Norita – Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese
Jayson McNamara and Andrea Tortonese (Argentina / USA), Norita, Doc Feature – With Oscar-winners Jane Fonda and Gustavo Santaolalla as Executive Producers, Norita is a profoundly moving documentary that chronicles the transformation of Nora “Norita” Cortiñas—from a devoted housewife in 1970s Argentina to a fearless voice against state oppression. The story begins with the disappearance of Norita’s 24-year-old son, Gustavo, during Argentina’s brutal dictatorship. Facing government denial, she joined other grieving mothers in the iconic Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, demanding justice. Using present-day footage, archives, and animation by Andrea Tortonese, the film traces how her loss fueled decades of activism. A fearless advocate for human rights and reproductive freedom, Norita became a leading force in Argentina’s social movements, including the Green Wave that legalized abortion in 2020.
With insightful direction, intimate interviews, rare behind-the-scenes moments, and Norita’s own reflections, Norita stands as a tribute to the power of collective action—and a stark reminder of the consequences when authoritarianism, censorship, and silence are allowed to take root. A cautionary tale for our times, it challenges us to remain vigilant, engaged, and uncompromising in the face of injustice.
Over My Dead Body – Meital Cohen Navarro
Meital Cohen Navarro (USA), Over My Dead Body, Film Short, Jewish Theme – A powerful and emotionally layered story about Isfahan, a young Jewish Persian-American woman caught between her love for a Muslim fiancé and the weight of her family’s traditions. Set in present-day Los Angeles, the film unpacks the personal cost of religious intolerance, cultural preservation, and interfaith love, revealing the silent struggles that unfold within families trying to protect what they know. With deft direction, rich performances and a balanced, empathetic lens, the film explores identity, generational divides, and the complexity of love bound by legacy. Each character believes they’re acting out of love, yet their actions deepen Isfahan’s internal conflict.
The open-ended conclusion lingers, challenging viewers to examine their own beliefs in a world where tradition and progress often collide—offering chilling relevance for our current times. Outstanding and memorable performances! Stars: Mary Apick (Dead End, Checkpoint, The Mission), Bahram Vatanparast (Guests of Hotel Astoria, Virgin Woman), Nakta Oahlevan (Leila, Azizam), Afshin Katanchi (Aloodeh, Black Intelligence), Ash Dadvand (Watch Me, Winter of ’79) and Mahsa Shamsa.
The Hexagonal Hive and a Mouse in a Maze –
Bartek Dziadosz and Tilda Swinton
Bartek Dziadosz and Tilda Swinton (United Kingdom), The Hexagonal Hive and a Mouse in a Maze, Doc Feature – Directed by Oscar and BAFTA winner Swinton alongside visionary filmmaker Dziadosz, this uniquely crafted documentary offers a mesmerizing exploration of complexity and curiosity. It plunges viewers into a labyrinthine world where geometry, nature, and the psyche intertwine, opening a powerful inquiry into how we learn, adapt, and make meaning within structured chaos.
Richly layered visuals and metaphors elevate the experience, while global journeys through the UK, Bangladesh, West Africa, and North America broaden its reach. Drawing insight from scientists, working people, philosophers, educators, and children, the film explores learning in all its dimensions—formal and informal, personal and collective. Warm, engaging, and deeply thoughtful, it invites reflection on how we navigate our own internal and external puzzles. A poetic meditation on the balance between order and chaos, instinct and intellect, and the human drive to keep moving forward.
Lifted – Daniel Robichaud
Daniel Robichaud (USA), Lifted, Animation – In Lifted, industry veteran Robichaud (known for Titanic and The Fifth Element) takes audiences on a visually inventive and emotionally resonant journey through an elevator ride that transcends the ordinary. Hugo, a reserved man, is swept into a series of creatively designed, surreal realms where imaginative scenes and powerful metaphors challenge him to confront his fears and awaken his inner strength. When he returns, transformed, he reconnects with Claire—the young woman whose lost earring sparked his extraordinary voyage.
Crafted as an intimate labor of love, Lifted dazzles with its unique animation style and richly symbolic storytelling. The film’s inventive design and metaphorical visuals explore themes of hope, resilience, and self-discovery, celebrating the profound power of personal growth and transformation.
Robin Hauser (USA), Thaw, Doc Feature – Egg freezing is a global phenomenon, but its true outcomes – hopeful or heartbreaking – unfold years later when eggs are thawed. It follows women facing difficult choices about their biological clocks, questioning what “choice” really means. With sharp direction, impeccable research, engaging interviews, and compelling animation, it delivers a deeply emotional, tightly crafted look at modern fertility.
Karoly Palfai (Hungary), One More Like, Film Feature – A solitary man falls in love with a woman who awakens something long dormant in him. As intimacy deepens, so do the shadows—where love blurs with control, suspicion, and emotional risk. Rich in dialogue and raw tension, the film explores the fragile line between connection and danger. Impactful performances. József S. Kovács, Zita Reiter, Roland Bordás, Gusztáv Dietz.
Kim Frank (USA), Where the Forest Roars, Nature / Wildlife – In the eastern Himalaya, shrinking forests and severed migration routes drive deadly conflict between humans and endangered Asian elephants. Explorer Frank bears witness to this emotional and challenging crisis, revealing the toll on both people and wildlife. Through powerful stories and striking imagery, the film explores what it takes to restore a broken bond with nature.
Robert Griffith (USA), The Judge – Character, Cases, Courage, Doc Feature – Narrated by Emmy-winner Justin Theroux, it unflinchingly follows Robert Merhige Jr., a fearless judge who spent 31 years challenging racism, gender bias, and corporate power. Despite threats and pressure, he remained steadfast to the Constitution and law. A vivid portrait of justice, integrity and powerful reminder of why a principled judiciary is essential.
Ekaterina Dorofeeva (Russia), CHAT ROOM / ЧАТ НАШЕГО ДОМА, Film Short – The pandemic that frightened everyone suddenly becomes a gift of fate for four residents of one apartment building. Thanks to unexpected meetings and support from each other, they overcome their fears, discover new opportunities and find love. With touching performances by Darya Kukarskikh, Egor Averin, Elena Donina, Yuriy Elagin.
Kazuyuki Ishihara (Japan), BRIDGE -My Little Friends, Animation – Jin the cat sets off on a heartwarming quest to reach the Rainbow Bridge, hoping to ease his friend Mugi’s sorrow. With help from spirited squirrels, clever birds, and a quirky scientist, this colorful, emotionally rich animation is both sweet and playful. A delightful tribute to the filmmakers’ creativity, perfect for kids and families alike. Studio Goonies
Matt Cohn and Joey Rossetti (USA), Freedom Reigns, Doc Feature – Part boy-horse-whisperer tale, part Autism Spectrum Disorder study and part solution for America’s failing wild mustang program, it follows a young trainer who heals rescued mustangs while confronting life’s challenges. Featuring Temple Grandin, it’s informative, inspiring, heart-wrenching, and heartwarming. A testament to founder Alicia Goetz’s dedication.
Ryan Wirick (USA), Farmacy of Light: A Quantum Leap in Healing, Doc Feature – A renegade farmer reveals how fresh, light-filled food holds the key to healing rising chronic disease and malnutrition. Exploring biophotonics through quantum physics and suppressed science, this eye-opening film spotlights urban and regenerative farming as vital solutions, making a bold call to transform health by reconnecting with the energy in local food.
Katie Gibbs (USA), Irrational Geographic, Animation (Student) – A satirical animation featuring two animal actors filming a wildlife documentary. Despite their ability to converse like humans they are not cooperative with one another. Join the film crew in their attempt to capture an intense chase scene between two of the most celebrated creatures of the savanna. Engaging characters and a cute twist. Ringling College of Art and Design
Caden Jones (USA), To Be Feared, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger – A misunderstood creature wanders the city trying to survive. Lonely and longing for companionship, his grotesque features scare everyone – until a cat befriends him, allowing him to reveal his softer side and see his true self. Featuring unique characters and imaginative animation, this film showcases a talent and maturity beyond the Jones’s 13 years.
Al Jazeera 360 (Qatar), Drugs And The Regime, Documentary Feature
Al Jazeera 360 (Qatar), About Cinema, Television – Program / Series
Alexander Sukharev (Russia), Мой друг/My Friend, Children / Family Programming
Andrea Lodovichetti (Italy), CARTAPESTA: CARNIVAL OF FANO – THE MOVIE, Documentary Feature
Austin Herring (USA), Punch Out- A.D.A.M. Music Project, Music Video
Brandon Katcher (USA), Resonance in the Castle, Cinematography, Experimental
Charlotte Jarrix and Maud Guillaumin (France), Memory for Burial (LM-SE), History / Biographical
Chelsea Osei (Canada), Water from a Stone, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Disability Issues
Dani Feixas Roka (Spain), Paris 70, Film Short
Daniel Robichaud (USA), Lifted, Art Direction, Special Effects: Animation
Dax Phelan (USA), BREAK THE SILENCE, Public Service Programming / PSA, Direction
Dion Wiebe (Canada), Meant for More Documentary, Documentary Short, Nonprofit / Fundraising
Evgeniy Lavrentyev (Russia), Свобода / Freedom, Film Feature
Fan Tzu Liu (Taiwan), Gazing at Mount Da-Jian, Asian Theme, Documentary Short, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Francesca Fini (Italy), LOVE, AI Film
Francisco Villarroel (Canada), Tango Bar, Film Feature, Latin / Hispanic Theme, Script / Writer, Women Theme
Ilya Noyabrev (Ukraine), Sky-Sky, Music Video, On-Camera Talent (non-acting) (Anna Khanina), Direction
Jeffrey M. Berman, RDRR Media (USA), I.M. Romance, Film Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Jesús Pamplona and Javier Muriel (Spain), Paloma Negra: The Queen of Amphetamines, Documentary Feature
Karoly Palfai (Hungary), ONE MORE LIKE, Actor: Leading (Kovács S. József as Patrick), Direction, Actress: Leading (Reiter Zita as Dzseni), Cinematography (Karoly Palfai), Original Score
Kim Frank (USA), Where the Forest Roars, Narration / Voiceover Talent, Women Filmmakers
Leikié (Italy), PAPmusic – Animation for Fashion, Animation
Leon Joosen (USA), Land of the Mustaches, Actress: Leading (Rutanya Alda as Storyteller), Original Score (Charles Bernstein)
Lynn Elliott (USA), Kochma Kote! Nightmare Place! EPISODE 5: THE BOY WHO EARNED HIS MAGIC., Television – Program / Series, Script / Writer
Mark Hemstock, Hemstock Films (Canada), The Truth and the Seeker, Documentary Feature
Meital Cohen Navarro (USA), Over My Dead Body., Script / Writer, Direction
Mike Libecki and Keith Ladzinski (USA), Antarctica: At the Intersection of Technology and Climate Action, Documentary Short
Mohammad Paidar (Iran), The Narrator, Film Short
Phillip Large (USA), VOICES of VALOR: World War II Heroes in Their Own Words, Documentary Feature
Robin Hauser (USA), Thaw, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Women Theme, Animation
Ryan Wirick (USA), Farmacy of Light: A Quantum Leap In Healing, Art Direction, Cinematography
Sergey Hamilton (Russia), L I OVE, Movie Trailer
Sergey Hamilton (Russia), L i OVE, Christian Filmmaker, Experimental, Music Video
Suresh Eriyat (India), Croak Show, Animation
Suresh Eriyat (India), Desi Oon, Animation
Tom Phillips (USA), Salem Aftermath Episode 1. A Town Divided, Script / Writer
Tremayne LaMont (USA), Chthonic, AI Film
Wilson McCourtney (USA), Fighting For Florida, Cinematography
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