In the Company of Wolves: An American Journey – Susan Kucera
Susan Kucera (USA), In the Company of Wolves: An American Journey, Documentary Feature. Narrated by Oscar-Winner Jeff Bridges this fascinating journey is far more than a documentary about wolves, exploring how human psychology has shaped our perceptions of animals—and how those perceptions have influenced mythology, culture and the course of American history. Through wolves and the animals that traveled alongside us, the film examines the strikingly different ways people have understood their place in the natural world. It contrasts Indigenous perspectives rooted in longstanding relationships with the land with the European settlers’ view of the West as wilderness to be conquered and controlled.
Blending breathtaking cinematography with archival footage, reenactments, history, science, Indigenous perspectives and contemporary conservation, Kucera reveals how these competing worldviews transformed the American landscape and our understanding of the wild. Wolves emerge not as the villains of folklore but as essential participants in a complex natural order, offering unexpected insights into survival, communication and the consequences of disrupting the balance between species. With Bridges bringing curiosity, humanity and gravitas to the story, the film becomes a powerful meditation on what our relationship with animals reveals about our history, our psychology and who we might yet become.
Lost with You – Mike Southerly
Mike Southerly (USA), Lost with You, Film Feature. Set entirely along the hiking trails above Los Angeles, two strangers from opposite worlds meet by chance and fall into step—first in conversation and then into something far more unexpected. A conservative and a liberal discover that their ideological differences can challenge deeply held beliefs even as chemistry, humor and curiosity draw them closer. As they walk, a brilliant, precisely crafted script moves through philosophy, family and faith, revealing the humanity beneath their opposing viewpoints and the possibility of connection without agreement.
The film unfolds over one golden Los Angeles day, using unexpected characters, clever vignettes, authentic cinematography and wry humor to shift perspectives without sacrificing emotional truth. More than a romance, it is a timely reflection on America’s cultural divide—and a hopeful reminder it is possible that listening, laughing and simply being present with another person can open the door to empathy and compassion. Madison Shamoun (Black-ish, The Lake, All American) and Jake Short (A.N.T. Farm, Dexter, The First Team) with charming appearances by Emmy-nominee Susan Ruttan (LA Law), and Jim Cody Williams (Breaking Bad), Stephanie Drake (Mad Men), Ben Onyx Dowdy (Abbott Elementary).
Sue Collins and Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Breast Cancer, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner Hill directs this compelling social impact film – with co-director Collins deftly presenting a portrait beyond statistics through survivor stories and insights from medical experts and patients. Their experiences reveal the treatment and psychological toll of diagnosis, challenge complacency, and explore how the latest science could lead to the cure.
William Vigil (USA), Gimme My Money!, Film Short – Emmy-nominees Marci Miller and James Hong bring this short and its eccentric, chaotic characters to life as a tough, mysterious woman goes after a mob boss and his bumbling men with hilarious consequences. She leads his crew through unexpected obstacles in a high-octane kung-fu action-comedy that leaves a trail of bruised egos. Robert Dunne, Raymond Barry.
McCourt Entertainment (USA), AMERIGO: The Search for the American Dream, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner McCourt and director Adam Mason chronicle a sweeping journey across all 50 states to discover what happened to the American Dream. Through 1,000 raw, unscripted interviews with everyday citizens, this gripping doc exposes modern American barriers to the dream and fosters conversation about identity, opportunity and hope.
Kaique Alves and Thiago Eva (Brazil), Invisible Wars, Music Video – International Emmy-nominees Alves and Eva blend poignant, gritty visuals with AI in a dystopian Rio for rapper L7nnon. This emotional and powerful narrative captures a young man’s battle against faceless dictators, with a striking twist: the raw conflict is an inner psychological struggle, symbolizing the profound mental health toll of life today.
Riker Lynch (USA), Stakeout, Film Feature – Jon’s suspicions about his new girlfriend send him and his wannabe-private investigator bestie on an amateur stakeout that quickly takes a dangerous turn. A quest for answers pulls them into secrets far over their heads. With humor, tension and danger, this action-comedy transforms a routine stakeout into a wild ride. Stars Riker Lynch, Titus Makin, Jr., Bella Claire Martinez.
Ron Noble (USA), The Life and Times of Schrodinger’s Cat, Animation, Film Short – Emmy-winner Noble presents Schrodinger’s famous thought experiment as a delightful quantum adventure as the iconic Cat searches for his identity and creator. Witty dialogue and a brilliant blend of imaginative characters, animation and quantum physics, the film explores life, death and parallel realities with light-hearted insight, imagination and hope.
Marcos Junior (Brazil), Agbogbloshie, AI Film – Set in Accra, Ghana, the world’s most notorious electronic-waste sites, it follows a man who transforms discarded technology into ingenious creations for his village. Against the devastating toxic air and extreme poverty, his story of resourcefulness is brought to life through excellent AI filmmaking, with cinematic sophistication, visual artistry and remarkable attention to nuance.
Patricia Downey (United Kingdom), Bubble, Film Short – Inside a Belfast prison, three women – a drug dealer, a domestic abuse survivor and one who prefers prison – reveal lives shaped by addiction, mental health struggles and abuse. With excellent performances it builds empathy and reveals prison life connected to issues far beyond its walls. Claire Cogan (House of the Dragon) Louise Parker (Hope Street) Debra Hill (Blue Lights)
Leandro Corinto (Brazil), Take Care, AI Film – Inspired by true events, it follows young Pedro through different stages of his life, as an unexpected encounter ultimately changes the way he sees himself and the world around him. A moving exploration of identity, belonging, love and the transformative capacity of empathy. An AI film beautifully weaving all the cinematic elements of classic film carefully created in this moving short.
Anders Klapp (Sweden), The Svalbard Journal, Doc Short – A truly lyrical doc with stunning cinematography. It follows a travelers sailing Svalbard’s high Arctic in search of unexplored ski lines, where shifting weather and unstable snow demand patience, experience and restraint. Rather than conquer the landscape, they learn to embrace the uncertainty and discover that the journey is as much about what remains unseen as what lies ahead.
Ahmad Seyedkeshmiri (Iran), His Hands, Asian Filmmaker, Cinematography, Film Short, Script / Writer
Andrei Christian Bortica (Romania), The Guardian Angel, Cinematography (Student)
Andromeda Graziano (United Kingdom), Schumann: A Love Story, Choreography
Brian Spatz (USA), Parlay, Script / Writer
Christina Maria Paschyn (Qatar / Ukraine / United Kingdom), Etched in Memory, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Daniel Golding, J. Mitchell Johnson and Bob Elfstrom (USA), Coming Home: From Shadowland to Spiritworld, Documentary Feature, Native Peoples / Aboriginal Filmmaker, Native Peoples / Aboriginal Theme
David Maddux (USA), The Matriarch Covenant, AI Film
Eric Lotter (USA), The Third Time I Met the Devil, African American Theme, Script / Writer
Erin Pedersen (USA), Dreams Beyond Tomorrow, Disability Issues, Women Theme, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Hsu Hu Yuan (Taiwan), From Impact-Maker to Contributor: The Story of Taipower and the Sea, Asian Theme, Documentary Short, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Jacob Comforty and Robert Arnove (USA), Freedoms Under Assault, Documentary Feature
John Martins III (USA), The Fourth Psalm, Script / Writer, Religion / Ethics
Jose Francisco Malave (USA), Amber: The Best Part of the Job, Commercial / Infomercial, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
JRoots (United Kingdom), Undeniable, Jewish Theme
Karoly Palfai (Hungary), BLUE SUNBEAM, Cinematography, Disability Issues, Documentary Short, Original Score, Children / Family Programming
Kerri Hill (Australia), Santiago, Script / Writer, Television – Pilot Program, Television – Program / Series
Leandro Corinto (Brazil), Take Care, Script / Writer
Leonard Alecu (Romania), Ice Breath, Cinematography, Experimental, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Lynn Elliott (USA), GHOST TOWN, NM, Script / Writer
McCourt Entertainment (USA), AMERIGO: The Search for the American Dream, Direction, Editing
Mike Southerly (USA), Lost with You, Script / Writer, Direction
Nellie K (Switzerland), Lala, My Redhead, Script / Writer
Patricia Downey (United Kingdom), Bubble, Ensemble Cast, Women Theme
Philippe Verichoux (France), LUMEN SILENTII THE LIGHT OF SILENCE, Cinematography, Experimental, Film Short, Original Score
Prismix Studios (India), Happy Birthday Joshi, AI Film, Experimental
Riker Lynch (USA), Stakeout, Actor: Leading (Riker Lynch as Jon), Actor: Supporting (Titus Makin as Darren), Direction
Ron Noble (USA), The Life and Times of Schrodinger’s Cat: A Quantum Tale of Love and Entanglement PART 1: What Is Life, Animation, Television – Pilot Program
Shane Stanley, Visual Arts Entertainment (USA), Without Prejudice, Actor: Leading (David Arquette as Harvey Brownstone (age 40 +)), Actor: Leading (David Mazouz as Harvey Brownstone (19-30)), Actress: Leading (Rachelle Lefevre as Odette Brownstone), Actress: Supporting (Danielle C. Ryan as Jackie), Cinematography (Joel Layogan), Editing (Peter Devaney Flanagan)
Sue Collins and Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Breast Cancer, Health / Medicine / Science
Susan Kucera (USA), IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY, Direction, Cinematography, Narration / Voiceover Talent (Jeff Bridges)
The Epoch Times (USA), Final Hours: Is Death Really the End?, Original Score
William Vigil (USA), Gimme My Money!, Actress: Leading (Marci Miller as Jo), Original Score
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