The Way We Speak
Ian Ebright, Molly Vendettuoli and Lauren Ebright
Ian Ebright, Molly Vendettuoli and Lauren Ebright (USA), The Way We Speak, Film Feature – A gripping drama set at a prestigious conference for “thought leaders,” where intellectual debates mask deeper personal crises. Simon Harrington, a middle-aged writer on the cusp of success, takes center stage after his best friend and debate opponent, George Rossi, collapses. His growing obsession with his new rival, Sarah Clawson, a young Christian essayist, drives a wedge between him and his ailing wife, unraveling his personal life. With sharp, witty dialogue and a cast of exceptional actors delivering authentic, emotionally charged performances, The Way We Speak explores the fragile balance between ambition, relationships, and obsession. The film brilliantly dissects the cost of intellectual rivalry and the personal sacrifices made along the way. A cautionary tale for our times, our tolerance and our humanity to others in the face of differences.
Stars: Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul), Diana Coconubo (Law & Order: SVU), Ayanna Berkshire (Wendy and Lucy), Kailey Rhodes (Breakup Season), Lowell Deo (Z Nation), and Reed Diamond (Moneyball).
RARE: A Rare Disease Revolution – Lainey Moseley and John Beder
Lainey Moseley and John Beder (USA), RARE: A Rare Disease Revolution, Doc Feature – Emmy winner Moseley and Emmy-nominee Beder deliver a powerful documentary exposing the systemic neglect faced by families battling rare diseases. RARE reveals how pharmaceutical companies overlook these conditions due to limited profit margins, leaving parents to fund raise and lead the charge in developing life-saving treatments. The film profiles six families who have become advocates and pioneers in pushing forward breakthroughs like gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO). Their fight is not only for their children but for the future of every child with a rare disease.
Told through the lens of Moseley, whose daughter Leta suffers from CHOPS Syndrome, RARE blends a pitch-perfect mix of information, emotion, and impact. It captures the extraordinary strength of those reshaping the future for their children and beyond.
Turtle Walker – Taira Malaney
Taira Malaney (India), Turtle Walker, Doc Feature Nature / Environment / Wildlife – Follows the extraordinary life of Satish Bhaskar, an Indian biologist who dedicated his life to preserving the endangered sea turtles of India’s coastlines. In the late 1970s, Bhaskar embarked on a perilous journey to uncover the vital nesting beaches of these elusive creatures, unraveling their mysteries along the way. After the 2004 tsunami, his mission became more urgent as he faced the question: What happens to sea turtles when their nesting sites vanish?
Malaney’s film is a captivating mix of biographical storytelling and gorgeous reenactments, blending breathtaking visuals with a deeply human story. The film not only portrays Bhaskar’s tireless commitment but also highlights his personal relationships, including his love for his wife, Brenda. The Turtle Walker is a poetic tribute to Bhaskar’s legacy and his vital research, offering a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. Executive Producer Oscar-winner James Reed, Producer Emmy-nominee Zoya Akhtar, Music Emmy-winner Nainita Desai. Emahof Films. HHMI Tangled Bank Studios.
Not Bad – Zoe Peng & Jason Zhang
Zoe Peng (China), Not Bad, Music Video – Not Bad is a visually breathtaking, genre-defying sci-fi film that blends lush live-action sequences with imaginative AI-driven elements, inspired by five songs from star Jason Zhang’s album Not Bad. Set in a future where technology has stripped humanity of its emotions, the story follows A Jie, a popular singer trapped in a time loop after resisting an AI-controlled society. His friend Lucy, an AI researcher, uploads her consciousness into a chip to help A Jie escape and find the “Land of Rebirth,” a symbol of hope for humanity’s future.
With a stunning fusion of science fiction, music, and traditional Chinese culture, Not Bad pushes the boundaries of music video production, offering an emotionally resonant narrative set against mesmerizing visuals. The film explores the deep tensions between technology and humanity, using Zhang’s soundtrack to provide emotional depth while reflecting on the uncertain future shaped by rapid technological advancement. It’s a captivating experience that speaks to both the mind and the heart. Stars Jason Zhang, Bai Baihe, Tiffany Tang. Gorgeous cinematography by Pai Liu.
Shane Vermooten (USA), Team Ocean Quest – The Impossible Journey, Doc Feature – A group of determined junior high and high school students takes on the $7 Million XPRIZE Ocean Discovery competition. With every setback, they rise, defying expectations on a three-year journey from classroom to Monaco. Filled with passion, perseverance, and inspiration, this doc shows that no dream is out of reach.
Zhang Zhe Han (China), August, Doc Feature – Chinese actor Zhang Zhehan embarks on a deeply personal journey of self-healing after a cyber media storm shatters his career. He cycles from Shangri-La to Lhasa, encountering stunning scenery, heartfelt connections and ordinary yet touching individuals. It captures his raw, emotional journey, showing how the real world can heal even the deepest wounds.
Scott Rice (USA), Treasure Imagination, Film Short – Emmy-winner Rice’s inspiring story follows a city boy distraught when his mom takes away his beloved tablet. But when he finds a mysterious fedora on a park bench, his temptation to try it on sparks an unforgettable adventure. With stunning visuals, it’s a heartwarming tale of discovery and imagination. Stars: Landon Johnson, John Wirt, Caroline Helander.
Endry Rovaz (Venezuela), Unworthy, Film Short – A wealthy gentleman and his butler are drawn to a child playing violin in a plaza. After a heartfelt conversation, the child reveals the tragic story of his proud father, who was forced to work with gangsters to survive. The wealthy gentleman, harboring his own secrets, is unexpectedly tied to the child’s tragic past. Jesus Perozo, Eugenio Torcasio, Abelardo Courbenas, Yeferson Nuñez.
Mustafa Alami (Iran), Footprint, Film Short (Islamic Filmmaker) – As a poor Iranian village faces imminent flooding, the army works tirelessly to evacuate its people. An elderly woman, unable to ride in the truck, is left behind. With skillful direction by Alami, this poignant short conveys the urgency of the situation, the cultural complexities, and the soldier’s deep humanity as he attempts to help her. Soureh Cinema.
Mikhail Shevchuk (Russia), Wanderer/Воплощение, Film Feature – In a serene seaside town, Anya’s life is shattered by her husband’s unexplained disappearance. When a mysterious wanderer appears, claiming to be him, she is caught between skepticism and longing, drawn to the secrets only he could know. A mesmerizing tale of love, identity, and the blurred line between truth and illusion. Anastasya Shevchuk, Ilya Chernish, Olga Kabo.
Raphael Oettel (Germany), The Filthy Three, Film Short – In the final days of World War II, the notorious burglars known as “The Filthy Three” target the Nazi elite, determined to rob and expose their corruption. Years later, their mission spirals into danger, unraveling a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to cost them everything in a deadly game of consequence. Benjamin Grätz, Christian Limbeck, Raphael Oettel.
Igor Fyodorov (Russia), Breakfast with Truffles, Film Short – Two ex-lovers and now adversaries have breakfast in an empty café – the bright, impulsive Lily and the reserved Oscar. A provocative and witty mixture of indulgent food, mind-games, heated arguments, mysticism, steamy bathroom sex and an unexpected ending. Stars: Yanita Sukhova and Evgeny Volovenko.
Akkhil Kapur (India), Candy And The Pizza Ggirl, Asian Filmmaker, Film Feature
April Anderson and Martin Chytil (USA), For A Wild Tomorrow, Documentary Feature
Brooke Stern Sebold (USA), Grandma Bruce, LGBTQ+ Filmmaker
Cali Tucker (USA), Country Couture, Music Video
Chen-Tang Lee (Taiwan), ART TAROKO, Asian Filmmaker, Direction, Film Feature
Endry Rovaz (USA), Unworthy, Latin / Hispanic Filmmaker
Jonathan Kalmus, JRoots (United Kingdom), The Survivor’s Revenge, Jewish Theme
Jordan Paul Rousseau (Ireland), Over The Moon, Original Score
Lainey Moseley and John Beder (USA), RARE: A Rare Disease Revolution, Disability Issues
Liang Ba (China), CALL IT A DAY, Actress: Supporting (Xu Qing as An Jing)
Lynn Elliott (USA), Look Into My Eyes, EPISODE 4: The Boy Who Earned His Magic, Script / Writer, Television – Program / Series
Maureen Castle Tusty (USA), She Rises Up, Documentary Feature
Michele Josia (Italy), Discesa Libera, Original Score
Michele Josia (Italy), I Racconti della Domenica, Original Score
Molly Vendettuoli, Ian Ebright and Lauren Ebright (USA), The Way We Speak, Cinematography (A.J. Marson), Actress: Supporting (Kailey Rhodes as Sarah Clawson), Editing (Robert Schafer), Actress: Supporting (Ayanna Berkshire as Annette Davis), Original Score (Billow Observatory)
Morgan Young (USA), Stoned for Christmas, Experimental
Opera Grand Rapids (USA), Stinney: An American Execution, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays, Original Score
Philly Chick Pictures, Curt Wiser (USA), A Voice In Violet, Actor: Leading (Bronson Pinchot as Bash), Actress: Leading (Brooke Lewis Bellas as Violet), Sound: Overall Impact (Curt Wiser)
Raphael Oettel (Germany), The Filthy Three, Cinematography
Reverie Realms Studios (USA), Final Hour, Film Feature
Scott Rice (USA), Treasure Imagination, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Christian Filmmaker, Title / Credit Design
Seth Reuben Jacobson (USA), Back Story, Original Score (Jeremiah Bornfield)
Sue Ann Pien (USA), Once More, Like Rain Man, Actress: Leading (Bella Zoe Martinez as Zoe), Direction, Filmmaker with Disability, Film Short
Susan Hope Engel (USA), Discovering Catharine, Documentary Short
Tom Maher (Kenya), Ipu Pogh Kikönöt: Water Brings Hope, Film Short
Wang Wang (China), Cutting Edge, Script / Writer (Wang Wang)
Zhang zhe han (China), August, Asian Filmmaker
Zhong Zhang (China), Chang’an Chang’an, Asian Filmmaker
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