Kensuke’s Kingdom – Neil Boyle & Kirk Hendry
Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry (United Kingdom), Kensuke’s Kingdom, Animated Feature Film – In “Kensuke’s Kingdom,” a breathtaking hand-drawn animated adaptation of ‘War Horse’ author Michael Morpurgo’s novel, young Michael is swept overboard during a family sailing voyage and marooned on a seemingly deserted island. Accompanied by his loyal dog Stella, Michael’s struggle for survival takes a sharp turn when he encounters Kensuke, a mysterious Japanese man who has lived in solitude since World War II. Their uneasy relationship grows into a deep bond as they face the peril of dangerous and brutal invaders threatening their secret, fragile world. Their journey is a poignant reflection on resilience, connection, healing, and the need to protect the natural world, underscored by a timely ecological message about the impact of human actions on fragile environments.
The animation enchants with its hand-drawn beauty, blending styles, perfecting a style that feels both real and dreamlike. Meticulous attention to wildlife, light, sets and landscape, enhance the emotional depth. The cast and crew are impeccable and are deftly directed by award-winning Neil Boyle (The Last Belle, Love, Death & Robots) and Kirk Hendry (Junk). The animation, production and sound design are exceptional. Award-winning composer Stuart Hancock creates a rich emotive symphonic jewel that blends sweeping melodies with subtle, thematic nuances to elevate key moments. The characters are brought to life through stunning voice performances by Oscar Winner Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders), 2x Oscar-Nominee Sally Hawkins (Shape of Water, Spencer), Oscar-Nominee Ken Watanabe (Letters from Iwo Jima, The Last Samurai) Raffey Cassidy (Snow White and the Huntsmen, Dark Shadows) and Aaron MacGregor (Netflix SuperPupZ, Puffin Rock). As visually engaging as it is emotionally resonant. Lupus Films
The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower – Ori Yardeni
Ori Yardeni (Israel), The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower, Film Feature – Internationally acclaimed Yardeni reveals the gripping and untold tale of Rob Ryan, the visionary who averted an Internet collapse in the 90s and reshaped our world. Now, Ryan is tackling a new challenge: saving the Internet from its own pitfalls. This compelling dramedy chronicles Ryan’s rise and fall, spotlighting his groundbreaking Sunflower Code, which transformed digital innovation and inspires entrepreneurs today. As the first installment in a trilogy, the film sets the stage for a grand saga exploring the future of technology, AI, and humanity. With a standout cast delivering stellar performances, it’s a riveting look at the Internet’s evolving legacy. Stars: Martin Delaney (Zero Dark Thirty, Flags Of Our Fathers, Beowulf and Grendel, Now You See Me 2), Leo Hatton (H&M by Wes Anderson), Troy Hewitt (Rye Lane), Michael Curran-Dorsano (Django, The Last Ship), Sophie Hopkins (Dr. Who’s spin-off Class from BBC).
Langobardi – Grimoaldo, the First Friulian King – Sandra Lopez Cabrera
Sandra Lopez Cabrera (Italy), Langobardi – Grimoaldo, the First Friulian King, Doc Short – This docufilm delves into the extraordinary life of Grimoaldo, a noble heir of the Alboino lineage born in Cividale around 600 A.D., who became the first Lombard king of Friulian descent. As we follow his epic rise, the film weaves together the rich historical tapestry of 7th-century Italy and Friuli. With stunning cinematic storytelling, it offers a captivating glimpse into Lombard heritage through masterful reenactments and expert insights, vividly bringing this historic legacy to life.
Pejman Teymourtash (Iran), The Asphalt Jungle, TV Program – To save her brother from execution Hengameh risks everything in this riveting show. It delves into the complexities of human resilience and survival, a gripping tale of desperation, courage, moral ambiguity. Not just a drama, but a profound exploration of human spirit. Stellar cast: Navid Mohammadzadeh, Amir Jafari, Merila Zarei, Farshid Hosseini, Alireza Jafari.
Ron Myrick, Adebisi Adetayo and Mbuotidem Johnson (USA / Nigeria), The EKSPATS – We’re Going to Africa, TV Pilot – In this animated clash-of-cultures comedy, unlucky Bill gets a career-saving opportunity that uproots his all-American Virginia based family to Nigeria. With a blend of 3D and 2D animation, clever scripting, engaging quirky characters and talented voice actors, it humorously follows their growth as they adapt to Nigerian culture.
Keenan Ferguson and Martha McGuinness (USA), R.E.S.C.U.E., Doc Short – A heartwarming doc about the groundbreaking efforts of the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya. It highlights heroic work of inspiring women breaking cultural norms, empowering their Samburu community. It also addresses the challenges elephants face and the community’s united fight for their survival, with resilience, hope, and triumph in conservation.
Helene Klodawsky (Canada), Stolen Time, Documentary Feature – Shocking and thought-provoking, this doc follows charismatic and committed lawyer Melissa Miller as she takes on the billion dollar for-profit nursing-home industry. Battling corporate giants accused of neglect and abuse, Miller’s fight, supported by emotional testimonies from caregivers and families, ignites a crucial elder justice movement and calls for change.
Leyli Magerram (Israel), The Word, Documentary Short – This powerful doc follows Alik, a war veteran haunted by his past, navigating Karabakh’s rugged landscapes. Through stunning cinematography, his journey of friendship, historical revelations, and soul-searching unfolds. He relives the battle, faces heart-wrenching memories, and honors a fallen friend, while grappling with emotions over lost comrades and creating a new life.
Ling Han (China), Chain, Animation – This 3D-animation’s vivid storytelling and charasmatic characters bring a classic Chinese proverb to life. A mantis hunts a cicada, unaware of the oriole. The lush environment, detailed animation, and evocative music amplify this visually stunning tale of survival in nature, encouraging viewers to reflect on life’s deeper questions and the interconnectedness of all.
Justin Suttles, Bryan Tan, Jesse Scimeca (USA), Unforgiven, Music Video – A hardened fugitive races across the American West, evading sinister forces to reconnect with his estranged daughter. This music film, unfolding in three acts, delves into generational trauma and redemption. With a blend of literal and allegorical storytelling, it provides an evocative experience. Starring TD Lind and Audrey Deitz.
Karina Loerchner (Canada), Keeper of the Night Sky, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger – In this charming animated short, a curious young girl accidentally disturbs a gentle dragon. Whimsical characters, beautiful sets, and a sweet story bring the film to life. Created by a 17-year-old self-taught filmmaker, the film showcases her impressive talent in animation, design, and music, marking her as a rising star with an extraordinary future ahead.
Arman Chilingaryan, Man Pictures Production (Armenia), The Golden Chain of Mercy, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (non-acting) (Vernon Wells)
Carlos Perez (USA), The Decision, Script / Writer
Deborah Hadfield (United Kingdom), The Chocolate Club, Film Feature
Einy Am-Sparks (Norway), On the Other Side, Experimental, Entertainment / Drama / Dance / Variety
Eli Laban (USA), See Me, Hear Me, Know Me: The Welcome Project PA, LGBTQ+ Theme
George Siegal (USA), Built to Last: Buyer Beware, Documentary Feature
Helene Klodawsky (Canada), Stolen Time, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Irina Vodar (USA), Anything You Lose, Women Theme, Documentary Feature, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Isabelle Maria Tumboimbela and Daisha Lin Sherman (USA), My Turn!, Animation (Student)
Jaap Perenboom (Netherlands), Journey of Transformation, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Jack Teetor (USA), Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story, Documentary Feature, Narration / Voiceover Talent, Original Score
Joshua Michael Wenner (USA), The Gift of Grief, Documentary Feature
Karina Loerchner (Canada), Keeper of the Night Sky, Original Score (Student) (Karina Loerchner)
Kerong Zhang (China), Let Wisdom of Ancient Civilizations Shine Through the Future, Documentary Feature
Kevin Michael Irvine (USA), GODFORSAKEN: A STORY OF THREE MARYS, Script / Writer, Religion / Ethics
Ling Han (China), CHAIN, Asian Filmmaker, Asian Theme, Original Score, Web Tube Length Video, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing
Lynn H. Elliott (USA), Be Prepared for What? Episode 2. THE BOY WHO EARNED HIS MAGIC, Television – Program / Series, Script / Writer
Marc Clebanoff (USA), Stripped, Actor: Leading (Casper Van Dien as Chris), Actress: Leading (Brooke Lewis Bellas as Jules), Television – Program / Series, Actor: Leading (Frank Krueger as Neil)
Nicholas Nephi Peterson (USA), McKenna Michels MONSTER, Music Video
Phillip Large (USA), Women in Aviation – Palm Springs Air Museum, Women Theme, Documentary Short
Phillip Large (USA), STEALTH to SIXTH: Shaping the Next Generation, Documentary Short, Direction
Ravinol Chambers (United Kingdom), A Girl Can Touch The Sky, Women Theme
Robert Edmonds (United Kingdom), MERAKI, Documentary Feature
Sandra Lopez Cabrera (Italy), Langobardi – Grimoaldo, The First Friulian King, Women Filmmaker
Stuart Hancock (United Kingdom), Kensuke’s Kingdom, Original Score
tony sanders and Camillia Monet (USA), landslide, Webisode
Velton Lishke (United Kingdom), Reflection, Actress: Leading (Rozelle Gemma as herself)
Xinsong Liu (China), Journey to the West, Animation
Yong Jun Su (China), Master Carpenter·Legacy of Luban, Animation
Yong Jun Su (China), Yu the Great: Legends Rising, Animation
Click the Below for Award of Merit winners!
Click the Below for Award of Recognition winners!
