Numbered Lives – J G Clarke
J G Clarke (Australia), Numbered Lives, Film Feature – Emmy-winner Jeremy Piven headlines a talented cast in this memorable and impactful film. After a brush with the law, Noah awakens in a mysterious, sinister facility where the lines between salvation and manipulation blur. As a determined medical researcher inches closer to the truth, a web of twisted faith, chilling devotion, and moral ambiguity unfolds, forcing everyone to confront the devastating consequences of their choices. “Numbered Lives” is a masterclass in tension and atmosphere. The cast delivers a gripping performance, while inventive cinematography and stunning production design pull viewers into an unsettlingly claustrophobic world. The film’s nuanced direction leverages a mesmerizing color palette to subtly communicate its deeper themes, creating an unforgettable visual experience.
With skillful direction and exceptional sound design that chills without always resorting to graphic violence it leaves some of its horror to the imagination, heightening the psychological impact. Skillful editing seamlessly weaves multiple storylines, building to a nerve-wracking climax, while the use of blurred close-ups and erratic breathing immerses the audience in the characters’ psychological turmoil. Beautifully crafted and hauntingly effective, Numbered Lives is an intense, thought-provoking thriller that lingers. Stars: Jeremy Piven, Sarika Young, Nick Buckland, Matthew O’Sullivan, Marielle Intveld. Music / Sound Mark D’Angelo, Cinematography Maxx Corkindale, Editing Cleland Jones, Production Design David Willoughby. Producer – David Lightfoot.
Turtle Walker – Taira Malaney
Taira Malaney (India), Turtle Walker, Doc Feature – “Turtle Walker” is an emotive and evocative doc with deft direction and an exceptional crew. In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar undertook an extraordinary journey, walking nearly every inch of India’s 7,516-kilometer coastline to discover and protect the nesting grounds of endangered sea turtles. Armed with scant resources and driven by an unwavering dedication, he spent months in isolation on uninhabited islands, mapping turtle habitats and conducting research that laid the foundation for marine conservation in India.
“Turtle Walker” captures this remarkable odyssey through stunning visuals, poignant interviews, and touching reconstructions of Bhaskar’s solitary quest. From the windswept beaches of Gujarat to the remote Andaman Islands, the film reveals his tireless efforts to unravel the mysteries of these ancient creatures while grappling with the challenges of rising seas and disappearing nesting grounds. With stunning cinematography and deeply personal reflections – it captures the feel of a poetic meditation – as both a tribute to a pioneering conservationist and a call to action. It reminds us of the power of individual resilience and the vital connection between humanity and the natural world. Bhaskar’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of devotion and wonder, proving that even one person’s efforts can ripple outward to inspire change for generations. Producer Oscar-winner James Reed, Producer Emmy-nominee Zoya Akhtar, Music Emmy-winner Nainita Desai. Emahof Films. Oscar-nominated HHMI Tangled Bank Studios.
A Freaking Lie (Una Fottuta Bugia) – Gianluca Ansanelli
Gianluca Ansanelli (Italy), A Freaking Lie (Una Fottuta Bugia), Film Feature – Pietro, a former child star, now scrapes by teaching theater and failing auditions. When his chaotic roommate Nicolas lies about Pietro having cancer to avoid eviction, their lives unravel. Things take a poignant turn when Pietro meets Claudia, a terminally ill woman who lives fearlessly. Her radiance draws him in, but his fabricated illness binds them in a bittersweet connection of love and deceit.
Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, this beautifully layered film explores love, guilt, and the lies we tell to protect the lives we long to have. With powerful performances, expert pacing, and a rich emotional core, it’s a story of finding meaning in the unlikeliest places—even within a web of deceit. Stars: Emanuele Propizio, Antonia Fotaras, Giampaolo Morelli, Gianmarco Tognazzi, Marit Nissen, Antonella Fattori.
Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Skin Cancer, Doc Feature – Emmy winner Hill’s deft direction features compelling interviews of Oscar-nominee Hugh Jackman, media icon Deborah Hutton, Olympian Cate Campbell, Champion Surfer ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew. A potent doc exploring Australia’s skin cancer crisis, blending survivor stories with expert insights to champion prevention of a growing public health epidemic
Raymond Zhang (Canada), State Organs, Doc Feature – Peabody-winner Zhang’s chilling doc follows Chinese families on a 20-year journey to find their missing loved ones. They uncover a horrific state-run organ harvesting operation, revealing deep corruption and unspeakable brutality of the Communist Party. This powerful doc uncovers the tragic targeting of Falun Gong practitioners and the unspeakable atrocities they face.
Hugo MacGregor (USA), Plunderer, Doc Feature – Through exceptional research and impactful storytelling, this doc uncovers the chilling career of Bruno Lohse, a Nazi who ordered theft of Jewish-owned art during WWII and profited from it for decades. With recordings of his voice, historians, survivors, and exclusive archival footage, it reveals the dark connections between war atrocities and the shadowy world of fine art. Aired PBS.
Jason Joel Lethcoe (USA), GHOST WRITER, Animation – Director Lethcoe’s (Disney, Zanuck Family Entertainment) utterly charming and engaging animation with captivating and thoughtfully crafted characters. A lonely ghost author haunts a library, yearning for his book to be discovered. When a quirky woman finds it, he experiences joy—but when she returns it, he is crushed. Years later they both find their poetic ending.
Marco Fabbro (Italy), Marcho – The Last Flag, Doc Feature – A visually striking documentary with compelling reenactments and fascinating expert insights. In the 1400s, Rizzardo conceals the tragic story of Marcho of Moruzzo, a rebel against Venice’s conquest and a fierce warrior. His letter, buried for 500 years, is ultimately unearthed in 1986. Paolo Mutti, Aida Talliente, Fabiano Fantini, Alessandro Mistichelli.
Christopher Sheffield (USA), In Monster’s Hands, Limited Series – A gripping true-crime thriller following a detective haunted by PTSD, as he embarks on a relentless, nationwide hunt for a brutal sexual predator targeting elderly couples. A harrowing tale from detective Darren Burch, featuring raw, believable performances. Emmy-nominee Bret J. Green (Criminal Minds), Heather R. Wake (Pandemic), Pamela Fields, Joran Bean.
Carmine Carpenito (Switzerland), Come and Find Me, Film Short – A young boy, grieving the death of his mother receives a mysterious call from the afterlife during the night. This supernatural encounter leads him to uncover a surprising and terrifying truth. Visually charged atmospheres through mysterious scenes and lighting. Stars FflynEdwards (The Crown), Amy Quick (The Haunting of Margam Castle), Nikolai Bosshardt (Unrest).
Mikhail Shevchuk (Russia), Wanderer/Воплощение, Film Feature – In a quiet seaside town, Anya is haunted by her husband’s disappearance. When a mysterious wanderer claims to be him, she is torn between disbelief and hope, as he knows secrets only Artyom could. Creative storytelling and evocative imagery, it explores love, identity and the spaces between truth and illusion. Nastasya Shevchuk, Ilya Chernish, Olga Kabo.
Andy Tan Chee Siong (Malaysia), AirPixel: The Journey, Documentary Feature
Bo Wang (China), Hair Tie, Asian Filmmaker (Student)
Catherine Legault, Isabelle Phaneuf-Cyr, Rémy Huberdeau, Concerto Films (Canada), LARRY (they/them), Editing (Catherine Legault), LGBTQ+ Theme, Original Score (Eric Shaw, Scout The Wise)
Christopher Patrick Vallone (USA), Hellbound Fugitive, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing
Christopher Sheffield (USA), In Monster’s Hands, Television – Pilot Program
Cynthia Cai (USA), Echoes of Silk and Tides: An Ethnic Introspection, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
David Codeglia (USA), The Breakdown, Actor: Leading (Noah Toth as Morgan)
Fella Cederbaum (USA), The Orchid And The Daisy, Script / Writer
Francisco Villarroel, MOB Producciones (Canada), Tango Bar, Film Feature, Script / Writer, Latin / Hispanic Theme
Gianluca Ansanelli (Italy), A Freaking Lie, Actress: Leading (Antonia Fotaras as Claudia)
Hai Liang (China), Mr.Bai, Asian Theme (Student)
J G Clarke (Australia), Numbered Lives, Direction, Script / Writer
Jan Cechl (Czech Republic), Lawrence of Moravia, Animation
Joe Valenti (USA), Ebenezer the Traveler, Film Feature, Cinematography
Leonard Alecu (Romania), Ice Breath, Experimental, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Cinematography
Luke Stone (USA), Retrieving Roadie, Animation
Lynn Elliott (USA), Kochma Kote! Nightmare Place! Episode 5: THE BOY WHO EARNED HIS MAGIC., Script / Writer
Matthew Michael Ross (USA), INVISIBLE, Actor: Leading (Zebedee Row as CB)
Michele Josia (USA), Discesa Libera, Original Score
Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Skin Cancer, Editing, Direction
Mitch Parks (USA), When It Rains in LA, Film Feature, Movie Trailer, Original Score (FAIS)
Rachel B. Farha (USA), Rebecoming Me: Falling Through Foster Care, Documentary Short
Raymond Zhang (Canada), State Organs, Dramatic Impact, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Ritchey Cable (USA), Parable, Christian Theme, Original Score (Steven Franklin)
Roger Cluxton (USA), MIA: Stories of the Vietnam War Bracelet, Documentary Short
Steven Martini (USA), BitterSweet, Actor: Leading (Steven Martini as Sam), Actor: Supporting (William Baldwin as Zimmerman)
Sungwon Kim (Korea), Puggy Huggy, Animation
Taira Malaney (India), Turtle Walker, Asian Filmmaker, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Un-gi Ryu (Korea), The Phase Transition, Experimental (Student), Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Student)
Yana Alliata (USA), Portrait of a Grieving Housewife, Original Score
Yev K’banchik (USA), I Never Said Goodbye, Film Feature
