The Gliwensbourg Chronicles – Emilie Tommasi
Emilie Tommasi (France), The Gliwensbourg Chronicles, Web Series – When a French soldier mysteriously travels from the trenches of World War I to 1925, he emerges into Gliwensbourg, a remote northern French mining town where a stolen fortune, simmering ethnic rivalries, dangerous mines and a government investigation have turned the community into a powder keg. Amnesiac and out of time, he is drawn into a struggle among four fiercely divided communities while a mysterious curse and supernatural forces lurk beneath the marshes. Part Western, part time-travel mystery and part supernatural satire, the series reimagines northern France as an unlikely frontier town where gold fever, class conflict and competing loyalties collide. With its distinctive period setting, ensemble of characters and an outsider from another era at the center, the series creates a richly atmospheric world where the past refuses to stay buried.
The series is brought vividly to life through Tommasi’s colorful direction, striking cinematography by Eric Alirol and Thomas Messager, Guillaume Wilmot’s evocative original score and a saucy and talented ensemble cast. An ambitious and visually distinctive genre web series unlike any other. Stars Romain Pirosa, Laurent Brebion, Adil Jbilou, Arnaud Thery, Myriam Nighttimes, Lahcen Ait Ouali, David-Alexandre Galioto, Matteu Bernhard, Nathalie Normand, Jean-Philippe DeOliveira, Sylvain Csernak, Dominique Deroïde.
Leandro Corinto (Brazil), Take Care, AI Film – Inspired by true events, it follows young Pedro through different stages of his life, as an unexpected encounter ultimately changes the way he sees himself and the world around him. A moving exploration of identity, belonging, love and the transformative capacity of empathy. An AI film beautifully weaving all the cinematic elements of classic film carefully created in this moving short.
Oisin Byrne (United Kingdom), The Last Day, Film Short – On the final day of term, a determined student challenges an uncompromising professor over a grade, igniting a confrontation over power, ego and success. They tensely confront the thin line between excellence and personal spite. Strong performances and assured direction drive this compelling piece. Billy Price (Hollyoaks), Paul Albertson (King Arthur: Excalibur Rising).
Ronald Zee (China), Somewhere Over the Winter, Film Short – In a near-future Ice Age, five-year-old Jerry discovers the Spring that vanished before his birth and plants an ancient seed, believing its miraculous blossom might help him grow. As his grandfather pursues his own Spring Project, a magical world of wonder and possibility unfolds. Heartwarming, with captivating performances and impressive special effects. Wenbo Ma
Marcos Junior (Brazil), Agbogbloshie, AI Film – Set in Accra, Ghana, the world’s most notorious electronic-waste sites, it follows a man who transforms discarded technology into ingenious creations for his village. Against the devastating toxic air and extreme poverty, his story of resourcefulness is brought to life through excellent AI filmmaking, with cinematic sophistication, visual artistry and remarkable attention to nuance.
Nicola Scamarcia (Italy), Geryon, Film Short – Giacomo Fanelli, a loan shark battling kidney failure, gives money for a young couple to marry and then imposes a morally harrowing demand thrusting them into impossible choices. It unflinchingly examines desperation, exploitation and the fragile humanity of those caught in another’s power. Authentic performances by Michele Bucci, Giulia Fanizza, Vito Pepe, Luciana Rubini.
Azadian (Iran), The Home After Them, Film Short – As an uprising unfolds outside, Sohrab opens his home to people hiding from the authorities, while his wife’s illness and his children’s emigration have already transformed his once-full house. In the midst of turmoil, his quiet acts of compassion reveal the courage it takes to keep humanity alive. Heartbreaking and intense, with an achingly authentic performance by Behrouz Azadian.
Anna Klauzner (Australia), From Ukraine with Love, Doc Short – When Russia invaded Ukraine, veterinarian Maria Mykytiuk sent her children to safety. Staying behind to treat citizens and animals, she survived brutal beatings and sexual violence. Reunited in Sydney, this moving Compass ABC Australia Doc tracks her raw struggle with PTSD, showing how her children and a deeply supportive community are helping her heal.
Ghazal Zoghiniya (Iran), Narmook, Film Short – Malalai, a teenage girl from Iran’s Baloch community, has worn boys’ clothing for years due to an outdated cultural practice. Now reaching puberty, she must rejoin the world of girls, confronting an identity crisis. Zoghiniya’s direction is a tender, intimate and unsettling exploration of gender, culture and self-discovery. Heart wrenching performances by Mahbubeh Soltani and Ruqiya Sarshar
Ernest Anemone (USA), The Last Fool, Experimental – Awaiting execution for killing social justice protesters, a far-right extremist meets a reverend for his last conversation. A tarot reading turns into a confrontation over violence, justice and redemption, revealing neither is who he appears to be. Anemone’s achingly authentic pastor contrasts a chilling performance from Max MacKenzie (Amazon’s Hunters). A cautionary tale for our times.
Chris Charles Farina (USA), Death Becomes Us: And Hands Are With Us, Doc Short – Following the journey from end of life through the many hands and rituals that surround death, this quietly moving documentary offers an intimate, honest look at those who work closely with the departed and their loved ones. Tender and deeply human, it invites us to consider death openly, with honesty, compassion and understanding. Rosalia Films.
Ahmad Seyedkeshmiri (Iran), His Shoes, Film Short
Ahmed Youssef Elsayed (Egypt), LAST MEMORY, AI Film
Amy Buchwald, Rick Hamilton and Danny Woodburn (USA), Minnie Mouse: The Lost Interview, Liberation / Social Justice
Chris Charles Farina (USA), Death Becomes Us: And Hands Are With Us, Filmmaker with Disability
David Karl Leathem (USA), To The Stars, Television – Pilot Program, Original Score
Doug Clyde (USA), The Raven, Original Score (Kelly Joe Richardson)
Doug Clyde (USA), Metzengerstein, Original Score (Kelly Joe Richardson)
Elliot Stanton (United Kingdom), Day’s End, Script / Writer
Emilie Tommasi (France), The Gliwensbourg Chronicles – Season 1, Original Score (Guillamue Wilmot), Direction
Ernest Anemone (USA), The Last Fool, Ensemble Cast, Religion / Ethics
Francois Rabes and Felicie Dutertre, Twinkie Films (France), A Friend of Ours, Film Short, Concept, Art Direction
Janna Jones (USA), Waiting for You, Script / Writer
Javad Rezaei (Iran), Vampire Becomes Kind, Actress: Leading (Farank Kalantar as Homa)
John Norris Ray and Maria Victoria Sanchez (USA), Fido, Animation
Leandro Corinto (Brazil), Take Care, LGBTQ+ Theme
Lili Frongillo and Emma Baumer (USA), The Golden Fish, Animation (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Philippe Verichoux (France), AETERNUM (eternal), Cinematography, Experimental, Film Short, Original Score, Script / Writer, Dramatic Impact
Rajdip Ray (India), The First Bite, Film Short
Rodolpho Pinotti (Brazil), Little Benjamin’s Dream, Animation
Sami Al Mouallem (Romania), ADAM, Film Short (Student)
Soslan Chekhoev and Alexander Zarshchikov (USA), Timberland, AI Film
Steven J R Lawson (United Kingdom), GLOW, Animation
Surapong Wetsuwanmanee (Thailand), DOOR, Experimental
Xiaoxiao Ma (China), The Jade Palace’ s Lament, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
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