Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis – Ben Steele
Ben Steele (United Kingdom), Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis, Television Program. Emmy & BAFTA nominees director Ben Steele and star Idris Elba go inside the UK’s knife crime crisis, exposing its human and social consequences. Acclaimed actor Elba (Thor, Avengers, Luther) turns an unflinching eye on Britain’s escalating youth knife violence, where young lives are cut tragically short and communities are left reeling. For Elba, this is more than a story — it’s a personal mission. From the walls of prisons to the halls of frontline youth programs, he meets bereaved families, young offenders, police officers, and social workers, confronting the raw human toll of an epidemic that is as complex as it is heartbreaking.
Guided by the deft hand of director Steele, the film is both genuine and heartfelt, weaving together nuance and urgency within a single hour. It examines not just individual tragedies but the sobering societal failures that leave young people vulnerable, while also highlighting the resilience and courage of those striving to change the trajectory of lives on the brink. Elba’s commitment extends beyond the camera, working alongside King Charles III and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to champion nationwide initiatives aimed at prevention and reform. Through piercing testimony, sobering reality, and hard-won moments of hope, the documentary balances heartbreak with optimism, transforming the crisis into a vital call to action — a profoundly human journey that illuminates the pressures shaping young lives and urges meaningful change throughout the country.
Last Shot – Andy Palmer
Andy Palmer (USA), Last Shot, Film Feature – After his father dies suddenly, 12-year-old basketball prodigy Caden Isaacs is uprooted from his old life and struggles to find footing in a new town. On and off the court, his new coach challenges and supports him with rigor, while Caden helps a teammate confront the weight of his own trauma. As he begins to build a new relationship with his mother, he discovers the fragile but vital bonds that can restore connection and hope in his life.
A vibrant cast brings these complex characters and relationships to life, including Emmy-winner Jaime Pressly (Mom, My Name is Earl), Michael Rapaport (True Romance, Cop Land, Men of Honor), Emmy-nominee Laraine Newman (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Coneheads), Johnny Simmons (Perks of Being A Wallflower, Bad Man), Emmy-nominee Baron Davis (Joy Ride), and a talented young Dylan Friedman.
Mayo Clinic (USA), Always More to Learn: The Spirit of Education at Mayo Clinic, Health, Medicine -The founders of Mayo Clinic set a high value on lifelong learning. This entertaining and informative film tells stories of people experiencing the clinic’s culture of education in its formative years. Physicians came from around the world to learn, sharing discoveries and carrying new skills home, advancing medicine together.
Angelo Donzella (Italy), Broken, Film Short. Two young women navigate lives shattered by difficult experiences. Haunted by violent memories and the weight of betrayal, they spiral into cycles of anger and retaliation, unable to escape the consequences of past wrongs and the destructive choices that bind them. Achingly authentic performances by Anna Panero, Giulia D’Ancona, Simone Nepote Andrè, Franco Gillardi.
Patrick John Donnelly (USA), Cause Celebre, TV Pilot Program – Emmy- winner Donnelly delivers a spicy and intriguing pilot about ego, greed, sex and power. A Hollywood teen queen risks everything during a provocative shoot with an edgy photographer, while her devious agent executes a secret plan to guarantee success, testing trust and ambition in a life-changing day. Piper Verbrick, Jacob Ware, Cali Scolari, Megan Owen Parker.
Bidyut Kotoky, National Film Development Corporation, India and red river & blue hills Pvt Ltd (India), Koduwa the Nightbird, Film Feature. Koduwa, the clever village thief, faces love, and prejudice amid social unrest using his wit to navigate moral ambiguities. A poignant exploration of the human resilience, revealing community complexities and the social and political challenges that resonate today. Gunomoni Boruah, Pranjal Saikia.
Afshin Soufian (Iran), Death Closes the Eyes, Film Short. Based on a true story, uniquely crafted with moving performances. Maryam is forced to leave Iran after the harsh crackdown on the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. She returns years later, confronting the echoes of oppression and the weight of exile as past and present collide in a journey of courage and grief. Raya Nasiri, Azadeh Behmanesh.
Dmitry Nikolenko (Russian Federation), My Boyfriend, a Mannequin, Film Feature. Only Vika can see Radmir, trapped in a mannequin by ancient magic. Using a mystical mask to bring him back to life, she and Radmir must confront disbelief, uncover hidden secrets, and challenge the spell that keeps him invisible to the world around them. Mysterious, magical, poignant. Anastasiya Panova, Denis Nikitin, Kamil Larin.
Ronan McCloskey (Ireland), Ireland and the First Nations (Éire agus na Chéad Náisiúin) Doc Feature. The untold story of Irish immigrants and indigenous peoples facing cultural eradication and genocide in the USA. Potent Insights from Irish historians and First Nations scholars reveal violent conflict, colonial oppression and displacement. A well-crafted narrative with striking visuals anchored with rigorous research.
Juliana Kova (Spain), Gloria, AI Film Short – Juliana Kova (Spain), Gloria, AI Film Short. During a routine police questioning, an elderly colorful Barcelona woman reveals a handbag full of impossible objects—each tied to legendary moments in the city’s history. Her vivid tales pull the officers into a world where humor, fantasy, and memory blur, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Utterly charming and entertaining.
Pascal Lastrajoli (France), Absence, Film Short. Thoughtfully directed and presented, a man haunted by years of isolation and loss embarks on a fragile, urgent journey to reconnect with meaning, himself and his estranged son, confronting past regrets and the fragile ties that might still bind them. Moving and nuanced performance by talented Richard Berry (L’Immortel / 22 Bullets).
Ash Lamson (USA), Radio Silence, Doc Short (Student). The story follows Major General Alexander Turner of the British Military as he reflects on his career, his mistakes, and what it means to remain human. Restrained direction, appealing cinematography and excellent editing bring his emotions and coping styles to the forefront, with visuals woven seamlessly into the narrative to deepen the impact of his story. A truly standout student thesis.
Aparana S. Hosing (India), Mangla, Women Theme
Ash Lamson (USA), Radio Silence, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Autumn Libengood (USA), Indentured, History / Biographical
Byoung-don Lee (South Korea), Born To Fly, Asian Filmmaker, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Cate O’Brien and Marius van Graan (USA), The Beauty of Your Earth, Cinematography (Marius van Graan), Editing
Chance Foreman (USA), Dance Of The Wild, Documentary Feature
Christian Skibinski (Germany), Visitation, Actor: Supporting (André Trampenau as Olaf Duringer)
Daniel Criblez (USA), Same As U, Music Video
Darren Burch (USA), In Monster’s Hands, Script / Writer
Dmitry Nikolenko (Russia), My Boyfriend, a Mannequin, Actress: Leading (Anastasiya Panova as Vika), Cinematography
Fabien Grare and Jean-Michel Lejeune (France), One Last Chance, Film Feature
Francois Rabes and Felicie Dutertre, Twinkie Films (France), A Friend Of Ours, Direction
Fruzsina Skrabski and Sándor Kiss (Hungary), Inherited Shame, Women Theme
Giuseppe A. Modica (Italy), Here Where The Sea Shines, Documentary Short
Hessam Javaheri (USA), Living In The World, Music Video
Joan Gamero (Spain), GUERRILLA, Documentary Feature, Latin / Hispanic Filmmaker
Juliana Kova (Spain), Gloria, Creativity / Originality
Leslie Ellen Korn and Max Montalban (USA), Breakpoint: The Untold Story Of The Constitution Express, Native Peoples / Aboriginal Theme
Lynn H. Elliott (USA), And We Were Left Darkling, Script / Writer
Mayo Clinic (USA), Always More to Learn: The Spirit of Education at Mayo Clinic, History / Biographical / Travel
Mostafa Ahmadi (Iran), Cartney City, Asian Filmmaker
Patrick John Donnelly (USA), Cause Celebre, Cinematography
Rik Zak (Canada), FIRE WATER AIR BLOOD, Music Video
Robert Vaughn and Pureplay Entertainment (Canada / USA), Written in the Sand, Cinematography (Jake Tawney)
Sarantos (USA), X9, Script / Writer
Tom Trainor (USA), Ziggy, Documentary Short, Direction
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