Dominic Carola – My Neighbor
Dominic Carola (USA), My Neighbor, Animation – Award-winning director and Disney animation veteran Carola (Lilo & Stitch, The Lion King, Mulan, Brother Bear) delivers a simple and emotionally resonant short that highlights the impact of kindness – told without dialogue and through the perspective of birds in a frozen backyard. Carl, the territorial cardinal, gets his feathers ruffled when he meets Misty, a cheerful bluebird with three little chicks. Carl’s solitary life gets interrupted by his own reluctant act of kindness sparking an unexpected bond as Carl discovers the joy of caring for others, transforming his life forever. It takes extraordinary skill to communicate deep emotion through the quiet simplicity of My Neighbor. Carola’s direction is a masterclass in restraint—eschewing grand spectacle for something more: honesty, subtlety, and emotional precision. Utilizing minimalistic characters expertly drawn to elicit emotion and everyday yet captivating scenes, each carefully crafted movement becomes meaningful. These delicate choices draw us in, revealing whole worlds of feeling without a single word. Storytelling in its purest form and a much needed message during these changing times. My Neighbor is brought to life by a talented team of industry pros. Animation: Justin Farris (Brave, Incredibles 2), Art Director Ryan Feltman (Retelling the Good Story), Editor Lauren Stevens (Super Team Canada), Visual Effects Cameron Banker. Premise Entertainment
Mohammad Hossein Abbasi – Umbrella (Chatr)
Mohammad Hossein Abbasi (Iran), Umbrella (Chatr), Film Short – Umbrella (Chatr) is a dramatic, gut-wrenching, and deeply heartfelt short that chronicles one life-altering night for a family grappling with crisis. Set against the backdrop of their daughter’s wedding, the story follows patriarch Faramarz as he confronts his son’s spiraling addiction—fighting to preserve not only his family’s dignity, but its very soul. What unfolds is a tightly wound, emotionally raw narrative filled with tension and moments of quiet devastation. The decisions made—and the methods employed—are both shocking and deeply human, raising difficult questions about morality, sacrifice, and love in its most desperate form. Abbasi delivers this powerful drama with precision and compassion. At the center is a commanding performance by cinema veteran and Iran Cinema Celebration winner Bijan Emkanian (Crossroads, Crazy Rook, Reign of Love), whose portrayal of Faramarz anchors the film in aching authenticity. Supporting performances by Nasrin Nakisa (The Glass Agency, Wander About Me, Yousef-e Payambar) and Amin Miri (When the Moon Was Full, Recruitment, The Asphalt Jungle) add further depth and emotional resonance, each bringing heartbreak and humanity to their roles. Produced by Hamed Yaminpoor for the Soureh Film Club, Umbrella (Chatr) is a short film that lingers long after the credits roll—a haunting and unforgettable portrait of family, shame, and sacrifice.
Hossein Soleimani, Serna Amini (Iran), 47:10′:00″, Film Short – With 47 hours to save his wife through a costly heart transplant, a father is forced to consider selling his son to a wealthy, childless couple who could offer the boy a better life—torn between sacrifice and survival. Soleimani delivers a gut-wrenching performance in this haunting, morally charged short.
Patrick John Donnelly (USA), Cause Celebre, TV Pilot – Emmy-winner Donnelly delivers a gripping pilot where a teen queen fights to shed her wholesome image with a daring shoot by an edgy NYC photographer. Secret plans and high stakes blur lines of trust and ambition in this dark tale. Stars SAG winner Jacob Ware (Boardwalk Empire), Piper Verbrick (Gothic Slayers), Megan Owen Parker (The Void).
Luyao Xue (China), Reciprocal Causation, Film Short – At the Burma–China border, a man and his sister lure migrant girls into sex work. When a mute girl arrives, he shelters her briefly. Lush cinematography frames this gripping tale of survival and karma, set against the quiet pull of Buddhist ideals. Raw and devastatingly real. Deft direction and achingly authentic performances by Yingnan Dongmen and Ruici Zhang.
Kazuyuki Ishihara (Japan), BRIDGE -My Little Friends, Children Program – Jin the talking cat sets off on a heartfelt quest to ease Mugi’s grief over her dog’s death. With help from cheeky squirrels, clever birds, and a quirky scientist, he creates a magical “Rainbow Bridge” from a hose. This vibrant, sweet, and gently poignant animation is full of charm and perfect for families. Studio Goonies.
Tamar Springer (USA), More Than Santa Baby, Doc Short – Filmmaker Tamar Springer honors her father, Philip Springer, composer of “Santa Baby,” showcasing his vast musical legacy from Tin Pan Alley to viral success in his 90s. This heartfelt journey through 20th-century music celebrates perseverance, resilience, and creativity, revealing a life dedicated to timeless melodies and hope.
Jiayao Yu (China), Little Hoo Hoo and The Snake, Animation – A wild blend of 3D, stop-motion, and live-action creates a rich visual tapestry for this playful tale of self-acceptance. Through chaotic mishaps and vibrant transformation, it’s as entertaining and poignant as it is artistically striking—the unique style and deep message echo well beyond the final frame.
Tong Nian (China), Love in Yanbian, Music Video – A musical love letter, blending stunning visuals with deep emotion. This film transcends history and legend, painting Yanbian’s landscapes as living art. With epic on-location shoots and rich cultural textures, it weaves timeless emotions and myth into a poetic celebration of nature, culture, and human connection.
Jared Fassbender and Easton Tabin (USA), New Horizons, Film Short – A unique sci-fi drama mixing romance and humor. Johnny undergoes unconventional couples therapy alone after his wife no-shows. Immersed in virtual reality, he lives as his wife, gaining a fresh, novel perspective on their relationship. This inventive concept challenges audiences to rethink empathy and understanding. Davyd Markovich and Mason Kokodynski.
Adam Cushman (USA), Written for Walken, Film Short
Alan Williams (USA), Space: The New Frontier, Original Score
Celeste Luccitti (USA), The Zip-Up Man, Children / Family Programming, Film Short, Narration / Voiceover Talent, Women Filmmakers, Ensemble Cast
Damian Antochewicz (Malaysia), Descent, Cinematography (Will Foster-Grundy)
Dax Phelan (USA), BREAK THE SILENCE, Public Service Programming / PSA, Direction
Graeme Wolverton (USA), In Due Time, Cinematography
Jiayao Yu (China), Reply, Animation
Kazuyuki Ishihara (Japan), BRIDGE -My Little Friends, Animation
Lauren Tyree (USA), Remember Me – One Year Later, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Luyao Xue (China), Reciprocal Causation, Actor: Leading (Yingnan Dongmen as The Guy), Script / Writer
Lynn H. Elliott (USA), Be prepared for what? Episode 2 – THE BOY WHO EARNED HIS MAGIC, Script / Writer
Marcus CB Soori (USA), Chaton – From the Future, Animation, Music Video
Mohamad Hosein Hoseini (Iran), Stateless, Film Short
Mohammad Paidar (Iran), The Narrator, Film Short
Nafen Wu (USA), Confessions, Cinematography
Patrick J. Donnelly (USA), Julius Caesar, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
Paul Schwartz (USA), CONFESSION, Actor: Leading (Nelson Avidon as The Therapist), Film Short, Direction
Pedro Greig (Australia), millie, Film Short, Original Score
Rocky Ramsey and Julian Matulich (USA), Chamber X, Direction, Film Short
Sai Vivaswath Omkaram (USA), The Watcher, Film Short
Seyed Mahdi Karbais (Iran), Tomorrow is Not Like Today, Film Short
Tane McClure (USA), Last Flare, Actor: Leading (Scott William Winters as Mitch), Cinematography ( Keith Jefferies), Direction, Editing (Tané McClure), Film Short, Women Filmmakers, Action / Adventure, Actress: Supporting (Monique Candelaria as Laina (bartender))
Zewen Wu and Dongcheng Jiang (China), Brightest Summer Darkest Night, Children / Family Programming
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