BEST FILM
The Leak | Belgium | 2023 |08’
Director: Paola Cubillos
Synopsis: The tranquility in a woman’s apartment is imperiled by the emergence of a water leak. The drops fall as a reminder of the unspoken memories that have long been suppressed. The incessant dripping becomes a portal to another space-time, where vivid echoes of a burning tree come to bridge the gap between forgotten childhood emotions and the woman’s current reality. As the water leak continues to create ripples in the woman’s once-quiet existence, she learns that some echoes cannot be silenced.
BEST DIRECTOR
The Leak | Belgium | 2023 |08’
Director: Paola Cubillos
Synopsis: The tranquility in a woman’s apartment is imperiled by the emergence of a water leak. The drops fall as a reminder of the unspoken memories that have long been suppressed. The incessant dripping becomes a portal to another space-time, where vivid echoes of a burning tree come to bridge the gap between forgotten childhood emotions and the woman’s current reality. As the water leak continues to create ripples in the woman’s once-quiet existence, she learns that some echoes cannot be silenced.
BEST SCREENPLAY
The Leak | Belgium | 2023 |08’
Director: Paola Cubillos
Synopsis: The tranquility in a woman’s apartment is imperiled by the emergence of a water leak. The drops fall as a reminder of the unspoken memories that have long been suppressed. The incessant dripping becomes a portal to another space-time, where vivid echoes of a burning tree come to bridge the gap between forgotten childhood emotions and the woman’s current reality. As the water leak continues to create ripples in the woman’s once-quiet existence, she learns that some echoes cannot be silenced.
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
Beneath a Mother’s Feet | Morocco | 2023 | 16’
Actress: Nisrine Adam
Director: Elias Suhail
Writer: Elias Suhail
Producer: Arij Al-Soltan
Cast: Nisrine Adam
Synopsis: In a Moroccan coastal town viewers are drawn into the life of Wedad, a single mother. Balancing societal expectations and her own aspirations, the narrative weaves in elements of superstition and allegory. An ambiguous presence, neither fully real nor imagined, reflects her inner struggles, inviting viewers into her emotional landscape.
BEST LEADING ACTOR
Bent Spoons | United States | 2023 | 14’
Actor: Josh Brodis
Directors: Josh Brodis, Arnold Aldridge, Lou Castro
Writer: Josh Brodis
Producers: Josh Brodis, Jordan Henderson
Cast: Josh Brodis
Synopsis: Jack is convinced his father committed suicide because he was possessed, not because he was mentally ill. Battling with his own inner demons, Jack returns home years after his father’s suicide to find answers about a darkness that brews within himself. He gets no help from a mother that bottles each emotion, so he investigates and winds up in a fever dream of memories he’s since suppressed. A red amulet keeps appearing on his journey, confirming Jack’s possessed theory in his mind. He slowly discovers the evil he remembered in his dad was indeed his father – but alas, a severely mentally ill and misdiagnosed father. It’s not until the end that Jack can truly see how sick he is himself – and that the amulet was actually a locket of father and son that was always worn and deeply cherished. In the end, Jack seeks help and is hopeful for a brighter future with support, something his father tragically wasn’t able to do.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beneath a Mother’s Feet | Morocco | 2023 | 16’
Cinematographer: Will Hanke
Director: Elias Suhail
Writer: Elias Suhail
Producer: Arij Al-Soltan
Cast: Nisrine Adam
Synopsis: In a Moroccan coastal town viewers are drawn into the life of Wedad, a single mother. Balancing societal expectations and her own aspirations, the narrative weaves in elements of superstition and allegory. An ambiguous presence, neither fully real nor imagined, reflects her inner struggles, inviting viewers into her emotional landscape.
BEST EDITING
Nevermore | Czech Republic | 2021 | 08’
Editor: Michelle Tseng
Director: Sheida Sheikhha
Writers: Sheida Sheikhha, Bruno Grandino
Producers: Sheida Sheikhha, Bruno Grandino
Cast: Klara Kousalova, Alan Michailov, Teodor Pribil
Synopsis: After the accidental death of her 4 year old son, a mother battles with her inner fears and demons as she come to terms with the fact that her older son is responsible for this tragedy.
BEST NARRATIVE
Beneath a Mother’s Feet | Morocco | 2023 | 16’
Director: Elias Suhail
Writer: Elias Suhail
Producer: Arij Al-Soltan
Cast: Nisrine Adam
Synopsis: In a Moroccan coastal town viewers are drawn into the life of Wedad, a single mother. Balancing societal expectations and her own aspirations, the narrative weaves in elements of superstition and allegory. An ambiguous presence, neither fully real nor imagined, reflects her inner struggles, inviting viewers into her emotional landscape.
BEST DRAMA
Quiche | Canada | 2022 | 11’
Director: Suzannah Moore
Writer: Suzannah Moore
Producers: Suzannah Moore, Adam Crosby
Cast: Linda Kash, Suzannah Moore
Synopsis: A suspicious neighbour presses her way into the kitchen of a private new mother.
BEST COMEDY
Who’s Annie? | United States | 2023 | 30’
Director: SOPHIA PEER
Writers: SOPHIA PEER, Annie Sicherman
Producers: Ryan Cunningham, Randy Stulberg
Cast: Annie Pisapia, Sofia Dobrushin
Synopsis: After jail-time, 12-step programs and five marriages, Annie begins her acting career in her mid-fifties with the help of a young director she met at a Burger King. In this show within a show, Annie tackles both her gigs as an actor and the role of herself in her own life story.
BEST COMEDY
Childhood Friends | Germany | 2021 | 08’
Director: Jana Filzhuth
Writer: Jana Filzhuth
Producer: Jana Filzhuth
Cast: Friedrich Witte, Gerrit Neuhaus
Synopsis: PAUL and FRANZ have been childhood friends. While waiting for Franz‘s son in the kindergarten Franz asks Paul if he could take care of his son on the weekend. Paul is confessing he is a paedophile and he doesn‘t want to take the risk. At the end the question is how much trust you can give a paedophile and how far does friendship go.
BEST HORROR
Bent Spoons | United States | 2023 | 14’
Directors: Josh Brodis, Arnold Aldridge, Lou Castro
Writer: Josh Brodis
Producers: Josh Brodis, Jordan Henderson
Cast: Josh Brodis
Synopsis: Jack is convinced his father committed suicide because he was possessed, not because he was mentally ill. Battling with his own inner demons, Jack returns home years after his father’s suicide to find answers about a darkness that brews within himself. He gets no help from a mother that bottles each emotion, so he investigates and winds up in a fever dream of memories he’s since suppressed. A red amulet keeps appearing on his journey, confirming Jack’s possessed theory in his mind. He slowly discovers the evil he remembered in his dad was indeed his father – but alas, a severely mentally ill and misdiagnosed father. It’s not until the end that Jack can truly see how sick he is himself – and that the amulet was actually a locket of father and son that was always worn and deeply cherished. In the end, Jack seeks help and is hopeful for a brighter future with support, something his father tragically wasn’t able to do.
BEST THRILLER/MYSTERY
Inshore | Turkey | 2022 | 14’
Director: Elif Öner
Writer: Elif Öner
Producers: Batuhan Semir, Elif Öner
Cast: Ezgi Bozkurt, Selin Köseoğlu, Arda Anarat
Synopsis: On a day when Artemis and Defne were at the beach, they encounters Tarik, who runs a camp nearby. In this way, Tarik will be involved the relationship, feelings and concerns of the duo. Thus, laughter will be replaced by uncanny moments.
BEST STUDENT
Rosario | United Kingdom | 2023 | 11’
Director: Tamara Egea Ferguson
Writer: Tamara Egea Ferguson
Producer: Tamara Egea Ferguson
Cast: Leticia Sánchez, Austin Miller
Synopsis: Rosario follows a flamenco dancer who falls into artistic obsession when challenged by a mysterious guitar melody.
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
Rosario | United Kingdom | 2023 | 11’
Director: Tamara Egea Ferguson
Writer: Tamara Egea Ferguson
Producer: Tamara Egea Ferguson
Cast: Leticia Sánchez, Austin Miller
Synopsis: Rosario follows a flamenco dancer who falls into artistic obsession when challenged by a mysterious guitar melody.
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
To Mother | Poland | 2022 | 14’
Director: Aleksander Szamalek
Writer: Aleksander Szamalek
Producer: Krystyna Doktorowicz
Cast: Paweł Kempa, Judyta Paradzińska
Synopsis: Adam, now an adult man, returns to his home village after a long stay in a closed center. Marked by the tragedy of the past, he tries to adapt to the new reality and re-establish a relationship with his mother. His empathy for nature and animals, as well as memories and longing, turn out to be disastrous, which causes Adam to cross a certain line, which has irreversible consequences.
BEST ANIMATION
It’s Dance Time | United Kingdom | 2023 | 05’
Director: Qiushu Li
Writer: Qiushu Li
Synopsis: An intimate conversation between two schoolgirls during a group dance between classes, talking about body changes and the experience of UFO sightings.
BEST ANIMATION
Irina | Austria | 2023 | 06’
Director: Amelie Magdalena Loy
Writer: Amelie Magdalena Loy
Synopsis: A wall of trees. Her sudden urges to break out of the cold loneliness lead to nothing. When a sudden impact leads Irina to choose between owning or ending her life.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Y WERIN / HIRAETH | United Kingdom | 2023 | 15
Directors: Ella Spottiswood, Adam Evans
Producers: Adam Evans, Ella Spottiswood
Cast: Jonny Owen, Charlotte James
Synopsis: A non-exploitative and honest insight into a town considered to be the most deprived area in Wales. Two creatives explore how the people and landscapes of Merthyr Tydfil have impacted their lives and art.
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
Best Self | Australia | 2023 | 09’
Director: Phebe Schmidt
Writer: Phebe Schmidt
Producer: Gabrielle Pearson
Cast: Daniella Casmi
Synopsis: She is present. She is perfect. She is doing well.
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
They are watching you | France | 2023 | 05’
Director: Quentin Bernard
Writer: Quentin Bernard
Producers: Duo du Bas, Eskemm Films
Cast: Elsa Corre, Hélène Jacquelot, Odette Picaud
Synopsis: Two women discover a mysterious workshop where a collection of stitched dolls are carefully placed on tables and shelves. The artist Odette Picaud installs them in her lair and undertakes a performance of sewing and patching with the singers of “Duo du Bas” as her material…
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Lisa Pac – All In | Austria | 2023 | 03’
Director: René Rodlauer
Producers: Sarah Zaza, Sabine Tatzgern
Synopsis: “All In” offers a visual portrayal of the independent artist Lisa Pac, traversing various settings that mirror the emotions of vulnerability, risk, and eventual reward. The music video transitions from a vivid and intense environment to more grounded scenes, capturing her solitary journey within the industry’s challenges in black and white. Symbolically, money represents both the sought-after reward and the inherent risk that accompanies a young artist’s pursuit of success. The act of wagering everything on oneself becomes a striking visual metaphor, encapsulating the essence of the song’s meaning and sentiment.
BEST MINI SHORT
The Last March Of An Ad Creative | United States | 2023 | 03’
Director: Kiran Koshy
Writer: Jason N Farmanov, Kiran Koshy
Producer: Adam Kaiser, Gleason Barber, Steve Wi
Cast: Devin Bonnée, Kenneth Bingham, Lee Hackett
Synopsis: An agency creative attempts to lure fresh talent to the industry as he makes his final walk toward redundancy in this film about ageism in advertising.
BEST MINI SHORT
HOT Neighbour | United Kingdom | 2023 | 03’
Director: Alexandra Boulton
Writer: Alexandra Boulton
Cast: Alexandra Boulton
Synopsis: A young woman attempts to email her hot neighbour asking him to turn the music down – but things quickly get out of hand.
BEST NO/LOW BUDGET
Tell Him I Left | United States | 2022 | 05’
Director: Vidhi N Bansal
Writers: Vidhi N Bansal, Paridhi N Bansal
Producers: Liam Young, Andre Zakhya, Shuruq Tramontini, Alexey Marfin
Cast: Justin David
Synopsis: “Tell Him I Left,” is a short film set in a dystopian world of religious extremities. The belief systems plaguing the two worlds have pulled them apart and created constant tension, giving rise to an in-between, where the non conformists often wander. The film allows you to explore this world by following the journey of a letter from one world to the other, while crusading the forest in- between. “Tell Him I Left” was created out of Vidhi’s keen interest in visually stunning dystopias combined with her childhood plagued with religious indoctrination.
BEST DEBUT
Je te ferai un film | Tunisia | 2023 | 19’
Director: Amani Jaafer
Writer: Amani Jaafer
Producers: Omar Ben Ali, Fady Atallah
Cast: Sabrine Ghannoudi, Hakim Faris
Synopsis: A misunderstanding between Nadia, a cineast and her former lover sparks a slow-burning conflict that delves deep into their shared past, exploring the bittersweet nuances of longing and moving on and navigating the complexities of love and heartbreak.
BEST COMMERCIAL/AD/TVC
Timeless Shine | Malabar Gold And Diamonds | India | 2022 | 01’
Director: Rohan Mathew
Writers: Rohan Mathew, Pallavi Kainady
Producer: Rohan Mathew
Cast: Namitha Chacko
Synopsis: Celeberating Mother’s day and Nurse’s day in 2022, which fell close to each other, we looked at nurses as an extension of the caregiving that a mother gives. The video drew parallels of the life of a girl in two separate window; one a flashback denoted with the more filmic look with grains and the warmer more sepia tones. The otherside with a more blue, more sterile modern look. The one side shows how the mother taught the daughter ideas of caring and caregiving and the other shows how the daughter now exhibits these signs as a nurse. The two separate sides come together in the end in a very heart warming scene.
