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Nominations Winter 2025

Nominated: Best Feature
Watch out for Zombies!

Director/Writer: Emil Broo

Producers: Emil Broo, Eric Norberg, Pontus Wicksell

Country: Sweden

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Drama

Overview: Daniel and Linnea are two troubled teenagers uncertain about their futures. When a zombie apocalypse erupts in their quiet town, they cross paths. Though they don’t get along at first, they have no choice but to work together to survive. Over time, they develop a friendship and uncover a deeper purpose in their lives.

Director Statement: I was writing this movie while studying at an academic film program, and I was a bit depressed during that time. So I made one of the main characters study at a university while he himself was depressed and had no real goals and ambitions in his life. The same goes for the other main character Linnea, who is unemployed which I was before I started studying. You write what you know right? It was fun to later connect their struggles to a zombie apocalypse, especially since they eventually find themselves to be quite comfortable in being zombie killers. I’ve always loved to combine horror with comedy and the goal with this film was always to make a fun and entertaining film. But what ultimately made me decide to make this film was my passion for the main characters, I mean, zombies, blood splatter and gore is super fun and all, but more importantly is to have a decent story with characters that the audience care for. Essentially, this is a movie with a lot of comedic moments, blood and gore but also with a lot of heart as well.

Nominated: Best Comedy Short
Talking Rubbish
Talking Rubbish

Director: Ian Donnelly

Writers: Ian Donnelly, Richard Hearn

Producer: Ian Donnelly

Country: United Kingdom

Genre: Comedy

Overview: Carl's morning kicks off the way every hapless single mans does every week. Forgetting to put the bins out. He must race against time before the bin lorry arrives. What follows is a slapstick series of unfortunate events: Carl struggles with his clothes, the recycling bin, a small dog, and ultimately his own emotions as he looks for the chance of new love and companionship. As he tries to impress his new neighbour, he digs himself deeper into a self-made hole. The chaos peaks when a sentimental piece of jewellery goes missing, and his disapproving sister gets involved. Mixing quick-witted dialogue, absurd situations, and heartfelt moments, this short comedy reveals the beauty in life’s little mishaps and the lengths we go to find love…. and the correct wheelie bin….

Director Statement: In the summer of 24, a writer friend of mine, Richard Hearn wrote a short monologue for me, I filmed it and once completed, I thought "Hang on, this would make a great short film!" That was the genesis of 'Talking Rubbish'. We didn't set out to write a particular style or type of comedy, we just wanted to make people laugh - not such a bad thing in a very serious world? and in my humble opinion, not every film needs to carry a message. The film basically pays homage to all the comedy TV shows I grew up watching, like 'Some Mothers do 'ave em' 'Bless This House' and ''Man About The House'. It wasn't deliberate, I guess the very peculiarly British style just seeps in by osmosis over a number of years. Although only 11 minutes long, I wanted to make sure the film had a beginning, middle and end, with no unnecessary dialogue or 'shoe-leather'. Also crucial to the film was getting the best equipment, actors and crew we could afford on a limited budget to give it the best production value we could achieve. Over 50 years on set with both large and small TV and film productions, I always thought: 'Surely, directing can't be that hard? - I can do that..." - How wrong I was! Suffice to say, It was so enjoyable being on the other side of the camera, I'm now dead keen to do some more!

Nominated: Best Animation Short
Chardak
Chardak

Director: Mileta Postic, Predrag Joldic

Producer: Predrag Joldic, Mileta Postic

Country: Serbia

Type: Animation

Overview: It is a Fantasy Film based on a local fairy tale, There is Romance, action, humor and meta-storytelling. Damsel in distress with the twist.

Director Statement: This is a story about the identity of a character in the animation. He is searching for clues in the film just like we do in our lives. His love interest helps him and vice-versa. Predrag Joldic and I were making this short animation film for 4 years, in between commercial projects. We both produced it and directed it in our studio. We completed it in January 2025.

Nominated: Best Thriller/Horror Short
Zombie Ship

Director/Writer/Producer: Art Borowiec

Country: Poland, Spain

Genre: Horror

Overview: A lone FISHERMAN faces the relentless pull of a monstrous, storm-tossed sea - drawn back toward a ravenous beast lurking in its depths. Desperate to live, he will sacrifice anything, even his own humanity, in a fatal struggle for survival. Yet there’s no escape from the cycle of darkness already set in motion. This is a tale of eternal predation, not salvation. In the horror of 'Zombie Ship,' chiaroscuro reveals only what can be torn from the abyss, while the unknown thrives, undisturbed, in the suffocating shadows. The film plunges into the harrowing moral dilemma: how far will one go to save their life, when survival demands the ultimate price?

Director Statement: Zombie Ship is a haunting exploration of the survival paradox – are there any true limits to the fight for life? Our nameless Fisherman, fleeing death due to a failing heart, becomes entangled in a conscious leviathan made of the wrecks of devoured ships. This is not a haunted ship; it is a predatory ecosystem where victims become hunters, and salvation is simply another word for damnation. Visually, the film draws from the chiaroscuro of Caravaggio to mirror the Fisherman’s moral decay. Harsh light cuts through greasy shadows, revealing only fragments – as though the darkness itself is consuming humanity. The ship, a Frankensteinian collage of rusted hulls and shattered masts, moves with a grotesque biomechanical rhythm. The helpless crew mindlessly constructs the machinery of their own annihilation. This is horror as cultural autopsy. The ocean is not just the setting, but a character: an ancient, hungry witness to humanity’s worst impulse – devouring the weak in the name of self-preservation. When survival demands becoming another link in the chain of predation, what is the acceptable price of life? There is no redemption here, only the terrifying beauty of inevitability – the unbroken cycle of survival. Zombie Ship isn’t about monsters. It’s about the monster in each of us.




Nominated: Best Thriller/Horror Short
No Saints Eve

Director/Writer/Producer: Kane Hunter, Taylor Smith

Country: United Kingdom

Type: Horror, Thriller

Overview: On Halloween night, a father and son's family tradition is disrupted, with the outcome resting on the strength between them.

Nominated: Best Long Short
Pierre West
Pierre West

Director/Writer/Producer: Henrik Larsson, Jakob Arevärn

Country: Sweden

Type: Drama, Short

Overview: One day Pierre's TV breaks down, what at first seems like another setback will soon take him down a new road. Pierre West is a drama about hope and darkness, filmed over 17 years. Through Pierre’s isolated life and his unjust struggle with trauma, the film explores emotions that arise when the light at the end of the tunnel seems so very far away. A character-driven portrayal balancing hardships and inner demons with humor and longing. In an existence without compassion – how long can Pierre endure?

Director Statement: I see film as a delivery device for emotion. This film creates strong emotional response in the audience. That is what we set out to do when we started the project and thats why we, all these years later, are so very proud of the film. Epic in the emotions but intimate in its storytelling. I love how fragile yet always hopeful our protagonist is. /Henrik Larsson

Nominated: Best Art/Experimental Short
Perfect Wall

Director/Writer/Producer: Sea-Hoon Jeon

Country: Republic of Korea

Genre: Experimental, Short, Student

Overview: Symmetrical stiffness Perfectionism artist Oh Ju-bom's perfect daily life begins to distort.

Director Statement: Everyone has different horrors. Some are ghosts, some are demons, some are monsters... So what about the fear of a perfectionist? Does perfect really exist in this world? The moment you face fear, you will realize the reality.

Nominated: Best Student Director
Heavy Weight

Director/Writer/Producer: Sea-Hoon Jeon

Country: Republic of Korea

Project Type: Drama, Psychological, Family, Thriller

Overview: High school student SeeWoo was playing with his little sister, SeoYeon, at home when a water balloon thrown by SeoYeon accidentally fell out the window, resulting in the death of the child living upstairs. The only ones who know the truth are SeeWoo and his mother. SeeWoo hesitates out of fear, but his mother strongly opposes his desire to confess.

Director Statement: Through the protagonist’s suffering and anguish caught in the dilemma between guilt and family love, the film explores how heavy the weight of conscience can truly be. Despite being overwhelmed by fear, the protagonist believes that the truth must be told. Maybe revealing the truth and doing the right thing will finally ease the guilt. There is a saying that a family is a shared destiny. When something happens, they endure together, face the consequences together, and support each other. For the sake of a loved one, one must bear the heavy burden of responsibility and keep moving forward.




Nominated: Best Feature, Best Feature Actor/Actress (Elijah Baker)


Tapped

Director: Teoman Sayin

Writers: Teoman Sayin, Elijah Baker

Producers: Shamsa Akhtar, Elijah Baker

Key Cast "Nuro-Ross": Elijah Baker

Country: United Kingdom

Genre: Action, Romance, Thriller, Suspense

Overview: "Tapped" follows the story of Ross, a 23-year-old man with autism, whose life takes a tumultuous turn after his girlfriend, Clara, becomes a victim of a heinous crime. Struggling with the complexities of social interactions, Ross finds himself isolated, battling against his own challenges while supporting Clara, who is left emotionally and physically scarred. As the couple attempts to process the trauma together, they face external obstacles, including the inadequacies of the legal system and the struggle to claim disability allowance that would grant Ross financial support. Set in the vibrant yet harsh environment of South London, "Tapped" is a poignant exploration of love, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of adversity.

Director Statement: Tapped is more than just a film; it is a deeply personal exploration of resilience, love, and the barriers that society often places in front of those who need support the most. At its heart, this story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals with autism and the complexities of navigating a world that isn’t always built to accommodate them. Nuro/Ross's journey is one of courage and survival—his battle to support Clara while facing his own challenges is one that many will relate to, yet is rarely represented on screen with the authenticity it deserves. I wanted to create a film that is not only emotionally compelling but also highlights the stark realities of the legal system, financial hardships, and the daily battles faced by neurodivergent individuals. My approach as a director is rooted in truth—I strive to work closely with actors to ensure their performances reflect real, lived experiences, having a son who has NKH has been the core of this film. South London, with all its beauty and harshness, serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a character in itself, amplifying the struggles and triumphs of Ross and Clara’s journey. My hope for Tapped is that it will resonate with audiences, challenge perspectives, and ignite conversations about justice, disability rights, and the need for a more compassionate society. At its core, this is a story of love and survival, and I am honored to bring it to life."

Nominated: Best Art/Experimental Short



Memento Mori

Director Fabio Servullo

Writer: Fabio Servullo

Producer: Fabio Servullo

Country: Brazil

Project Type: Experimental, Short

Overview: A woman in search of memory and identity dives into a surrealist journey where cinematic language itself is the vórtex of all reality.

Nominated: Best Short, Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Short, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress (Oscar Salem), Best Cinematography, Best Original Score
EXIMO

Director: Mayed Al Qasimi

Writer: Andrew Pallett

Producer: Alex Di Cuffa

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type:Sci-Fi, Romance

Overview: Merald and Shaylyn, two skilled engineers, are part of a pioneering mission to the outer reaches of Earth’s solar system. When Shaylyn declines Merald’s invitation to dinner with his family, it seems like a trivial decision—until everything changes. A catastrophic failure in the Kepler drive triggers an emergency evacuation, and as chaos unfolds, Merald’s only thought is Shaylyn. Racing against time, he leads her back to his family, hoping to escape together—only to face unexpected betrayal. Forced to seek another way off the ship, they crash-land on a desolate moon, their fates entwined in a struggle for survival. With oxygen low and hope fading, Merald makes a choice that will define them both forever.

Director Biography: Eximo is a deeply personal film that represents my creative culmination of crafting a well-rounded, emotionally resonant story. Inspired by cinematic masterpieces like Bicentennial Man and The Shape of Water, I set out to build a world where the protagonist’s choices reflect the profound human dilemmas of love over wealth and acceptance of death over the anguish of loss. At its core, the story carries a philosophical metaphor: the spaceship symbolizes the protagonist’s body, and the Kepler drive represents their heart—an engine of both emotion and life. The film was an ambitious endeavor, shot entirely over seven days within the confines of a large studio. Multiple sets were built and ingeniously recycled during rest days to accommodate the evolving narrative, presenting significant logistical challenges that demanded precision and ingenuity from our team. The climactic final scene pushed the boundaries of technical filmmaking. From a meticulously constructed rotating escape pod to the surreal, all-black Enceladus sequence, every detail was thoughtfully executed. The black carpet was wetted to smooth out wrinkles, and 10-meter-high curtains were erected to block out the studio, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. These elements came to life through extensive grading sessions and a steadfast commitment to the film’s visual identity. Ultimately, Eximo is a dramatic ode to love and sacrifice, dedicated to my wife—my constant inspiration—and to the enduring bond we share as parents to our little twins. This film stands as a testament to the depths of human connection and the beauty of choosing love, no matter the cost

Nominated: Best Feature Documentary



Seeds of Sovereignty

Director/Producer: Stuart J Tanner

Country: United States

Genre: Environmental, Political

Overview: Seeds of Sovereignty is a thought-provoking documentary that explores Mexico’s growing struggle with the United States to protect its biodiversity and food sovereignty. At the center of the conflict is U.S. pressure on Mexico to adopt GMO corn and industrial farming practices, posing a serious threat to the country’s traditional agriculture and environmental health. In response, the Mexican government and advocacy groups have mobilized to resist these efforts, sparking a powerful movement to safeguard food sovereignty, biodiversity, and sustainability. Through striking visuals and compelling narratives, Seeds of Sovereignty exposes the harmful effects of industrial farming in both nations and challenges viewers to reflect on a country's right to provide its people with safe, nutritious food while preserving its environment and cultural heritage.

Director Statement: Mexico is at a pivotal moment, fighting to protect its native seeds, land, and people from the threat of genetically modified crops and harmful agrochemicals. Seeds of Sovereignty is a film born out of urgency—a response to a struggle that is both deeply local and undeniably global. This documentary is about more than agriculture; it is about identity, resistance, and the fundamental right to shape our own future. Through compelling interviews and powerful visuals, we explore the legal victories and grassroots movements standing up to immense corporate and political pressure. We witness the resilience of farmers, scientists, activists, and communities who refuse to let biodiversity and cultural heritage be sacrificed for industrial agriculture. As a filmmaker, my goal is to bring audiences into this fight—not just to inform, but to inspire action. The battle to protect native seeds in Mexico is part of a larger fight for food sovereignty worldwide. Who controls the food we eat? What are the long-term consequences of prioritizing profit over people and the planet? Seeds of Sovereignty asks these critical questions, urging us to rethink the systems that sustain us.




Nominated: Best Long Short
The leap of success
The leap of success

Director/Writer/Producer: Lorenzo Freglio

Country: Italy

Genre: Drama

Overview: A multi-million dollar win thanks to a scratch card shocks the inhabitants of a small community. Teresa, the lucky winner, dies shortly after purchasing the ticket, leaving her daughter Linda in the dark as to where the coupon may be hidden...

Director Statement: “The Leap of Success” is my debut work—a short film (a homage to the ’60s and ’70s Italian comedy) that is grotesque and surreal, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Everything, starting from the poster, reflects the mood of that era. A million-dollar win and the search for the winning ticket set the story in motion...

Nominated: Best Short
ARTHUR AVE.
ARTHUR AVE.

Director/Writer/Producer: Joey Medina

Country: United States

Genres: Drama

Overview: In a Bronx bar, a clash between traditional Italian-American "wiseguys" and the LGBTQ+ community leads to a confrontation that challenges the characters' preconceptions and the dynamics of power.

Nominated: Best Long Short
THE UNSEEN WOUND

Director: PARAG CHHAPEKAR

Producers: DR. PARVINDER SINGH LUBANA, BALWINDER SINGH LUBANA

Country: India

Genres:Drama

Overview: In the bustling world of American success, Raghav and Ketki, a software engineer couple, decide to leave behind their thriving careers and return to their ancestral village in India. Driven by an unshakable commitment to social service, they dedicate themselves to the noble mission of cleaning the sacred river that flows through their homeland. Their efforts are rewarded in the most miraculous way—the couple is blessed with the gift of parenthood. But joy turns into anguish when Ketki first lays eyes on her newborn daughter. The child’s dark complexion comes as a shock to the couple, so deeply conditioned are they by societal ideals of beauty. Suspicions arise, and they begin to doubt the very origins of their child. It is only through the scientific explanation of chromosomal variation by their doctor that they come to terms with the truth. Yet, this acceptance is not enough to shield them from the harsh gaze of society. In a culture that prizes fairness and undervalues daughters, the birth of a dark-skinned girl becomes a subject of scorn. Ketki, once a woman of grace and confidence, finds herself crumbling under the weight of societal judgment. Overwhelmed by taunts and whispers, she begins to harbor feelings of inadequacy and despair, even as a mother. As Ketki spirals into self-doubt, an unexpected event alters the course of her life forever. This pivotal moment forces her to confront the biases she has internalized and the superficial values imposed by society. Through pain and revelation, Ketki embarks on a transformative journey—one that reshapes her identity as a woman, a mother, and a human being. “The Unseen Wound”is a poignant exploration of prejudice, motherhood, and self-worth. It dives deep into the entrenched societal norms that define beauty and challenges the biases we often fail to recognize within ourselves. With its heart-wrenching narrative and emotional depth, The Unseen Wound is a story of redemption, resilience, and the boundless love that transcends appearances, inspiring us to celebrate the inherent beauty of every soul.

Director Statement: Why does someone choose to become a filmmaker? It’s often because of the stories and subjects that stir their soul—stories that keep them awake at night, bring tears to their eyes, or fill their heart with profound joy. Filmmakers are driven by a deep desire to shape these emotions and imaginations into something tangible, to share them with the world. They aim to spotlight important topics and, in doing so, experience the unparalleled joy of creation. I feel the same way. There are stories that shake me to my core, bring me immense joy, or deeply disturb me. This film is born from one such story. I hope it resonates with you and that my perspective finds its way to your heart.

Nominated: Best Short
Path to Redemption
Path to Redemption

Directors: Marcus Watkins, Kristy Watkins

Writer: Marc Ash

Producers: Marcus Watkins, Kristy Watkins, Adrienne Byrd

Country: United States

Genres: Drama

Overview: A woman in her 40's loses her job & then has to battle her demons of fear, doubt, & self worth in this faith based short movie




Nominated: Best Animation Short
Tiny Teaching Tales
Tiny Teaching Tales

Director: Julie Anne Burch

Writer: Julie Anne Burch

Producer: Julie Anne Burch

Country: United States

Project Type: Animation

Overview: Tiny Teaching Tales bring us a world of wisdom where parents and little ones can learn about love, acceptance, friendship and so much more through the power of wonder and imagination....stories of wisdom...for us all.

Director Statement: “The most important and profound pearls of wisdom are always the most simple, which is the voice I use to create these special tales” - Julie Anne Burch

Nominated: Best Comedy Short
The Stork

Director: Stephen Gallacher

Writer: Ronan McCabe

Producers: Rhydian Lewis, Ronan McCabe

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Comedy

Overview: The Stork is a character driven comedy that follows well intentioned, but clueless, parents of a queer woman wanting to start a family via artificial insemination using Norwegian semen ordered online – a popular method for queer couples. However, typically, the receipts of said semen tend to sign for their important delivery but on this occasion they’re not in but, (un)luckily, one set of parents are! On delivery, there is a slight altercation that results in the sample being destroyed leaving the delivery driver and parents in a bit of sticky (or rather NOT sticky) situation that needs to be rectified before their daughter returns home. All three characters are on very different pages regarding their plan of action and have very different perspectives when it comes to understanding the queer community – supportive but not necessarily accurate. Through miscommunication and audience the short pushes moral boundaries, questioning how far would a parent go to secure their child’s happiness. We follow the trio as they stumble their way through learning about their daughter’s journey (despite their ignorance) and its complexities - from a place of love. It’s an uplifting, family centred story showcasing the importance of unconditional love of queer people.

Director Statement: "The Stork" is a delightful exploration of visual and audio comedy, penned by the talented Ronan McCabe. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling prowess of cinematic legends Chris Columbus, Robert Zemeckis, and Steven Spielberg, my aim is to infuse every frame with cinematic vitality. Through the lens of absurdity and humour reminiscent of classics like "Back to The Future" and "Home Alone," the camera becomes a tool for storytelling, weaving a narrative tapestry of familial chaos amidst the unique journey of fertility.

Nominated: Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Short
Gourmanium
Gourmanium

Director: Benjamin Sitton

Writers: Benjamin Sitton, Jenny Simpson

Producers: Georgia Seymour, Benjamin Sitton

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Sci Fi, Fantasy

Overview: In the aftermath of a nuclear war, world-famous gourmet chef Pierrot raises his daughter Kelly underground in their purpose built bunker. But as supplies dwindle, he must learn that he cannot protect her from reality forever.

Director Statement: The idea for ‘Gourmanium’ came to me at 3am, as I was trying to get to sleep. Scarcely has an idea ever come to me so fully and instantly. I (in hindsight, thankfuklly) jumped out of bed and wrote the idea down, and the following day I finished the first draft of a short script, which structurally, stayed almost exactly the same all the way through to production. As I sat down to begin writing the second draft later that week, Russia went to war with Ukraine. Nothing was specifically changed or added to the script to mirror this conflict, but it felt like a sign to me that this kind of story was important to tell right now, as our anxieties seem to grow and grow even to this day. I wanted to tell a story about how in the face of insurmountable despair, artists were still important, that creating was still important, and that we as humans have an innate desire to try to make sense of a world that frequently makes no sense, and how the power of love and creativity can carry us through so much. It is of course, also about parenthood, about being honest with your children about the harsh truths in life, about letting them grow up into their own people instead of trying to shelter them from everything. The set was built in a small university classroom, and most if not all of the props, decoration, furniture, was salvaged from skips, picked up from facebook marketplace listings for free, or borrowed. I was heavily influenced by the films of Jean-Pierre Jeunet both in look and in tone - in retrospect, perhaps the project was too ambitious for a student film, but the experience taught me so much about working with a crew, with actors, and ultimately how I worked under pressure, against the clock to capture all the set ups and scenes in under 4 days. ‘Gourmanium’ is a love letter to growing up in hardship, to sci-fi and fairytale settings, and to the bonds we have with our parents, which although at times strained, are still what shape us into who we are today.

Nominated: Best Student Director
SOLA

Director/Writer: Clàudia Orriols

Producer: Catherina Frasson Antunes

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Student, Short

Overview: A quiet housewife who plots a discreet escape, a box of paintings that is nowhere to be found and a husband who thinks he is the master of the house. SOLA is the cautious desire for freedom against a ticking clock, the last bit of faith to find what one is looking for.

Director Statement: 'SOLA' aims to portray, not a singular woman's story, but of a whole generation of women that grew up in a very particular context in Spain. These women, who are now our mothers and grandmothers, had to accept the role they were given in society without any notion of feminism, or gender biases.'SOLA' is a homage to all the mothers, grandmothers and women who suffer in silence the rooted sexist conventionalisms in our society. It is my intention with this film to give more representation on- screen to the struggles of women, who are often misrepresented or ignored.




Nominated: Best Director

Rock N' Rolled
Rock N' Rolled

Director/Writer: John Fahy

Producer: John Harris

Country: United States

Project Type: Comedy, Drama, Music, Short

Overview: Young tightly-wound accountant Harmony Hart brings her new boyfriend Felix home to NYC to meet her mother, the world-famous rock star Desiree Hart. The legendary diva and her entourage of colorful collaborators put Harmony and Felix through the rock n’ roll ringer, testing the limits of their budding romance. Rock N' Rolled is a rollicking dramedy in the spirit of Almost Famous, Bel Air, Ballers, Atlanta, Dave, and Entourage.

Nominated: Best Feature Documentary

When Elevators were Racist

Director: Keyonda Smith

Country: United States

Project Type: Documentary, Experimental, Feature

Overview: "When Elevators Were Racist" is a participatory experience, groundbreaking, experimental, and interactive documentary that explores the intersections of the initiation of racial segregation, economics, and urban modernization in a unique way, redefining how stories of social justice and progress are told. Through its innovative choose-your-own-path format, the film empowers audiences to navigate the storylines and themes that resonate most deeply with them, creating a personalized journey through history. The documentary sheds light on the overlooked yet profound impact of civil rights advancements on urban infrastructure and equity in mobility. It explores the unexpected and unthinkable intersections of urban modernization and racial segregation while examining the Jim Crow era's pervasive racial exclusion. This was a time when African Americans were relegated to service stairs and freight elevators, denying access to the primary vertical pathways of public and private spaces. Moreover, it highlights the transformative power of the Civil Rights Movement, which opened elevators to all and ushered in a new era of growth for industries, such as elevator manufacturing. Through vivid storytelling, historical accounts, and cutting-edge interactivity, this documentary reveals how desegregation expanded customer bases and fueled economic opportunities in unimaginable ways. Integration reshaped urban landscapes and infrastructure from department stores to apartment complexes, demonstrating the interconnectedness of social progress and economic development. At its core, "When Elevators Were Racist" encourages reflection on how removing physical and societal barriers has led communities toward more significant equity and prosperity in previously unexpected ways.

Nominated: Best Feature Screenplay / TV Script
Prince of Nothing
Prince of Nothing

Writer: David Allen Case

Country: United States

Project Type: Feature Screenplay

Overview: An American conman is the only descendent of an Irish Castle and must convince a village he’s worthy of inheriting the prized historical landmark where Lancelot once stayed. *Story is based on a true-ish story found buried in family genealogy.

Nominated: Best Short Screenplay

Pari Leto

Writer: Jason Seelmann

Country: Canada

Project Type: Thriller, Drama, Short Script

Overview: No matter their origin, two lives in death are equal. John and Thomas came from two very different places before the virus infected nearly everyone around them. Now they are put side-by-side to protect the survivors. Can they put their beliefs aside to do what is right, or will that be their downfall?




Nominated: Best Feature
Sight and Sound in Love

Director/Writer: Sandosh Kesavan

Producer: Iggy Ignatius

Country: Malaysia

Project Type: Romance, Drama

Overview: "Sight & Sound in Love" is a heartfelt romantic drama that follows Kandhan, a visually impaired man, who falls in love with Shobana, a mute woman who can hear. Despite their communication challenges, they use digital gadgets to convey and communicate their love, navigating through the ups and downs together in this feel-good romantic movie.

Director Statement: "I am Sandosh Kesavan, the director of 'Sight & Sound in Love.' This film is a project close to my heart, inspired by the idea that love transcends physical limitations and societal expectations. Through the characters of Kandhan and Shobana, I wanted to showcase how individuals with different life experiences can come together and create something beautiful. The use of digital gadgets in their relationship symbolizes the innovative ways we can bridge gaps and communicate effectively. I hope this film leaves the audience with a sense of hope and a renewed belief in the power of love and human connection."