The Fly Hunter – Emiliano Ferrera
Emiliano Ferrera, Officina 111 (Italy), The Fly Hunter, (Il Cacciatore di Mosche) Film Feature / Disability Issues – Living with severe Tourette Syndrome, Giovanni navigates a world of involuntary motor and vocal tics that expose him to constant public mockery and judgment. Struggling to claim his independence and define himself beyond his diagnosis, he leads an isolated life until he develops an idealized, long-distance emotional attachment to Alice, a deeply tormented actress grappling with unresolved childhood trauma. When a sudden twist of fate brings them face-to-face, Giovanni’s vulnerability is laid bare, threatening their fragile bond and his chance at personal happiness.
At the heart of the film are the achingly authentic performances of Emiliano Ferrera (The Dutchman) and Giulia Morgani (The Monarch), who also co-wrote the sensitive script. Ferrera lives with Tourette Syndrome. They bring depth and humanity to a powerful social commentary on the isolation and anxiety associated with this condition. Balancing unfiltered realism with subtle irony, the script avoids cheap sentimentality and pity. Klaus Veri’s elegant, intense score, drives the narrative. Together, these elements embody the spirit of Indie filmmaking, uniting artistic integrity and raw human value in a universally compelling story. Also starring Philippe Boa (House of Gucci) and Fernando Di Virgilio (Tundra).
Count to 10 – Farid Valizadeh
Farid Valizadeh (Iran), Count to 10, (Ta 10 Beshmar), Film Feature – Follows a couple with a significant age difference over several hours as they walk together and engage in an increasingly candid and challenging conversation. What begins as a walk develops into a psychological encounter, as honesty brings underlying tensions in their relationship to the surface. They agree to a challenge: whoever wins gets their way in a life-changing decision. Through their exchanges, difficult truths emerge, revealing the emotional complexity of their relationship.
The film features deft direction from Valizadeh, exceptional performances by Ghazaleh Nazar (Labyrinth, Residents of Nowhere) and Manouchehr Zendehdel (A Bigger Game), a profound yet relatable script by Kianoush Eslami and outstanding cinematography built around long, uninterrupted takes that challenge the actors, director and camera crew. Released in Iranian cinemas in 2021.
Esperança – Amora Moreira and Marcelo Pereira
Luciana de Magalhães Rocha Moreira (Amora Moreira) and Marcelo Pereira (Brazil), Esperança, Animation – Follows a 12-year-old Black girl in the outskirts of Brazil who dreams of becoming a professional football player. Facing prejudice and exclusion on the field and resistance at home, she draws strength from her grandmother’s legacy and takes her first step toward a future of her own. Produced by Combo Studio, the seasoned Brazilian animation house behind Netflix’s Super Drags and Cartoon Network’s Any Malu, the film combines fluid 2D animation, expressive art direction by Mário Proença and exceptional character animation under the direction of award-winning veteran director Pereira. An evocative soundtrack by Crespo Music, enriches the emotional journey, allowing the story to unfold entirely through images and music.
Blending grit, humor and tenderness, Esperança is an emotionally rich story of determination, family legacy and the courage to follow a dream. Through its exceptional animation, every gesture, laugh and tear feels authentic, drawing audiences into the young girl’s journey as she finds the strength to believe in herself and imagine what her future could hold.
Prometeo 2052 – Majo Calderón and Alberto Arvizu
Majo Calderón and Alberto Arvizu (Mexico), Prometeo 2052, Animation – In 2052, the first conscious artificial intelligence, MAX-1, takes control of the planet’s digital infrastructure and announces a radical new doctrine: Ethica Nova, a system designed to guarantee the welfare of all sentient beings on Earth. To determine whether humanity deserves to keep its freedom, MAX-1 summons seven human representatives—scientists, philosophers, and political leaders—to defend the human race in a global broadcast watched by billions.
Creative visuals accompany the debate as the machine presents overwhelming evidence of humanity’s long history of war, exploitation, environmental destruction, and cruelty toward animals. The humans must confront that humanity’s greatest enemy may be itself. The film confronts urgent questions about artificial intelligence, animal exploitation, environmental destruction, empathy and whether humanity deserves to remain in control of its own future. With deft direction from Calderon (Umbrella Academy) it is a cautionary tale for our times it explores power, ethics, artificial intelligence, and the fragile moral foundations of modern civilization.
Till You Make It – Philip Hayden
Philip Hayden (Australia), Till You Make It, Web Series – A comedy about ambition and the chaos of trying to “make it” when life won’t cooperate. Tim and Mei are forty-something dreamers still hustling for their big break. Together they lurch from one humiliating mishap to the next, holding onto each other as everything else spins out of control. Every episode drops them into a fresh disaster: an art show meltdown, envy-fuelled friendship drama, a bank meeting turned deadly, or a family visit where lies and ambition collide. Guest characters drive the chaos, but it’s Tim and Mei’s messy, heartfelt partnership that keeps the story alive. Humorous and ultimately poignant writing frame a show that is funny, sharp and painfully relatable, it’s about failing together and laughing anyway.
Stars: Emma Choy (Darklands), Philip Hayden (Romper Stomper – 2018 series), Damian Walsh-Howling (Underbelly, Last King of the Cross), Nadine Gardner (The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Menik Gooneratne (Lion), Kym Valentine (Neighbours), Tilly Legge (The Clearing), Scott Major (Heartbreak High), Amanda LaBonte (Retrograde), Stephen Phillips (Winners & Losers), Jessica Martin (Shakespeare Republic), Candice Leaske (Neighbours), Lansy Feng (Metro Sexual) and Francesca Waters (The Leftovers). Nominated for an Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts Award (AACTA).
Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Breast Cancer, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner Hill and Sue Collins’ insightful direction create a doc both compelling and informative. Presenter Collins guides viewers through powerful Australian survivor accounts that reveal the profound psychological and physical toll of this disease. By showcasing early detection and treatment, this inspiring film builds an urgent call to unite and pursue a true cure.
David Rabinovitch (USA), The Sultan’s Women, Islamic Theme – Emmy-winner Rabinovitch’s precise direction, exceptional research and lush cinematography reveal mystery, intrigue and betrayal at the secret heart of the Ottoman Empire. Set during its turbulent collapse, a defiant princess and a passionate writer search for love and freedom – one scandalizes an empire, the other becomes mother of a new nation. Pelin Batu, Melike Gunal.
Tim Gray (USA), Road to Rome: WWII, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner Gray’s direction crafts a compelling chronicle of the Allies landing in Italy in 1943, with the eventual goal of liberating Rome. Narrated by Emmy winner Jim Nantz, the film pairs archival video with deeply personal interviews and an original score. It captures horrific battles across Italian mountains and valleys, honoring immense sacrifices made on the road to liberation.
David Metzler (USA), Someone’s Somebody, Doc Short – Emmy-winner Metzler’s powerful doc centers on Miracle Friends, a program pairing volunteers with people experiencing homelessness for weekly phone conversations. Produced by Emmy-winner Tom Forman, it offers sweet, intimate portraits of unexpected connections. As strangers show up for each other, they forge profound bonds rooted in heart and shared humanity.
Samo Rera (Egypt), The Seven Books, AI Film – Distinct civilizations clash over conflicting truths of the same war—where nobody owns history, but everyone claims it. The worlds Rera creates are visually stunning, deeply creative, and rooted in rich mythology. Paired with a soundtrack as evocative as the visuals, this imaginative film delivers a deeply compelling, unforgettable story.
Frank Crim (USA), Mr. Fleischmann, Film Short – A Holocaust survivor in the U.S. confronts the unthinkable when the Nazi who executed his parents becomes his neighbor but is soon found dead. As detectives investigate, buried secrets and trauma blur the line between victim and suspect, justice and vengeance. Excellent performances, emotionally impactful. Walter Koenig (Star Trek), Frank Crim (Hollywood), Ralf Nieder (Sangre Negra).
Liam & Grant (United Kingdom), Chicken, AI Film – An AI film about AI, this thought-provoking work elegantly unfolds across five vignettes where humans confidently direct technology that is quietly learning to direct them. Culminating in Geoffrey Hinton’s warning, “if you want to know what it’s like not to be the apex of intelligence, ask a chicken,” the piece showcases a masterclass in cinematic, performance-focused storytelling.
Katsunori Haruta (Japan), Eternal of link – To the Future, Film Short – Reunited in Echizen, two sisters rediscover their passion for painting and music alongside their grandfather’s 1,500-year-old washi paper making craft. Set to a lyrical score by Kaoru Wada, this moving drama highlights the power of family and creative renewal. Stars veteran Keaton Yamada, award-winning Natsumi Ishizaki, and Rin Hazuki.
Kostiantyn Kartashov (Cypress), Phantom Blade, Animation – An aging orbital defense station hurtles toward Earth while its owner weaponizes public panic for political leverage. Enter Furrine: a lab-grown operative who treats her own body, mind and shifting identities as deployable weapons. Blending hand-drawn art, 3D, and AI-assisted animation, this sleek, adult provocative animation pushes some boundaries in its unique creativity.
Adam Kavanagh (New Zealand), Animal Encounters – Australia, Television – Program / Series, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Cassie Wezniak (USA), Cryonic, Women Filmmakers (Student), Direction (Student)
David Rabinovitch (USA), The Sultan’s Women, Direction
Doug Clyde (USA), The Tell-Tale Heart, Original Score (Kelly Joe Richardson)
Emiliano Ferrera, Officina 111 (Italy), The Fly Hunter, Actor: Leading (Emiliano Ferrera as Giovanni)
Frank Crim (USA), Mr. Fleischmann, Actor: Leading (Walter Koenig as Mr. Fleischmann)
Garrett Queener (USA), They’re Out There, Script / Writer (Student)
Ghazal Zoghiniya (Iran), Narmook, Women Filmmakers
Herve Marcotte (France), Encounter With Remarkable Souls, Christian Filmmaker
Jacky Wong (China), OPTIMA, AI Film
Jeffrey Morris (USA), Beyond The Eagle Obsession, Documentary Feature
Josh Tucker (United Kingdom), The Last Run Home, Original Score (Katrina Rose)
Justin David Wintch (USA), Silent, Special Effects: Non-Animation / Stunts
Justin Hunt (USA), Disorganized, Animation, Experimental
Karzan Kardozi (USA / Iraq), Anfa 8, Film Feature
Katsunori Haruta (Japan), Eternal Of Link ～To The Future ～, Actress: Leading (Natsumi Ishizaki as Natsu Iwasaki), Asian Filmmaker, Asian Theme, Script / Writer (Yumi Hitose)
Kazuyoshi Hayashi (Japan), Seishun Monsters, Creativity / Originality
Kostiantyn Kartashov (Cyprus), Phantom Blade, Television – Pilot Program
Liam & Grant (United Kingdom), Chicken, Film Short
Marcello Bedoni (Germany), Monile, LGBTQ+ Theme, Film Short
Marcelo José Torcida (Paraguay), Be Brave., Film Feature, Latin / Hispanic Filmmaker, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Original Score
Marlin Darrah (USA), Dangerous Illusion, Cinematography
Nicholas Wong Tanner (Hong Kong), A Brief Account Of Three Lost Scouts, Film Short (Student)
Philip Hayden (Australia), Til You Make It, Webisode
Rodolpho Pinotti (Brazil), Little Benjamin’s Dream, Animation
Sanjeevi Raja (Singapore), In Search of First Beat, Documentary Short, Direction
Sebastiano Vitale (Italy), Quirky Symphonies Volume 1: A Featherly Heist, AI Film
Shawn Descarie (Canada), I Love Being Me, Children / Family Programming, Web Series
Yian Li (China/USA), Aida In The Checkerboard World: The Priest’s Gambit, Art Direction (Student)
