Shine – Jesse Weglein
Jesse Weglein (USA), Shine, AI, Jewish Theme – Notable for the artistry of its sets, character design, and cinematic lighting, this animated drama follows a Jewish family in the South Bronx during the 1950s, centering on young Shayne, whose world is shattered by his father’s sudden death. The city reflects his inner life: Manhattan’s romanticized vibrancy contrasts with the gritty Bronx streets, light and shadow mirroring his grief, hope, and the tensions of his world.
Under the direction of Weglein, a 15-year PIXAR lead, loss and memory are rendered with striking visual and emotional depth. The score is masterfully deployed, elevating emotion and quietly steering the film’s rhythm. Generative AI provides the foundation, but it is the mastery of character, lighting, and storytelling that gives the film its warmth, humanity and heart, allowing the subtle imperfections of the technology to recede behind the craft. Ultimately, through Shayne’s eyes, reality and imagination intertwine, creating a world both magical and grounded, offering a poignant reflection on family, loss, and resilience that feels especially meaningful for our world today.
Anyways – Danni Wang
Danni Wang (China), Anyways, Film Short / Asian Theme (Student) – In contemporary China, two individuals cross paths, and the film follows how their lives intersect under social and cultural constraints. As they navigate these pressures, they gain a shared understanding of the unique challenges shaped by their identities, highlighting the quiet complexities of existing as queer in their society.
Under nuanced direction, Ning Yueli and Xin Wen deliver compelling performances, conveying emotion and depth through subtle expressions and deliberate movements. Careful framing and a muted palette emphasize observation and reflection over drama, transforming minimal action into richly resonant storytelling. The result is a disciplined, intimate portrayal of queer life, where attention to detail and restraint reveal the hidden depth and richness of human experience. From the Beijing Film Academy
Cheryl Halpern, Natasha Dematra, and Alex Dolginko (USA), The Golden Rule: Do Unto Others, Doc Short – Within almost all faiths, the Golden Rule asks us to consider how we would like to be treated and to treat others the same. Enlightening and uplifting, this film explores its manifestation across religions, guided by global clergy and scholars, illuminating how education, community and kindness inspires positive global change.
Giuseppe A. Modica (Italy), Here Where the Sea Shines, Doc Short. Set in the small port of Marina Grande, Sorrento, the film follows Rosy, a ten-year-old dog beloved by the village. Shot with charm and an open heart, and featuring engaging interviews with her human family and the broader community – it embraces the viewer in the slow rhythms, enduring traditions and gentle bonds that define life far from modern haste.
Sarah Jenkins (USA), The One, Film Short – Charming and playful, professional dancer Alicia Lundgren (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) navigates the dating world, dancing through a series of suitors with engaging facial expressions and Jenkin’s pitch-perfect choreography until she ultimately finds her one true love. A witty, dance-driven short that turns the search for romance into a delightful, movement-filled journey.
Rob Herring (USA), Greenfield, Doc Short – Following environmentalist Robin Greenfield as he walks barefoot from Canada to Mexico with no possessions, the film captures his radical commitment to low-impact living. Through bold eco-experiments, told with heart and humor, his journey confronts modern consumption and highlights the urgency of environmental awareness, revealing how living in balance with the Earth is essential.
Ignacio Loera (Mexico), Return: Saving Turtles, Doc Short – The film follows a family of former sea-turtle–egg poachers who now lead VIVEMAR in Oaxaca, Mexico, protecting one of the world’s most endangered sea turtles during nesting season. Beautifully filmed, informative and heartful, their work reveals the human connection to nature and the importance of safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
Hamidreza Gholamshahi (Iran / Canada), The Lady, Film Short – A young woman leading a double life is forced to choose between the boundaries set by her traditional family and pursuing her dreams. As tensions rise, she secretly steps into another identity—one that risks everything. A powerful social drama exploring youth, resistance and the courage to defy limitation. Mahshid Delavari, Marjan Ghamari, Hamidreza Abbasi.
Mohammad Alimoradi (Iran), TapaNana, Doc Short – A richly observed portrait of an ancient womens ritual in Pirkandi. Each year women gather without men on the hill of Tappeh-Naneh. Through prayer, song and dance, they uphold a powerful tradition – calling for rain that, in time, arrives – sustaining cultural memory, ancestors and connection to nature. A touching tribute to the strength and vital role of women at the heart of community.
Nicolas Cossou (France), Je Voulais te Voir, Film Short – A sensory, intimate story of connection beyond sight, the film follows a character navigating the world through voices, silences, and feeling. Through a chance encounter, a fragile bond forms where perception shifts and beauty is experienced rather than seen. A delicate and emotional exploration of human connection. Stars Marianne Pirez Lesponne and Marie Justin.
Yichen Xu (USA), Under the Sun, LGBTQ+, Film Short (Student) –
Forced off hormone therapy and isolated by a struggling single mother, sick 18-year-old trans Yao is in despair, ultimately committing a desperate, life-threatening act of self-castration. A poignant, heart-breaking story exposing the hardships, health consequences and lack of support trans people face. Stars Haiyang Zhang and Chun Li. NYU Tisch
Dante Porter and Jim Winton Porter (Australia), The Bus, Film Short – In a dystopian future, humanity teeters on the brink of annihilation, and every human’s role is dictated by the government. Those with deemed “important” roles are promised a ticket on the bus to a safe, undisclosed location—but does the bus ever come? A politically ambiguous story that asks hard questions about society and humanity, starring Drew Wilson and Adele Hamer.
Conni St. Pierre (USA), Forest Faeries, Animation
Danni Wang (China), Anyways, Asian Theme (Student)
Dante Porter and Jim Winton Porter (Australia), The Bus, Direction
Dr Glen Stasiuk and Jessica Great Bailey (Australia), KAYAMATAH, Film Short, Native Peoples / Aboriginal Filmmaker
Enrique Carrasco (USA), The Meet-Up, Script / Writer, Disability Issues, Filmmaker with Disability
Hanzi Zhao (China), Lady Jasmine, Women Theme
Jesse Weglein (USA), Shine, AI Animation, Jewish Theme
JJ Hollingsworth, Nikolay Khozyainov and Kimber Rudo (USA), Come To The Table, Original Score
Kelly Joe Richardson (USA), The Tell-Tale Heart, Original Score
Kelly Joe Richardson (USA), The Pit and the Pendulum, Original Score
Kelly Joe Richardson (USA), A Descent into the Maelstrom, Original Score
Kevin McGuiness (Canada), The Bloody Riddle, Documentary Short
Lynn Elliott (USA), Look Into My Eyes, Episode 4: The Boy Who Earned His Magic, Script / Writer
Richard J. Moir (United Kingdom), This House Has Roots, Actor: Leading (James Sobol Kelly as Daniel)
Sarah Jenkins (USA), The One, Choreography
Shigeto Sayama (United Kingdom), The River, Original Score
Surapong Wetsuwanmanee (Thailand), The Final Exam, Asian Theme
Tilmann Boegel (Germany), No Beginning – No Ending, Sound: Overall Impact
Tom Trainor (USA), Ziggy, Documentary Short, Direction, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Tony Kelly, Lovely Hurling Productions (Ireland), This Is Fine, Direction, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Tony Kelly as Ronnie)
Velton Lishke (United Kingdom), Behind The Reflection, Actress: Leading (Rozelle Gemma as Shae)
Yichen Xu (USA), Under the Sun, LGBTQ+ Theme (Student), Asian Theme (Student)
Zeljko Mirkovic (USA), He is UCONN- Big Red, Documentary Short
CLICK BELOW FOR AWARD OF MERIT WINNERS
CLICK BELOW FOR AWARD OF RECOGNITION WINNERS
