Humanitarian Awards 2025 |

Humanitarian award words

2025 HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS
The Humanitarian Award honors filmmakers who are bringing awareness to issues of Ecological, Political, Social Justice and Equality, Health and Wellness, Animals, Wildlife, Conservation and Spiritual importance and combining that with quality filmmaking craft. Congratulations to this year’s illustrious winners who are committed to making a difference in the world. To read more about the award click here Grand Prize

Nothing to See Here: Watts – Michael Soenen

Michael Soenen (USA), Nothing to See Here: Watts, Documentary Feature – Backed by Oscar nominee Todd Lieberman and Emmy winner Suzanne Malveaux, this groundbreaking documentary redefines traditional filmmaking by giving Watts residents the tools to film their own lives. Through years of intimate, self-recorded footage and fearless storytelling, Soenen creates a powerful portrait of a community often misunderstood, revealing humanity, resilience, and connection. More than a documentary, the film became a catalyst for dialogue, bringing together rival gang members, community leaders, and residents in a shared effort toward healing and reconciliation.

** The resulting conversations helped inspire a community-led peace movement that coincided with an approximately 90% reduction in homicides across Watts, including a year with zero homicides in the community’s four major housing projects. A powerful testament to the ability of authentic storytelling to bridge divides, foster understanding, and help create lasting social change!

Outstanding Achievement

Conquering Skin Cancer – Mike Hill

Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Skin Cancer – Emmy winner Mike Hill delivers a compelling and beautifully crafted documentary featuring Oscar-nominee Hugh Jackman, media icon , Olympian Cate Campbell, Champion Surfer ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew and more. Through powerful personal stories, expert insight, and deft direction, Hill transforms Australia’s skin cancer crisis into a deeply human exploration of awareness, prevention, and resilience. Balancing emotional storytelling with a vital public health message, the film inspires reflection and action.

They Fight with Cameras – Nina Rosenblum and Daniel Allentuck

Nina Rosenblum and Daniel Allentuck (USA), They Fight with Cameras – Oscar-nominated Rosenblum and Allentuck deliver a deeply moving and masterfully crafted documentary narrated by Emmy-nominee Liev Schreiber, transforming the photographs, footage, letters, and personal reflections of combat cameraman Walter Rosenblum into a powerful cinematic experience. Through an intimate and empathetic lens, the filmmakers create a haunting portrait of war, humanity, and the responsibility of bearing witness, reminding audiences of the profound cost of conflict and the enduring power of images to inspire understanding and peace.

Breaking Enigma: A World War II Game Changer – Tim Gray

Tim Gray (USA), Breaking Enigma: A World War II Game Changer – Emmy-winner Tim Gray delivers a masterfully crafted documentary, narrated by Emmy-winner Keith Morrison, that brings to life the extraordinary courage, ingenuity, and human stories behind the Allied codebreakers of Bletchley Park. Through compelling storytelling, rare historical insight, and immersive filmmaking, Gray transforms a pivotal moment in history into a gripping exploration of innovation, sacrifice, and the individuals whose breakthroughs changed the course of the war and the future of technology. A PBS presentation.

State Organs – Raymond Zhang

Raymond Zhang (Canada), State Organs – Peabody-winner Zhang delivers a powerful and deeply disturbing documentary following families desperately searching for loved ones who have mysteriously disappeared. Through intimate testimony, investigative storytelling and a compassionate directorial approach, Zhang reveals their relentless pursuit of truth as they uncover allegations of a state-run organ harvesting operation targeting Falun Gong practitioners. A chilling and courageous film that transforms a global human rights issue into a deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and the enduring search for justice.

My Neighbor – Dominic Carola

Dominic Carola (USA), My Neighbor – Award-winning Disney veteran Carola (Lilo & Stitch, The Lion King, Mulan) delivers a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant short brought to life with animation by Justin Farris (Brave, Incredibles 2). Through exquisite character design, expressive movement, and masterful storytelling, Carola creates a touching portrait of kindness, connection and caring for others. With entertaining emotional precision, it captivates audiences of all ages, offering children a charming and heartfelt story while giving adults a meaningful reminder of compassion, empathy, and the bonds that unite us.

The Human Side Of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw
Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers and Rush Sturges

Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers and Rush Sturges (United Kingdom), The Human Side of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw – Through beautiful cinematography and deeply personal storytelling, this inspiring documentary captures Senegalese surfer and activist Babacar Thiaw’s fight to protect the ocean he loves. Rooted in family, culture, and a profound connection to the sea, the film reveals how one person’s passion can ignite meaningful change. A visually powerful and emotionally resonant reminder of the impact of courage, purpose, and collective responsibility.

Interwoven – Dawn Carpenter

Dawn Carpenter (USA), Interwoven, Doc Short – Through beautiful cinematography and thoughtful storytelling, this tightly crafted documentary explores a community’s journey from economic hardship to renewal. As residents confront the aftermath of the textile industry’s collapse, the film reveals the power of innovation, worker-owned solutions, and collective action. A deeply human and emotionally resonant portrait of resilience, purpose, and the enduring strength of community.

Award of Distinction