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The Best Shorts Competition Announces Latest Winners!

La Jolla, CA, December 2023 – The Best Shorts Competition is proud to announce the latest winners. The Best Shorts Competition puts filmmakers first and provides a direct opportunity for recognition and publicity for high quality productions. It is international in scope and has granted awards to producers in Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Mauritius, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

~ Best of Show ~

Octavio Pisano – EL CAMPO

Octavio Pisano (USA), EL CAMPO, Film Short – At a Narco Camp in the middle of the stark Mexican desert, we witness the evolution of a young boy, trained and turned into a cold-blooded hired assassin called a Sicario. Heart-breakingly inspired by true events, this coming-of-age nightmare shows that even in the darkest of evils, there was once innocence. Skillfully crafted with lighting by the hard, harsh, intense sun of the desert it perfectly lights the horror that unfolds as an innocent young man with sweetness in his heart is forced to change into a murderous beast in a fusion of brutality and poetry. It is a harrowing journey to the limits of human wickedness, a slow awakening to a frightful reality of survival. Law & Order alum Pisano’s deft direction leads the viewer on a gritty, raw descent into savage violence and breathless horror as innocence is transformed into evil and ruthlessness. Exceptional actors anchor this potent film. A powerful performance by the young Kinan Cruz (Hubbard Street), Narco boss portrayed by Jose Conejo Martin (The Tax Collector), kindly ally Victor Adame (Plan V) and an appearance by Carolina Riesgo (Curb Your Enthusiasm).

~ Outstanding Achievement ~ 

Rick Page – Minutes to Go

Rick Page (USA), Minutes to Go, Film Short, African American – Moving and vivid performances bring to life the story of the end of a couple’s life-long journey, as the love they’ve shared for nearly 70 years propels them into what comes next. Award-winner Page delivers a beautiful exploration of life’s meaning, self-worth, connection and the transformative power of love. Achingly authentic performances by industry veterans Tony-nominee Starletta DuPois (Friday After Next, Big Momma’s House, Waiting To Exhale) and Aaron Jennings (Grand Crew, A League of Their Own, Pure Genius) deliver a compelling film of love, loss and eternal beauty..

Jorge “Jokes” Yanes – Silent Partners

Jorge “Jokes” Yanes (USA), Silent Partners, TV Pilot Program – A Mob based drama set in Miami during the 1980’s. A mild mannered insurance salesman by day, Valentine doubles as Chicago mob soldier hell bent on creating his own good fortune and exit from the family.  Led by an all-star cast, director Emmy-winer Yanes skillfully weaves a combination of eccentric and intense in a character driven plot with both familiar and surprising twists and turns.  A future feature film is in the making.  Stars:  Ciro Dapagio (Mobking, Brassknuckles), two-time Oscar-winner Nick Vallelonga (The Green Book), James Russo (Donnie Brasco, Django Unchained), Garry Pastore (HBO’s Duece), Joseph Donofrio (Bronx Tale), Saul Stein (HBO’s Duece), Michael Villar (Oscar-winning Skin), Anotoni Corone (Into the Night).

Moshe Mahler – The Art of Weightlessness

Moshe Mahler (USA), The Art of Weightlessness, Animation – The Art of Weightlessness is an animated short film documentary that chronicles the evolution of Artist and Performer, Bill Shannon. Born with a degenerative hip condition, Bill developed new ways to express himself through dance and skateboarding on crutches. Cleverly crafted with skillful animation, upbeat editing, soundtrack and sound design Mahler’s creative credentials (former Principal Artist of The Creative Technology Team at Disney Research of The Walt Disney Company) are in full expression in this creative and captivating piece.

~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~ 

Bo-wei Ling (Taiwan), Shadow on the Terrace, Film Short – Qi and girlfriend Qian move into an old house with a terrace and many secrets. Qian is gone and Qi doesn’t know what’s real. A mysterious realtor, a disturbing painting and a mystical terrace. Deft direction and convincing performances. Rhydian Vaughan (Netflix Light the Night), Ko-Yuan Wang (Dear Tenant) and Golden Bell winner Xing Li (Gold Leaf).

Richie Harrington (USA), A Family Business, Film Short – When Brendan turns 18 he reaches out to his biological father for the first time with hopes of joining the family business: The Mob. Harrington’s strong direction encourages impactful performances by the young Sean Ormond (Play the Flute, The Country Club), seasoned Mike Hatton (Green Book), with a cameo by Jo Dellapina (Illusory, Do Us Part).

Take Flight Learning (USA), BirdBrains Inc., Special Purpose Productions – A brilliant re-imagination of the DISC profile system where styles come to life through colorful birds. Renown trainer Merrick Rosenberg leads a cast of professionally created puppets through insights and clever musical numbers. Emily Marsh (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Emmy-nominees Marc Petrosino, Kathleen Kim, Jennifer Barnhart, James J. Kroupa.

Dawn Lambing (Canada), Roed, Film Short – An unusual road trip takes a turn for the worse as two fearless women risk it all for what’s right. A sensationally creative concept, entertaining and poignant – presenting a frighteningly real future possibility. Exceptional, convincing performances by a talented cast. Tara Bissett (Quantico), Shoshana Wilder (Transplant), Shawn Baichoo (The Punisher), Gerardo Lo Dico (Confessions).

Christopher Schultz (USA), Enemy No More, Film Short – WWII, a wounded American soldier in WWII escapes a prison camp to be recaptured by a Japanese soldier who has abandoned the war. Becoming friends, they realize they can help each other get back home. Moving performances by Jonathan Tanigaki (NCIS: Hawai’i), Jake B. Miller (Daisy Jones & The Six) and Anzu Lawson (Chicago Med).

Damon Brown and Allen Robertson (USA), Dance Hall, Film Short – Emmy-winners Brown and Robertson deliver a warm-hearted musical that is both entertaining and thought provoking – creatively addressing the solitude of modern technology, life, dealing with loss, and dancing with those we care about. Stars talented Stella Frye-Ginsberg, Anderson Zoll and a gifted young cast of musical theater performers

Kyle Hatley and Jaclyn Larson (USA), Marbles, Film Short – When a grieving man with strange abilities, shares with his bereavement group and his curse becomes a gift. Poignant, touching, excellent cast. Grant Fletcher Prewitt (Police State), Emily Peterson (Batman vs Superman), Brian Nelson, Dan Hillaker, Molliann McCulley, Angela Cristantello, Aja Wiltshire, Caroline Vuchetich, Myles Ealy, Nikita Chaudhry.

Helena Herb (Germany), Bloody Secrets, Film Short – Hannah hosts her pregnant sister’s wedding unfolding a series of laughable events including spilling a bloody mary on the wedding gown, burning the bouquet and sleeping with the groom. What could go wrong!? A talented comedic cast. Nathalie Schott (Tartot), Alke Franz, Christian Hoening, Miguel Francisco, Florian Stadler.

Canghai Lu (China), Empty Heights, Moonlit Night, (空山月明)  Film Short – A compelling tale of a lonely old father who in desperation sues his adult children just to see him. When they show,  he leads them on a journey for a “final closure” to  Qiongding Mountain – a place of potent memories for the family. A Golden Rooster nominee with authentic performances. Bin Li, Long Jin, Le Sun, Zhong Yu.

Reilly Michael Saso (Canada), STIGMA, LGBTQ+ – Accomplished director Saso tells a compelling story through exceptional choreography, a stripped-down creative set and talented dancers. A devastating diagnosis, stigmatized and shrouded in despair, a man grapples with the dark specter of mortality and societal rejection – thirty years later he reflects on turning that darkness into self-acceptance and love.

~ Award of Excellence ~ 

Alex Bozzy (USA), Dream Lover, Film Short
Beth Toni Kruvant (USA), Finding Fate, Documentary Short
Canghai Lu (China), Empty Heights, Moonlit Night, Asian
Cédric Peyster – Le Roux (France), WOLFPACK, Direction
Chris Monson, Tom Rasky and Allen S. Weiss (Canada), Teddy, Animation
Christopher Schultz (USA), Enemy No More, Direction
Cody Critcheloe (USA), Nothin 4 Something, Music Video
Dawn Lambing and Tara Bissett (Canada), Roed, Women Filmmakers
Devin Gillis (Canada), Nothing Mattress, Film Short

Elana Frankel (USA), Cannabis + Creativity, Documentary Short, Reality Programming, Direction
F Michael Cable (USA), PERPETUAL, Film Short, Television – Pilot Program, Television – Program Series
Fiona Lu (China), TA, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Grace Samson and Barry Samson (USA), Cats and Husbands, Film Short
Helena Herb (Germany), Bloody Secrets, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Jaime Urquiza (Mexico), Traces, Film Short, Direction, Latin / Hispanic
Jake Hunsicker (USA), Meatloaf and Pie at the Sunset Cafe, Ensemble Cast, Direction
Jorge “Jokes” Yanes (USA), Silent Partners, Actor: Leading (Ciro Dapagio as Valentine)
Kassi Crews and The Beacon House Association of San Pedro (USA), Heart of Recovery, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers, Nonprofit / Fundraising
Ken Moretti and Steve Doland James (USA), The Gambit, Movie Trailer

Kim Alex Hall and Justice Singleton (USA), SIR, LGBTQ+
Kyle Hatley and Jaclyn Larson (USA), Marbles, Editing (Richard Sanchez)
Luis Tovar (USA), Transient, Actor: Leading (Devin Reeve as Tye Murphy)
Marc Gaudet (Canada), ISA, Film Short
Mohammad Abedi (Iran), Emund, Script / Writer
Nicolas Panay (France), Alarms, Film Short
Octavio Pisano (USA), EL CAMPO, Direction, Latin / Hispanic
Peter Fielding (Italy), Bach, the Animated Series, Animation
Reilly Michael Saso (Canada), STIGMA, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Original Score (Composed by Rick Temporao)
Richie Harrington (USA), A Family Business, Actor: Leading (Sean Ormond as Brendan), Direction, Script / Writer (Richard Harrington)

Rick Page (USA), Minutes to Go, Actress: Leading (Starletta DuPois as Ginny), African American, Actor: Leading (Aaron Jennings as Harold), Direction
Rob Margolies (USA), Lola Does Manhattan, Actress: Leading (Eve Austin as Lola/Heidi)
Ryan Sahlin and Dru Sutton (USA), Champion Chronicles: Defying The Odds, Disability Issues, Documentary Short
Ryan W Vachon (USA), How to Grow an Island, Documentary Short
Sam Morris (USA), One Run, Film Short
Steve Boyle (USA), Bill Lloyd “This Ain’t My Parade”, Music Video
Take Flight Learning (USA), BirdBrains, Inc., Film Short, Narration / Voiceover Talent, Educational / Instructional / Training
Tan Weihua (China), SCISSORS, Asian, Actor: Leading (Xiao Yiping as Feng)

~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~

Amanda Crewes (Australia), Paper Cranes, Direction, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Grace Samson and Barry Samson (USA), Cats and Husbands, Actress: Leading (Rae Cofsky as Fern), Actress: Leading (Vanessa Simon as Marcie), Script / Writer, Women Filmmakers
Honna Zhou (New Zealand), SUNSET, Film Short (Student)
Ivandro Eduardo Maocha (Mozambique), Heterodox, LGBTQ+
Jake Wolf Cunliffe (United Kingdom), SkinTone, Experimental (Student)
Jeffrey Himpele (USA), Shame On You!, Documentary Short
Kim Alex Hall and Justice Singleton (USA), SIR, Film Short
Kristen Marie Gilliland (USA), Speaking Through Me, Educational / Instructional / Training
Luke Miller (United Kingdom), Holding On, Creativity / Originality (Student)
Matt Robert Corliss (USA), Heart and Soul and Concrete, Documentary Short
Max DeLeo (USA), The Ascension Program, Film Short
Rasmus Ståhl (USA), Fancy, Animation
Rob Margolies (USA), Lola Does Manhattan, Television – Pilot Program
Roxanna Lewis (USA), Mandy’s Voice, Film Short
Stephen Kienzle (USA), Veteran’s Day, Film Short
Tony Hindhaugh (United Kingdom), The True Cost of War, Documentary Short
Tor Bjerke (Norway), Mom is Just Beetlepoo!, Children / Family Programming, Educational / Instructional / Training, Special Purpose Productions
Trevor Meyer (Canada), Finder’s Fee, Film Short
Virginia Romero (Spain), The Interrogation, Film Short, Script / Writer
Zane (France), Je, Film Short, Direction (Zane), Actress: Leading (Cassandre Anaya as Soul), Actress: Supporting ((Sabrina Campilii as Young woman), Cinematography (Zane)

~ Award of Merit ~

Abhishek Kumar Singh (India), My Mom, Actress: Leading (Raushni Srivastava as Tia)
Aleksandr Tretiakevich (Russia ), The Tableherder, Script / Writer, Editing
Amanda Crewes (Australia), Paper Cranes, Script / Writer
Andrea A. Jackson (USA), Covid Divorce, Actress: Leading (Andrea A Jackson as Beth)
Andrea Grant (USA), Night Swimming, Music Video, Experimental
Antonio Bocanegra II (USA), The Impact of James, Documentary Short (Student), Latin / Hispanic (Student)
Bridgette Caron Borzillo (USA), Fixed Perfection, Women Filmmakers
Carlos Puig Mundó (Spain), One more Day, Disability Issues
Cheryl Winkelmann (USA), Short Film Insanity, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Chris Zarb (Malta), Footlights, Film Short
Christopher Frentzel (USA), Frag, LGBTQ+, Direction
Cynthia Liu (United Kingdom), End of the Line, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Darrin Scott Mckean (Australia), Their American Dream, Film Short
Daryl Denner (USA), FIVE FLIGHTS, Film Short, Script / Writer (Kathleen Kaan Pansini)
Deborah Pittman, Susan Lamb Cook and Christopher Cook (USA), The Extraordinary Life of Joseph Bologne Chevalier De Saint-Georges, African American

Devin Gillis (Canada), Rug Burn, Film Short
Diego Alberto Dávila and Francisco Morales (Ecuador), Andean Eagle, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Evan Tanner and Ellen Finn (USA), Arnoldo’s World, Native Peoples, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Gabby Neeley (USA), Porcelain, Music Video, Original Song
Gabriela Revilla Lugo (USA), CPA, Women Filmmakers, Actress: Leading (Chelsea Rendon as Aisha)
Ginita Sunaina, Global Tara Entertainment (Netherlands/India), Chikna Munda, Music Video
Grace Galletti (USA), Beyond The Curve, Women Filmmakers (Student), Latin / Hispanic (Student)
Grace Galletti and Zhiwei Feng (USA), The Weight They Carry, Documentary Short (Student)
Griffin Weber (Harvard Medical School), Katherine Gustilo (University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus), Katy Börner (Indiana University) and Ushma Patel (Indiana University) (USA), Human Reference Atlas: Vasculature Common Coordinate Framework (VCCF), Animation, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Jason Sedlar (Canada), Lost But Not Forgotten, Disability Issues, Film Short
Jennifer Lee Jefferies and Hannah Michelle Jessup (Australia), Taking Off – Tales Of Older Women Who Surf, Documentary Short
Jerri Iris Sher (USA), SMILES IN TECATE, Documentary Short
Jesse Scales (USA), The Bullet and the Heart, Editing (Student)
Joe Crognale (USA), Snare, Script / Writer

Kai (Kaitz) Ilya Brebner (Israel), Cactus, Love, Mountains: A Psychedelic Journey with Huachuma, Documentary Short
Karen L H Robinson (Canada), Ode to Gertie Ryan, Original Song (Composed by Karen L H Robinson)
Karen L H Robinson (Canada), The Night the Lights Went Out, Original Song (Composed by Karen L H Robinson)
Kayla Burton (USA), Fragment, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Kevin John Veatch (USA), Chicken and Mr. Birke, Script / Writer (Sara Mossman and Birke Duncan)
Kudzai Tinago (Zimbabwe), Ubuntu ~ The Baobab Tree Story, Film Short
Lorenzo Wilkins (USA), ArtLife/LifeArt: Uncertainty, African American
Luis Tovar (USA), Transient, Film Short
Luke Miller (United Kingdom), Holding On, Animation (Student)
Mahlon Bast and Sara Waisglass (Canada), Toast, Film Short
Marius Myrmel (Norway), Ruptures, Film Short
Maroun Said Bisharat (Israel), CupidKal, Film Short
Mrunal Mestri (USA), Malti, Actress: Leading (Kankana Chakraborty as Malti)

Natalie Christine Rodriguez, Extraordinary Pictures LLC and Peter M. Olsen (USA), Matty Cat, Children / Family Programming, Women Filmmakers
Peter Fielding (Italy), Bach, the Animated Series, History / Biographical
Rafael Millán (Mexico), IMPOSTER, Film Short
Sadie Duarte (Spain), Sheltered from Time, Actor: Leading (Iván Gisbert as Adam/Almaaz)
Salaheddin Noori (Iran), YOU THINK ALTHOUGH YOU ARE NOT, Film Short
Sean Famoso, Dennis Williams and Gladimir Gelin (USA), Race, Direction
Sigal Hazak (Israel), It’s a Long Day Today, Women Filmmakers (Student), Film Short (Student)
Sunflower County Film Academy (Glenn Payne and Ben Powell) (USA), Help Wanted, Film Short (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Trevor Meyer (Canada), Finder’s Fee, Editing (William Sharkey)
Wang Wang (China), Never, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Wang Wang as Son)
William G. Conlin (USA), AnimalZone: The Cowboy and the Queen, Documentary Short, Television – Program Series
Yvonne Trobe (USA), The Hollow, Film Short
Zong Ying Yu (Taiwan), The Road to Home, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

~ Award of Recognition ~

Abhishek Kumar Singh (India), My Mom, Direction
Adeyinka Adetoyi (Nigeria), Dangerous Silence, Film Short, Script / Writer (Ariel Lavi), Dramatic Impact
AJ Tedesco (USA), Privacy, Please, Film Short
Alica Sheyahshe Mteuzi (USA), Hadaya:2033, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest (Student), Native Peoples (Student)
Ana Cristina Bolanos (USA), ESTHER: Death Is No Sin, Film Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Andrea A. Jackson (USA), Covid Divorce, Web Series
Andrea Grant (USA), Night Swimming, On-Camera Talent (Andrea Grant), Native Peoples, Women Filmmakers
Brett Sylvia (USA), Exciting Day, Children / Family Programming
Carsten Fuhrmann and Mark Klotz (Germany), …der Flitter graut. Es bleibt Verpasstes übrig., Experimental
Cesar Abreu (USA), SELF (Work in progress), LGBTQ+
Chance Fuerstinger (USA), Slaughterhouse, Actress: Leading (Jen Potcher as Penelope Gloucestershire), Ensemble Cast, Film Short, Script / Writer, Direction
Chris Bowyer (United Kingdom), Manchineel Courthouse, Film Short
Christopher Anthony Tajah (United Kingdom), Journey Toward my Sister, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Cousteau Bix Christopher (USA), Augury, Film Short, Creativity / Originality

Dakota Thomas (USA), Finding Harmony, Script / Writer
David Wenzel (USA), The Audition, Actor: Leading (Brian George as Lance)
David Wenzel (USA), The Coffee Shop, Film Short
Deborah Marlene Pittman and Gabriel Isiah Gonzeles (USA), The World According to Earl, Animation
Debra Fuller (USA), Screamer, Film Short (Student), LGBTQ+ (Student)
Diego Dávila and Francisco Morales (Ecuador), Andean Eagle Animated, Animation
Donnell Robinson Sr (USA), Sandiego: The Series, Script / Writer
Dr. Vertna West (USA), In The Flow, Episode 1: How It All Began, Animation, Webisode
Fernando Montes de Oca Martin (Mexico), Danger at Home, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Garrett Duncan (USA), THE DARKENED, Christian, Experimental
Giancarlo Mici and Walter Culicelli (Italy), MI PASSI UN PO’ DI PACE?, Christian
Goran Mihailov (Romania), The White Horse, Film Short
Grace Galletti and Zhiwei Feng (USA), The Weight They Carry, Use of Film / Video for Social Change (Student)

Greg Brooks (USA), Full Tilt Boogie, Television – Pilot Program
Gregory Klino and MJ Palo (USA), Beyond the Door, Film Short
Gulføss (United Kingdom), There’s Something About Water, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Special Purpose Productions
Harry Waldman (USA), Bay for Blood, Actor: Leading (Dave Neylon as James), Editing
Henry Black (USA), BUNNY-MAN & CO. ep. 1: ENTER THE HYPE LEAGUE, Animation
Jacoby Solari (USA), Two Eyes No Mouth, Film Short (Student)
James Chen (Taiwan), Taipei’s Urban Soldiers, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Asian
Jaquon Farrell (Canada), My Own Blood, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Jean-Marie Alien (Canada), S B P – Subject Baby Paranormal, Actor: Leading (Jean-Marie Alien as Doctor Grey, Mark, Officer Patterson), Film Short
Jenny Austin and Cornell Mitchell (USA), Bozo: The Valedictorian, Movie Trailer
Jet Ainsworth (USA), Randy The Cowboy Holiday Special, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Derrick T. Goodin as Randy The Cowboy Rogers)
Joe Crognale (USA), Snare, Film Short
Joe Taft (USA), The Innkeeper, Film Short, Actor: Leading (GT Nightcrawler as The Innkeep)
Josh Weber and Dustin Larsen (USA), Le Fay II, Film Short

Karen L H Robinson (Canada), Ode to Gertie Ryan, Animation (Ada Denil and Karen L H Robinson), Women Filmmakers
Karen L H Robinson (Canada), Delay is Not an Option, Editing (Karen L H Robinson and Scott Ferguson), Original Song (Composed by Karen L H Robinson)
Karen L H Robinson (Canada), My Phone, Original Song (Composed by Karen L H Robinson)
Kekang Zhang (China), Whirl Bus, Asian
Kenneth A. Richardson (USA), SPIRAL, Film Short
Kenneth Yokem II (USA), Lost Without You, Film Short
Max Ralph and Matthew Gelhard (USA), Dirt Circus, Documentary Short
Maximus Cardillo (USA), Isolation of the Mind, Direction (Student), Film Short (Student)
Michael Buckley (Canada), Planet Ocean Blues, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Natalie Christine Rodriguez, Extraordinary Pictures LLC and Peter M. Olsen (USA), Matty Cat, Narration / Voiceover Talent (Alexandra Almendarez)
Nathan San Filippo (USA), Straight to the Moon!, Film Short
Nick Krekeler (USA), The App, Film Short
Paddy Murphy and Steven G. Farrell (Ireland), Mersey Boys: A Letter from Al Moran, Actress: Leading (Jessica Messenger as Ginny), Ensemble Cast (Fiach Kunz, Jessica Messenger, Robert Bourke, Michael Casey, Ben Collopy, Grahan Gill, Rachel Cobb and Steven G. Farrell)
Patricia Carr Biczynski (USA), A Polish Cowboy at Home and Abroad, Narration / Voiceover Talent, Women Filmmakers

Rabner Amill (USA), Undercover, 48-Hour Film (Savannah, GA)
Rafael Millán (Mexico), IMPOSTER, Actor: Supporting (Morgan Clarke as Jack)
Regan Martin (USA), Aria’s Sadness, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Sadie Duarte (Spain), Sheltered from Time, Women Filmmakers
Sal Cirmi (USA), Mailbox, Actress: Leading (Giuliana Sciortino as Monica)
Sequoia Holton (USA), Inshallah, Women Filmmakers
Shihyun Wang (Hong Kong), Home – FuJian, Asian
Shihyun Wang and James Chen (Taiwan), Urban Soldiers in Taipei, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Steve Rahter (USA), The Power of Invisibility, Christian, Religion / Ethics
Sunanda Prabhu Gaunkar, Nicole Zhong and Atman Mehta (USA), Serendipity, Webisode (Student)
Sunflower County Film Academy (Glenn Payne and Ben Powell) (USA), Help Wanted, Actor: Leading (Student) (Merion Turner as Elijah)
Susan Weiss (USA), LIA: A Bodybuilding Story – The Directors Cut, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers, Fitness / Nutrition
The Shenanigans  (USA), H.O.E (Happiness Over Everything), African American, Women Filmmakers
Tom Knoff and Kurt Hemmer (USA), American Joyride: 100 Lines for the Kerouac Centenary, Remixes / Mashups, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
Walt Schoen (USA), Walking with Savta, Jewish
Xiaowen Xing (China), Dead Bird, Script / Writer (Student)
Yegor Bugayenko (Ukraine), MUG, Experimental