Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey – Ruán Magan
Ruán Magan (United Kingdom), Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey, Doc Feature – Narrated by Oscar-nominee Liam Neeson, this groundbreaking documentary delves into humanity’s timeless connection to water — a force that shapes our identity, culture, and survival. As the planet faces unprecedented challenges from floods, wildfires, droughts, and biodiversity loss, the film reveals how ancient wisdom and innovative thinking can help restore balance to a fragile world.
Featuring extraordinary individuals like Li An Phoa, who has walked 15,000 km of rivers to advocate for clean water; Kongjian Yu, whose revolutionary ‘Sponge City’ concept redefines urban resilience; and Vered Engelhard, reviving ancestral Andean water techniques, this documentary uncovers the profound role water plays in sustaining life and reshaping our future. Filmed with epic production values in the USA, Cambodia, Peru, China, Ireland, the Netherlands, Burundi and New Zealand, this beautiful documentary celebrates the wonder of water, revealing how since the beginning of time water defined our meaning, our spirituality, our lives and our joys through every precious drop. It offers hope and inspiration, demonstrating that by reconnecting with this vital element, we can spark a movement to heal our planet and create a more sustainable world for generations to come. Co-written and produced by Paul O’Callaghan.
Rick Rocha (USA), The Method, Film Short – Oscar-nominee Eric Roberts delivers a menacing performance as a legendary acting teacher whose ruthless pursuit of perfection drives an eager student into the dark corners of his psyche. As the student’s obsessive ‘method’ blurs reality and performance, events take a dangerous turn. This psychological thriller stars Conaln Kisilewicz, Maia Scalia, and Niall Cunningham.
Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Skin Cancer, Doc Feature – Emmy winner Hill’s deft direction features compelling interviews by Oscar-nominee Hugh Jackman, media icon Deborah Hutton, Olympian Cate Campbell, World Champion Surfer ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew and other potent stories to foster the mission to prevent skin cancer. Australia’s skin cancer crisis unfolds in this powerful film, sharing survivor stories and expert solutions.
Christopher Sheffield (USA), In Monster’s Hands, Limited Series / Miniseries – A true-crime thriller about a detective suffering from PTSD, who begins a daunting, cross-country search for a homicidal sexual predator targeting elderly couples. A ghastly and chilling story from detective Darren Burch with authentic performances. Emmy-nominee Bret J. Green (Criminal Minds), Heather R. Wake (Pandemic), Pamela Fields, Joran Bean.
Marco Fabbro (Italy), Marcho – The Last Flag, Doc Feature – Creative, artfully crafted doc with compelling reenactments and modern experts who wander through the scenes. In 1400’s, Rizzardo, hides the tragic story of Marcho of Moruzzo, a rebel who defied Venice’s conquest. The tale of betrayal and defiance is hidden for 500 years until discovered in 1986. Paolo Mutti, Aida Talliente, Fabiano Fantini, Alessandro Mistichelli.
Maziar Mehrgan, Aref Alavi (Iran), List of Animals, Film Short – Fast-paced, action packed, utterly tragic story of a widowed father’s love for his beloved daughter and a series of events that went devastatingly wrong. A talented cast delivers a chilling, memorable short. Mohsen Shafiei, Vahid Ghazi Zahedi, Mohammad Niazi, Amirhossein Homayounpour, Ali Alavi, Atiyeh Alinekhian, Mohammad Homayunpour, Zaha Rajaei.
Mayo Clinic (USA), An Adventure in Medicine: The Story of the Mayo Brothers, Health/Medicine – In 1800’s two country doctor’s sons, Dr. Will and Dr. Charlie Mayo, embraced groundbreaking surgical techniques and pioneered a team approach to health. Their innovative practices and patient-first philosophy revolutionized medicine, building a world-renowned institution. Heritage Films exceptional doc celebrates a remarkable legacy.
Chris John Georgenes (USA), Book!, Animation – The age-old question, “Why did the chicken cross the road?”, can finally be put to rest with this imaginative animated short. An engaging story meets flawless animation with colorful characters, brilliant expressions, dynamic sound & music, perfect pacing and adorable voice-over. Xencelabs, background art: Marisa Torres, music Munk Duane of Bad Stella Studios.
Joseph Braude (USA), The Combatant, Film Short – This striking animated doc tells the true story of a Lebanese Shi’ite boy lured into combat by Hezbollah during the Syrian civil war. Inspired by action movies, he soon faces the harsh reality of war, sparking a profound transformation. Narrated by the former fighter himself, the animation protects his identity while delivering a powerful and deeply human experience.
Karoly Palfai (Hungary), AIR HUNGER- Distressing Past, Film Feature. A troubled and fading relationship define Hanna and Dani’s marriage. Hanna sacrificed her career dreams to build a family but years of neglect have led to a standstill. Seeking answers from a spiritual teacher, she meets Alex, whose presence forces her to confront painful past lives. Authentic performances Melinda Pitz, Gabor Nagypal, Tamas Kovacs, Janos Papp.
Alan Joseph Chriest (USA), Trans, LGBTQ+ Filmmaker
Alan Williams (USA), Serengeti, Original Score (Alan Williams)
Autumn Libengood (USA), Bleeding Heart, Christian Filmmaker, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing
Brent Carpenter (USA), Dylan Brody’s Driving Hollywood, On-Camera Talent (non-acting) (Dylan Brody), Script / Writer (Dylan Brody)
Christopher Sheffield (USA), In Monster’s Hands, Christian Theme
Gary Francis Quigg (USA), The Foot: A Community Remembered, Documentary Short
Jon Osaki and Josh Chuck (USA), Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America, Asian Theme, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Joseph Braude (USA), The Combatant, Islamic Theme, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Joseph Braude (USA), The Sex Slave, Animation, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Documentary Short, Islamic Theme, Jewish Filmmaker, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Joslyn Rose Lyons (USA), Match Point, Actor: Leading (Vernon Davis as Max), Actor: Supporting (Omar Bolden as Anthony), Actress: Leading (Ashley Haas as Olivia), Direction, Script / Writer, Television – Program / Series
Julia Comita and Stephanie Francis (USA), Marks of Majesty, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Women Filmmakers
Justine Aurelia Malle (France), Mar Moussa, Christian Theme, Documentary Feature
Karoly Palfai (Hungary), AIR HUNGER – Distressing Past, Actress: Leading (Melinda Pitz as Hanna), Script / Writer (Karoly Palfai)
Lynn Elliott (USA), My Greatest Enemy–Myself! Episode 3, THE BOY WHO EARNED HIS MAGIC, Script / Writer, Television – Program / Series
Mayo Clinic (USA), An Adventure in Medicine: The Story of the Mayo Brothers, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Mike Hill (Australia), New School 2, Documentary Short
Mike Hill (USA), Conquering Cervical Cancer, Documentary Feature
Neal E. Robbins (United Kingdom), Taiwan Undaunted: in Search of the Nation That Cannot Call Itself a Nation, Documentary Feature
Steve Brown (USA), The Age of the Empath, Script / Writer
Víctor Muñoz (Spain), Julia, Original Score
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