant 3D-animated short transforms an ancient Chinese proverb into a mesmerizing visual experience. A mantis stalks its prey, oblivious to the oriole lurking nearby. Immersive animation, rich landscapes, and a stirring score come together to heighten this captivating depiction of survival, leaving the audience contemplating life’s larger mysteries and the delicate balance within nature.
Francois Regis Jeanne (France), The Wolf of Tancarville, Film Short – A retiree is haunted by a relentless cough, leading him to a healer who gives a cryptic diagnosis—he has six months to live unless he visits the Tancarville Bridge. This existential film feels like a modern Zen tale, exploring a spiritual odyssey where life forces a profound shift in perspective. Laurent Bateau, Jonas Dinal, Salomé Talaboulma, Tania Garbarski.
Simon Waterhouse (New Zealand), Trading Stories with the Voiceover Artist, Doc Short – Toby Ricketts, a voice artist, left the corporate grind for the New Zealand bush. From his remote studio, he’s built an international career, heard worldwide on radio, TV, and online. He shares his journey, exploring both the art of voice-over and the art of life, inviting us into his unique world, surrounded by nature and his family.
Skylar Chen and Rayne Sullivan (Palau), Palau, An Ocean Inheritance, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – This inspiring and stunningly filmed doc follows climate activist Rayne Sullivan to Palau, where ancient legends, cultural connections, and marine biodiversity converge. Celebrating the island’s natural wonders, it delivers a powerful call for ocean justice, showing how Indigenous knowledge and stewardship are key to climate resilience.
Xiaojing Wang (China), Fresh Green on the Grave (Film Short/Asian) -Released from prison, Boss Zhang returns to a small restaurant meeting a woman mourning her granddaughter, whom he unknowingly killed years ago. After a poignant exchange, she poisons alcohol meant for Zhang. He unknowingly drinks it and dies in his car. The woman at her family grave, realizes her vengeance is complete. Ling Tao, Beiju Wei, Yang Sun.
Jon Curtis and Dillon Norton (USA), Everything That Rises, Film Short – It’s 1945 in war torn Poland. A man finds himself stuck in hiding, time slowly ticking away. Outside the walls of his hidden room, the sounds of a chaotic world haunt his dreams. He must decide to run or wait for the end to come. A compelling and creative short exploring the psychological horrors of war. Stars Nick Latimer.
C.G. Ryche (USA), The Best Part of Me, Music Video – From the cinematic masters of metal, IronWrath, comes a poignant music video spanning 60 years of love, loss, and time. It follows childhood sweethearts torn apart by her untimely death. The video portrays Kyle’s lifelong grief and the lasting impact of love. With powerful imagery and dynamic music, it’s an anthem for anyone who’s loved deeply and lost profoundly.
Eric C. Yang (USA), Put To Sleep, Film Short (Student) – Dr. Anna Bloom, a young veterinarian, faces the ultimate test of her skills and resilience when an eager new intern and a sudden emergency surgery throw her daily routine into an emotional whirlwind. Poignant and profound and heart-wrenching. Stars: Caitlyn Marr, Kylee Jacoby.
Arthur Machado (New Zealand), Modello Linguistico Divino, Experimental Boldly traversing the realms of high fashion and avant-garde art through the innovative lens of AI. It delves into the double meaning of “LLM” (Large Language Model) creating a rich tapestry of wildly creative imagery and thought-provoking concepts. It invites viewers to reflect on the intersections of technology and artistic expression.
Andie Naar (USA), See You at Sunrise, Children / Family Programming (Student)
Andrea Ramolo (Canada), BABY, Women Filmmakers
Andrea von Siebenthal (USA), MORE THAN BROTHERS, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising (Student), Documentary Short (Student), Islamic Theme (Student)
Arthur Machado (New Zealand), Modello Linguistico Divino, Creativity / Originality
Brice Blanloeil (USA), One, Music Video
C.G. Ryche (USA), The Best Part of Me, Original Song
Carlos Grana (USA), BLANCA, Film Short
Chad Stewart (USA), Who Do We Appreciate, Children / Family Programming, Animation
Craig Urquhart (Canada), While Some Must Sleep, Film Short
Damian Walshe-Howling (Australia), Unspoken, Direction
Daoyuan Chi (China), The Last Prince of the Tribe, Asian Filmmaker (Student), Asian Theme (Student), Documentary Short (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Donna Magnani (USA), REGARDING ROSE, Original Score
Dustin Darr (USA), When It Whispers: The Prologue, Original Score (Composed by Dylan Strikwerda)
Eric C. Yang (USA), Put To Sleep, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising (Student)
Francois Regis Jeanne (France), THE WOLF OF TANCARVILLE, Direction
Glenna C Burmer (USA), Bippy the Little Robot, Animation
Gwen Levey and Logen Christopher (USA), Barefoot & Pregnant, Music Video
Haoran Liu (China), Lost in the Strait, Asian Theme, Direction
Iliya Hristov Atanasov, Pixelhunters (United Arab Emirates), Ten (10), Animation
Isabelle Maria Tumboimbela and Daisha Lin Sherman (USA), My Turn!, Animation (Student)
Jon Curtis and Dillon Norton (USA), Everything That Rises, Actor: Leading (Nick Latimer as Sam)
Joshua Martin (USA), Elephant Tracks, Animation, Original Score
Judson Vaughan (Spain), We Will Find YOU, Cinematography (Judson Vaughan and Marek Dabrowski)
Lee Phillips (United Kingdom), Upstate Purgatory, Direction
Lenny Britton (USA), Bridge Too Far, Webisode
Leo Berkeley (Australia), Dark Matter, Filmmaker with Disability, Disability Issues, Film Short
Leslie-Ann Coles (Canada), The Curtain, Actress: Leading (Leslie-Ann Coles as Beatrice), Film Short
Ling Han (China), CHAIN, Asian Filmmaker, Asian Theme, Original Score, Lighting, Set Design, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing, Movie Trailer, Title / Credit Design
Marco del Boca (Spain), Waves of Tomorrow, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Max Burgoyne-Moore and Salvatore Scarpa (United Kingdom), Largo, Original Score (Stuart Hancock)
Michael Fafalios (United Kingdom), Beneath The Horizon, Documentary Short
Michelle Marakasherry, Tien Pham and Jihye “JJ” Kim (Indonesia), Hair for You, Animation (Student)
Molly Moker (USA), Exploring Inclusion | Googlers meet USA Wheelchair Rugby Team, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Nicole Agostino (USA), Buried, Women Filmmakers, Film Short
Nolan Williams, Jr. (USA), Rise Up & Fight, African American Theme, Animation, Music Video
Philip Rang (Australia), BE NOT AFRAID, Cinematography
Richard Culver (Thailand), Spaced Cat, Animation
Sandra Lopez Cabrera (Italy), Langobardi – Grimoaldo, the First Friulian King, History / Biographical
Simon Waterhouse (New Zealand), Trading Stories with the Voiceover Artist, Narration / Voice-Over Talent, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Skylar Chen and Rayne Sullivan (Palau), Palau, An Ocean Inheritance, Native Peoples Theme, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Stefano Di Perna (Italy), Death to Platitudes, Original Score
Steven Cornfield (USA), Allergic To Love, Film Short
Thyrone Tommy (Canada), ZURY, Actor: Leading (Christopher Cordell as Dan), Actress: Leading (Milcania Diaz-Rojas as Zury), Film Short
Tim Gray (USA), Village of Death: Oradour-sur-Glane 1944*, Documentary Short, Script / Writer
Weiqi Cai (USA), Laura, 29 Old Compton Street, Cinematography
Wildlife Works (USA), Black Water, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Xiaojing Wang (China), Fresh Green on the Grave, Script / Writer
Zhicheng Zhang (USA), Ellie, Film Short (Student)
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