My Otter Diary – Sugandhi Gadadhar

Sugandhi Gadadhar (India), My Otter Diary, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – In this truly stunning, beautifully shot and captivating doc, wildlife filmmaker Gadadhar, in collaboration with Emmy winning & BAFTA nominee EP Caroline Hawkins and Emmy & BAFTA winning Oxford Scientific Films – explores the lives of otters and humans in one of India’s most rapidly changing waterways.

In the lush, fragile wetlands of the Cauvery River, Maya, a spirited smooth-coated otter, navigates a world both wondrous and threatened. Over three years, the documentary follows her family—safeguarding territory, hunting for dwindling fish, and outwitting the river’s many dangers—while tracing Gadadhar’s journey into this delicate ecosystem. As pollution, industrial runoff, and destructive fishing shrink the river’s bounty, tensions rise between otters and fisherfolk, revealing a fragile balance of life. Yet amidst the struggle, the otters’ intelligence, resourcefulness, and playful spirit shine, offering moments that are as heartwarming and humorous as they are poignant. Seamlessly flowing between river, wildlife, humans, and Gadadhar, the film immerses in a living ecosystem—a sanctuary and battleground—where every ripple tells a story, and the fates of all are inseparably intertwined. Memorable, gorgeous cinematography and a lush score by Emmy-winner Brollyman complete this immersive experience. Produced by Raghunath ‘Rana’ Belur – Aranya Parva Creations, DistributionAll3Media International.

The Language of Light: Ashley Gilbertson – Fiona Cochrane

Fiona Cochrane (Australia), The Language of Light: Ashley Gilbertson, Doc Short – Deftly directed by esteemed director Cochrane, as part of a seven-episode series, it offers a raw, unflinching portrait of photographer Ashley Gilbertson. From witnessing the suffering of refugees to the harrowing frontlines of the Iraq War, he has seen the darkest edges of humanity. He watched a Marine killed directly beside him, an experience that left him reeling with trauma and reshaped the way he sees the world.

His experiences inspired Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: A Photographer’s Chronicle of the Iraq War, capturing the stark reality of conflict, and Bedrooms of the Fallen, revealing the human stories behind the headlines. Through raw, authentic interviews, Ashley bares the scars of war—heartwarming in his compassion, yet utterly heartbreaking in what he has endured—immersing viewers in the man behind the lens – a witness to the unimaginable, capturing humanity in its rawest, most powerful form. With evocative cinematography by Emmy-Nominee Mark Street. Airs SBS TV and Apple TV. Distribution – Ronin Films. f-reel Film and Television

Take Heart: Songlines – Lorraine Kabbindi White and Mike Hill

Lorraine Kabbindi White and Mike Hill (Australia), Take Heart: Songlines, Doc Feature – With heartful direction by Emmy-winner Hill and Kabbindi White, This doc exposes the devastating toll of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) on Indigenous Australian communities—a preventable illness that still claims at least two young lives every week. Despite over a decade of awareness campaigns and community-led programs, RHD continues to widen the life-expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, leaving families and communities grappling with loss, uncertainty, and the ongoing struggle to protect their children. The doc intimately captures the human impact of the disease, the quiet courage of caregivers, and the resilience that persists even in the face of such relentless tragedy.

Heart-warming, heartbreaking, and unflinching, the doc captures the human cost of the disease—the families affected, the communities fighting back, and the courage, resilience, and hope that shine through even in the darkest moments. Through powerful storytelling and intimate access, it is a stirring call to action to prevent RHD now and eliminate it entirely by 2030.

Andrea Kalin (USA), Public Defender, Doc Short – Emmy winners EP Richard Schiff and director Kalin deliver a gripping doc about feisty, blue-haired public defender Shaner, a 45-year legal veteran, who takes on January 6th rioters, confronting misinformation, political fury, and her own assumptions, revealing fragile humanity and unexpected empathy in a deeply divided nation. A New Yorker Doc.

Ben Knight and Berne Broudy (USA), Best Day Ever, Doc Feature – Adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi conquer disability with grit, humor and attitude. In Vermont’s first expert-level adaptive trail, their ride becomes a radiant celebration of courage, friendship and uplifting community. Compelling narratives, stunning cinematography and heartfelt commentary on communities, cultures and ecosystems at stake.

John Christopher (Ireland), The Axe Forgets, Native Peoples – Inspired by a true story. In 1888, James S. Jameson returns from the Congo, haunted by atrocities he witnessed and committed. Fevered journals, fragmented visions and restless shadows turn his mind into a gothic labyrinth of guilt, obsession, and colonial horrors he helped unleash. Bosco Hogan, Harry Butler, Aine Collier with lush cinematography by Naoise Kettle.

Tim Gray (USA), Breaking Enigma: A world War II Game Changer, Doc Feature – With meticulous direction from Emmy-winner Gray and compelling narration by Emmy-winner Keith Morrison – it chronicles top-secret Bletchley Park, where daring Allied codebreakers, including trailblazing women, risked everything to unravel Germany’s secret military codes, shortening WWII, saving millions and shaping the future of AI. Aired PBS.

Radheshyam Pipalwa (India), PUTUL, Children / Family – A 7-year-old caught in her parents’ bitter divorce leans on her grandfather and a “Damaged Gang” of friends as grief drives a daring escape. Her disappearance forces her family to confront their fractured bond and the impact of their choices. Excellent performances from a talented award-winning cast: Purab Kohli, Rajat Kapoor, Aahana Kumra, Maanvi Gagroo.

Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers and Rush Sturges (United Kingdom), The Human Side Of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw, Nature / Environment – Tightly and masterfully crafted, the film follows Thiaw, a Senegalese surfer, entrepreneur and activist, as he confronts plastic pollution, launches the country’s first zero-waste restaurant, and sparks a movement proving how one person’s vision can inspire lasting change.

David Arrow, 4A Films (USA), The Drive, Film Short – Set in the early 1960s, Liz’s routine carpool draws her into a tense, pivotal moment, revealing human choices under pressure and the intersections of ordinary life with extraordinary events. A personal and riveting footnote to one of the most consequential chapters in the chronicle of the 20th Century. Captivating, nuanced performance by Amber Paul and a convincing Allen Guy Wilcox.

Toma Enache (Romania), ENESCU, Skinned Alive, Film Feature. A searing portrait of Romania’s greatest composer unfolds through captivating performances of complex characters and lush cinematography. Brilliance and torment collide with love, ambition and desire, as the story highlights the passion, betrayals and sacrifices that shaped both the man and his music.  Mircea Dragoman, Theodora Sandu.

Julie Money (Australia), With Grace, Web Series – A fictionalized take on 18-year-old Grace’s final days of high school. Guided by the stories of her father, lost when she was 10, she navigates grief, hope, and growing up with humor and heart. A bittersweet journey about resilience and keeping memories alive. Sweet and touching performances by Grace Truman, and seasoned charismatic actors Ben Wood and Justine Clarke.

Yihfen Chou (Taiwan), Mimi’s Day, Children / Family Programming – From the moment Mimi wakes up—her little towel or the route she takes home—she enjoys her own routines. Until one day… “Mimi’s Day” follows a child’s view through waking, playing, and bath time. Based on the beloved Taiwanese Mimi books, it charms with adventures, illustrations, and heartwarming lessons on family, curiosity, and the natural world.

 

4 A Films (USA), The Drive, Actress: Leading (Amber Paul as Liz), Cinematography (Mark Raker), Direction (David Arrow), Editing (Joseph Huba), Actor: Supporting (Allen Wilcox as Dasher), Original Score (David Robbins)
Agusta Fanney Snorradottir (Iceland), A Rare Journey, Disability Issues, Documentary Feature, Women Filmmakers
Alan Williams (USA), Secrets of the Sea, Original Score
Andrea Kalin (USA), Public Defender, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Andrei Christian Bortica (Romania), Destiny’s Race, Cinematography
Andrew Jowett and Brett Langolf (USA), SERVUS Boots Spot – Build for What Matters, Commercial / Infomercial
Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers and Rush Sturges (United Kingdom), The Human Side Of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Ben Knight and Berne Broudy (USA), Best Day Ever, Disability Issues

Benjamin Flaherty (USA), SHUFFLE, Documentary Feature
Carlie Mantilla-Jordan and John Eliot Jordan (USA), Mid-lennial Life Crisis, Television – Pilot Program
Chad Stewart (USA), Who Do We Appreciate, Animation
Dani Feixas Roka (Spain), Paris 70, Direction
Danny Thykær (Denmark), The Lone Killer, Film Feature
David Jobanputra (United Kingdom), Any Other Day: A Cholera Story, Documentary Short, Direction, Cinematography
Ettore Zito (Italy), GAMBLERS, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Ensemble Cast, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Fiona Cochrane (Australia), WHOOPEE BLUES, Documentary Feature

Harishankar Thiyagarajan (India), Prompted, AI Film, Documentary Short
Howard Ellis (USA), Bar None: Cannabis Redemption, Documentary Feature, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Jason Joel Lethcoe (USA), LANTERN WALKER, Animation, Original Score
Julie Money (Australia), With Grace, Actress: Leading (Grace Truman as Grace)
Lorraine Kabbindi White and Mike Hill (Australia), Take Heart: Songlines, Direction
Mohammad Onaizi (Kuwait), The Loneliest Man in The Universe, Script / Writer
Nolan Williams, Jr. (USA), Rise Up & Fight, Animation, Film Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Music Video
Radheshyam Pipalwa (India), PUTUL, Direction, Children / Family Programming

Raquel Clemente Martins (Portugal), Women from the Sea – Azores, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Rob Loos (USA), MEARS: How One Woman Changed American Christianity, Christian Theme, Documentary Feature
Stephen Reis (USA), Elika Spills Tea On Games, Web Series
Steve Brown (USA), PRECURSOR, Script / Writer
Susan Mey Lee Lim and Christina Teenz Tan (Singapore), Cosmic Rhapsody – A Journey of Hope, Original Score
Tane McClure (USA), Last Flare, Direction, Film Short
Thomas Essig (USA), Something Divine, Documentary Feature, Jewish Filmmaker
Toma Enache (Romania), ENESCU, Skinned Alive, Actor: Leading (Mircea Dragoman as George Enescu), Actress: Leading (Theodora Sandu as Princess Maria Cantacuzino), Direction

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