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Rick Prickett, Competition Director
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The Best Shorts Competition Announces Latest Winners!
La Jolla, CA, March 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 ~
Julio del Alamo – Brearth
Julio del Alamo (Spain), Brearth, Experimental – Filmmaker del Alamo marries creative, exceptional and provocative images with a chilling message relevant to our times. An emotionally moving and stunning visual odyssey of an evolutionary journey through a contaminated human dystopia – packed in plastic waste that suffocates. Each stage of life is uniquely represented with inventive characters displaying emotions of a world that is subtly choking them. Carried along with an emotive soundtrack and impactful sound design – it relays the message that the future is now, the earth is dying. The human being decomposes and recycles – until man’s use of plastic ruins the natural cycles and kills those in its path. It takes great skill to focus a compelling, potent message in such a short period of time. An experimental animation with AI-generated visuals that will take your breath away. Exceptional and Powerful.
~ Outstanding Achievement ~
Usman Mukhtar (Pakistan), Gulabo Rani, Film Short – What if a superstition turned out to be true? This well-woven story follows student Akhtar, as he is accepted into a prestigious university and due to an administrative fluke, finds himself housed in the dilapidated “Wing C” of the dorms – long rumored to be haunted and dangerous. Initially, not believing in the paranormal he is unbothered by the strange occurrences around him. Bullied and teased from his peers and increasing in psychological distress – he ultimately finds himself facing a horror he couldn’t imagine. Relying on surprise, psychological twist and not violent gore – this horror film elevates the genre. An achingly authentic performance by star Usama Javed Haider with excellent supporting performances. Omer Abdullah Khan, Danial Afzal, Meiraj Ul Haq, Khushhal Khan Khattak and Natasha Humera Ejaz.
~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~
Ami Vitale (USA), Remembering Sudan: The Last Male Northern White Rhino, Doc Short – In Remembering Sudan, photographer and filmmaker Vitale documents the heartbreaking crisis facing the northern white rhinos and keepers like Zacharia Mutai who sacrifice so much to protect them. A gorgeously filmed and moving piece, potently embracing the deep emotions of those fighting to make a difference.
Beau Janzen (USA), Thread Circle, Educational / Instructional / Training – Emmy-winner Janzen brings his signature artist’s sensibility of storytelling to brilliantly educate audiences. Deftly blending his visual effects expertise (Life of Pi, Batman vs Superman, Gotham) with a masterful teaching style he explores measurements and a model for unpacking complexity. Carried by exceptional visuals and a colorful sound design.
Pierre et David Callant (Belgium), Like a Mark, Film Short (Comme une Empreinte) – In a forest in the Ardennes, a grizzled old man protectively runs a wilderness lodge until one fateful day he meets a real estate agent who is drawn there for reasons he only later comes to know. Deft direction and compelling performances by Olivier Bonjour (In Bruges) and Michael Erpelding (Tribes of Europa).
Suzanne Nichols and Ron Noble (USA), The Life and Times of Schrodinger’s Cat: A Quantum Tale of Love and Entanglement, Animation. Emmy-winner Noble (Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys) and Nichols deliver a sensational depiction of Schrodinger’s experiment in this adventure as the iconic Cat quests for his identity and creator. Wonderful animation, accessible dialog and brilliant blend of cartoon and quantum physics..
Mary-Jo Dionne and Jeff Macpherson (Canada), Never Broken, Film Short – In 1977 a young mom is broke and alone raising her 5-year-old daughter. She creates a world of make-believe to shield her from the pain of poverty and navigate a world of lack through a lens of abundance. Sweetly real performances. Stars Christine Chatelain (40 Days and 40 Nights), Paige Phung, Teryl Rothery (Virgin River), Mark Acheson (Elf)..
Malin Erixon (Sweden), The Spyglass, Children / Family Programming – Erixon’s unique style and skillful storytelling come together in this memorable animation. Little Eden feels invisible by her busy and bickering parents. As an escape she seeks company in her imagination through a self-made spyglass of toilet paper rolls which turns out to be magical and full of fantastic and fun characters.
Blake Vaz (USA), Matches – The happiest day of Joanna’s life turns into her Mother’s worst nightmare when she is kidnapped shortly after being accepted into the school of her dreams. Emmy-winner Vaz highlights the issue of human trafficking through a story that is more possible than we imagine. Stars: Andrea K. Torres, Tripp Pickel, Brenda Gutierrez, Jayme Mantos, Rudy Marquez, Blake Vaz, Ty Quianboa.
Roberto Sanchez (USA), Heroes, TV Pilot Program – New kid Rigo is being bullied by local boys. A chance encounter with Miguel, a comic store owner, introduces him to the world of superheroes. But are they fiction or real? Entertaining premise and well-paced storytelling. Roberto Sanchez, (The Terms of Us, 2 Fast 2 Furious) Caleb Martinez (Super Ma), Bryson Robinson.
Sina Nazarian (Canada), Where I’m From, Experimental – A surrealist psychological film that delves into the psyche of two artists whose paths collide and dreams become synchronized as they face their shadow and unmask their true selves. Carried by lush cinematography and a compelling soundtrack it serves as a model for listening to our own inner wisdom. Tania Rahimikhoshavaz, William John Hodgins, Ron Selmour.
Maya Anandan (India), Seva, Young Filmmaker -17 and younger – With a wisdom far beyond her 16 years – filmmaker Anandan spends time in a community kitchen in India performing Seva – selfless service – to feed people in need. After months of witnessing how the system works and the benefits to all concerned – she ponders this as a model for a global community – can selfless service be the key to end food insecurity?
~ Award of Excellence ~
Abdollah Alimorad (Iran), Let’s Make Peace- Snowed In, Animation
Albérick Tode (France), CAUSALITÉ, Television – Pilot Program
Ami Vitale (USA), Remembering Sudan: The Last Male Northern White Rhino, Women Filmmakers
Angela Wenyang Hou (China), E-Wasteland, Experimental (Student)
Christophe Lenoir (France), REVERSE, Film Short, Direction
Daniel Roman Hidalgo (USA), LIFESTYLE: Lowrider Faith Journey, The Armando Flores Story, Documentary Short, Latin / Hispanic
Daryl Sledge (USA), XAVIAR MENDOSA: The Trial At Redemption Bar, Experimental
Duncan Putney (USA), Solipsism, Script / Writer
Emile Bokaer (USA), The Street Network (La Red Callejera), Documentary Short, Latin / Hispanic
Jamaal Scott, DeShon Green and Qiana Camille (USA), AT ALL COSTS, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Ensemble Cast
Jenny Kleiman and Haley Dercher (USA), Good Girl, Script / Writer (Haley Dercher)
Jesse Blight (Canada), More Than Gold: The Story of The Yukon Soaps Company, Documentary Short, Native Peoples
Joshua Chamberlain (USA), We All Say God, Film Short
Julio del Alamo (Spain), BREARTH, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Kyle Saylors (USA), A Perfect Love, Documentary Short
Malin Erixon (Sweden), The Spyglass, Animation, Script / Writer (Malin Erixon)
Mary-Jo Dionne and Jeff Macpherson (Canada), Never Broken, Actress: Leading (Christine Chatelain as Shirley Gordon), Women Filmmakers, Original Score
Maya Anandan (India), SEVA, Documentary Short (Student), Children / Family Programming (Student)
Nick Pascoal (USA), Emergence, Animation
Nicolo’ Pozzali (Italy), Judge, Film Short
Ran Steiner (Israel), Akka Fish Originals, Film Short
Sina Nazarian (Canada), Where I’m From, Editing, Direction
Stephan Blinn (USA), Pioneering Spirits, Documentary Short
Susan Buster Thomas (USA), Parting Out, Script / Writer
Suzanne Nichols and Ron Noble (USA), The Life and Times of Schrodinger’s Cat: A Quantum Tale of Love and Entanglement, Television – Pilot Program
Trent J. DiGiulio and Larry L. Sheffield (USA), Oppenheimer After Trinity, Documentary Short, Script / Writer
Usman Mukhtar (Pakistan), Gulabo Rani, Direction
~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~
Ahmad Heydarian (Iran), Before Heaven, Animation
Aquila Chase-Daniel (USA), That’s Enough Now Thanks, Film Short
Ayla Babanikos and Mitra Hamzavi (USA), Val and Taylor’s F*ck-it List, Film Short (Student)
Cara Loften (USA), The Cleaner, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Charlotte Quintanar (USA), Bee The Solution, Documentary Short (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Christophe Lenoir (France), REVERSE, Actress: Leading (Camille Solal as Rachel/Sylvia/Louise/Joëlle/Morgana and miss x)
Daniel Roman Hidalgo (USA), LIFESTYLE: Lowrider Faith Journey, The Armando Flores Story, Christian
Daryl Sledge (USA), XAVIAR MENDOSA: The Trial At Redemption Bar, Cinematography (Jamal Solomon)
Desislava Chuturkova (Bulgaria), The Smith, Experimental
Erik Sather (USA), Redwood Survival, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Greg A. Ferrara (USA), Sustained Reaction, Actor: Leading (Greg Ferrara as The Scientist)
Jenny Kleiman and Haley Dercher (USA), Good Girl, Jewish, Women Filmmakers
Karim Azimi (Iran), Survivor, Asian
Katya Ignatiev (United Kingdom), JAWAI, Documentary Short (Student)
Kevin Schewe (USA), Bad Love Tigers, Script / Writer
Patricia Kaersenhout (Netherlands), The Return of the Hummingbird Women, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Scott Klumb (USA), Change, Disability Issues
Tanner Beard (USA), Radio Telescope, Actor: Leading (Russell Quinn as Dr. Ian Anderson), Direction, Editing
Tyler Wursta (USA), A New LVHS: Pioneering Animal Welfare in the Lehigh Valley | LVHS Documentary Feature, Documentary Short
Vicki Topaz and Wynn Padula (USA), BY MY SIDE, Disability Issues, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Walker Davis Moore (USA), On My Mind, Film Short
William McClure Mudge (USA), WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, Commercial / Infomercial
Xochi Blymyer (USA), Hey Alexa, Film Short, Script / Writer (Xochi Blymyer)
~ Award of Merit ~
Adam Peterson (USA), The Princess and the Formaldehyde Specimen, Web Tube Length Video
Adam Reiss (USA), New Insights into Ancient Traditions: Uncovering a Key to Heart Health Protection, Jewish, Health / Medicine / Science
Alexander Davidowski (USA), Rise of the Clambassador, Documentary Short
Andreas Zhao (Canada), our nights are more beautiful than your days, Asian, Experimental
Andres Luna III (USA), Sour Note, Actor: Leading (Finn Haney as Kyle), Actress: Leading (Sofia Rahaniotis as Jenna), Direction, Film Short, Cinematography
Brian A. Chander (USA), Age of the Goldfish, Film Short (Student)
Cara Loften (USA), The Cleaner, Women Filmmakers
Carlos Puig Mundó (Spain), To Be or Not to Be, Disability Issues
Chance White, Christian Cashmir and Tom Pritchard (USA), APEIRON BOUND – Absent Familiarity feat. Joshua Corum of HEAD WITH WINGS, Music Video, Cinematography
Chris Curley (Ireland), Get Out and Drive, Documentary Short (Student)
Chris Taylor and Jesse Watson (USA), A Man Buried, Film Short, Ensemble Cast
Christian Cashmir and Wayne Joyner (USA), APEIRON BOUND – Emotive Servitude, Music Video
Cornell Calhoun III (USA), Longwood, Script / Writer
Dinghui Liu (USA), Invisible Green, Asian (Student)
Emily Teague (USA), Rosé Haze, LGBTQ+, Music Video
Emma Dickson (United Kingdom), Hear Her Voice, Women Filmmakers, Entertainment / Drama / Dance / Variety
Far From Your Sun (France), I felt a Funeral, in my Brain, Music Video
Gary Grant (United Kingdom), Lily of the Valley, LGBTQ+
GBU & DJ Noj, Graven Image Films (USA), The Last Bullet, Animation
Greg A Ferrara (USA), Sustained Reaction, Direction, Film Short
Jack Hoppe (USA), Coming Home, Film Short
Jacob Hamilton (United Kingdom), Fox in The Hen House, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Chantelle Rance as Savanah)
James Matthew Storm (USA), Meet My Pet Monster, Narration / Voiceover Talent (Chuck Beull)
Jason Leal (USA), In the forest of Nisene Marks, Disability Issues
Jay William Thomas (USA), Aquae Vitae, Direction, Editing, Ensemble Cast, Film Short
Jefferson Cox (USA), Monk, Ensemble Cast
Jenny Urice and Ben Fout (USA), Hot Set eps w color, Web Series, Ensemble Cast
Jesse Hutchins (USA), CHILDREN AS GIANTS, Film Short, Experimental
Jon Cohen (Australia), The Party, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Willow Alderton as Eliana), Dramatic Impact
Jozef Romasz (Poland), MY TIME DANCES WITH ME, Documentary Short, Entertainment / Drama / Dance / Variety
Jürgen Baums (Germany), Who is Calling ?, Remixes / Mashups
Kelli Caldwell (USA), Robots Don’t Tell Jokes, Children / Family Programming, Humor / Humorist, Film Short
Kevin Williams (USA), Hey, I’m The Doorguy!, Television – Pilot Program, Ensemble Cast
Linda Staheli (USA), A Peace of Science: Diplomacy with North Korea, Documentary Short
Lisa Singletary (USA), Walking in the Wrong Direction, LGBTQ+, Women Filmmakers
Ly Bolia (USA), Hoang the Paper Boy, Asian, Animation
Magali Derrien (France), La Cabane, Cinematography (Emmanuelle Gary)
Mark Renken (USA), Omnitask, Film Short, Original Score (Composed by Garrett Hope)
Matthew Luppino (Canada), Fragments, Film Short, Cinematography, Script / Writer
Michael Alvin Wynn (USA), Malcolm Speaks, Film Short
Morteza Payeshenas (Iran), Wood, Film Short
Napoleon Kerber (USA), Nate Robinson: To Inspire, Documentary Short
Papillon Films (UAE), The Long Wait, Original Score (Composed by Simon Woodward)
Patrick Phillips (USA), Electric Pioneers, Documentary Short, African American
Phil Terry and Katie Two Dogs (USA), Dichotomy, Film Short, Script / Writer (Phil Terry), Actress: Leading (Angela Sprague as Jenna / Julie)
Rachel Kleinman (USA), Weird Animal – Timothy Bailey & the Humans, Music Video
Rahjiv Staten (USA), The 3rd Cousin, Script / Writer (Rahjiv Staten)
Rick Marcus (USA), Moral Dilemma, Script / Writer
Rob Shearer (USA), My Father’s House, Documentary Short
Robert Haufrecht (USA), Subterranean Love (Olga), Direction
Rudy Strukoff (USA), Love In Vain, Music Video
Samuel Edelsack (USA), ENTITY LINE, Editing, Experimental
Sepideh Ghavami (Iran), Curettage, Film Short
Shruti Tewari (USA), Stain Resistant, Women Filmmakers, Personal Growth
Shutterstinct Productions in association with Round Two Entertainment (USA), My Father, Latin / Hispanic
Soraya Vargas (Colombia), Les Barbares, Original Score (Composed by José Miguel Vargas)
Stanislav Mitin (Germany), The Almighty Vending Machine, Direction, Film Short, Script / Writer (Stanislav Mitin)
Tane Martinez (USA), Dream of Me, Documentary Short
Tanner Beard (USA), Radio Telescope, Film Short, Script / Writer
Tara Dorabji and Jamie DeWolf (USA), Here Still, Documentary Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Tyler Carlin (USA), Cheesy and The Bears, Music Video, Children / Family Programming
Tyler Wursta (USA), A New LVHS: Pioneering Animal Welfare in the Lehigh Valley | LVHS Documentary Feature, Post-Production Overall, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Wayne Burdette (USA), Heart Stopper, Script / Writer
Ziyi Feng (China), The Speech, Disability Issues (Student)
~ Award of Recognition ~
Abner Vargas (USA), Future Leftovers, Latin / Hispanic
Al Hall Production/Urban Butterfly Media (USA), BIPOC in America, Season 3 Episode 2, African American
Alexander Davidowski (USA), Rise of the Clambassador, Cinematography
Anson King (USA), Streetlight, Experimental (Student)
Ashanti K. Ayers (USA), It Was Necessary, Christian (Student)
Barb Barton (USA), Water, Documentary Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Bella Cruz (USA), 180, African American, Actress: Leading (Bella Cruz as Olivia)
Bob Spletzer (USA), SpaceWalk, Television – Program Series
Carol Ann Montag (USA), Strange Ballet, Music Video, Original Song
Chia chi Huang (Taiwan), Let go, Film Short (Student)
Chris Bixi Li (USA), 4/4 (Common Time), Film Short
Chris Davies (USA), Anya, Film Short
Christian Cashmir and Wayne Joyner (USA), APEIRON BOUND – Emotive Servitude, Original Song
Christine DiTillio, Robert DiTillio and Christina Gray (USA), The Book Club, Film Short, Humor / Humorist
Corban Robbe (USA), The True Summit, Christian
Costin Chioreanu, Andrew Stout and Michael Calza (USA), APEIRON BOUND – My Sweet Stockholm, Music Video, Animation
Dave Vera (USA), Hi, Actress: Leading (Student) (Laura Quinn as Ashley)
Debra Pralle (USA), The Captain’s Mistress, Movie Trailer, Original Score (Composed by Brooks Alder)
Diego Zamalloa (USA), Automate, Script / Writer
Douglas W. Dunklin (USA), Patient Zero, Film Short (Student), Original Score (Student)
Elvira Kalnik (USA), Star Dance, Music Video
Emma Aikman (USA), Back In Brooklyn, Music Video
Federico Berte (USA), High Stakes, Actor: Leading (Federico Berte as Poker Player 3), Actor: Supporting (Ryan Robertson as Poker Player 2), Actress: Leading (Kathleen Paul as Poker Player 1), African American, Children / Family Programming, Editing, Ensemble Cast, Film Short, Web Tube Length
Francesca Brice-Martin (USA), The Perfect Size, Women Filmmakers
GBU & DJ Noj, Graven Image Films (USA), The Last Bullet, Narration / Voice-Over Talent
Geronica Lee Moffett (USA), Broken Mirrors, Film Short
Ginita Sunaina, Global Tara Entertainment (India), Conficted, Film Short
Hamilton Von Watts and Patrick Reynolds (USA), Soul Street, Documentary Short
Harry Waldman (USA), Enter the Room, Film Short, Direction
Ida Mirzaee (United Kingdom), Final Step, Christian, Women Filmmakers
James Matthew Storm (USA), Meet My Pet Monster, Movie Trailer
Jason Killian Meath (USA), Walt’s Disenchanted Kingdom, Christian, Direction, Documentary Short, Movie Trailer
Jay Batten and K.C. Ramsey (USA), Dough Heads, Film Short
Jefferson Cox (USA), Monk, Actor: Leading (Jefferson Cox as Lennix), Actor: Supporting (Samuel Jaye Paul as Monk), African American
Jermaine Foster (USA), NO INVITATION, Film Short
John Dutton (USA), Tremor Documentary 2022, Disability Issues
John Johnson (USA), FREEDUMB, Animation
John Kestner (USA), The Next to Last Supper, Christian, Ensemble Cast
Joshua James and Ian Whittaker (USA), Mindful Drinker, Documentary Short, Editing
Joyce Garvey (Ireland), Three Women of the Monto, Experimental
Kagan Goh and Susanna Uchatius (Canada), The Day My Cat Saved My Life, Experimental
Kathrin Ganser (Germany), Mama Flow, Women Filmmakers, Documentary Short
Lance D. Linett (USA), Deejay, Documentary Short (Student)
Leslie Lashinsky (USA), Zander’s Dream, Experimental, Creativity / Originality
Lillian Glass (USA), Hey Beautiful, Disability Issues
Magali Derrien (France), La Cabane, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Manouchehr Kholghi (Denmark), Sunrise Dance ; WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM, Music Video
Maria Luisa Quiambao Cuaresma (USA), Bittersweet, Women Filmmakers
Matthew R. Howe (USA), The Reunion, Film Short (Student)
Matthew R. Howe (USA), Lone Star Surf, Documentary Short (Student)
Michael Schiavo (USA), The 4th Wall, Concept
Papillon Films (UAE), The Long Wait, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Larry Neale as Thomas)
Paul Vivona and Nicholas Simmons (USA), Gun and Run, Film Short
Peter James Holt (Australia), Medication, Direction, Film Short
Preethi Saravanakumar (USA), SYNERGY, Script / Writer
RaeAnne Hadley (USA), Nena ~ Book One of the Viking Treasure Huntress Series, Special Purpose Productions
RaeAnne Hadley (USA), Small Sacrifices Series 2023, Special Purpose Productions
Rahjiv Staten (USA), The 3rd Cousin, Film Short
Rich West (USA), Imaginary Friends, Film Short, Editing
Rick Marcus (USA), Moral Dilemma, Actor: Supporting (Ray Stoney as Ray), Actress: Leading (Nicole Reddinger as Laura), Actress: Supporting (Kathleen Scott Paul as Kathleen), African American, Ensemble Cast, Film Short
Riley Church (USA), Noise, Disability Issues (Student)
Rob Brownstein (USA), STAN, Concept, Script / Writer
Robert C. Bruce (USA), Runestone, Television – Pilot Program
Robert Marshall Tartell (USA), Temperatura Ardiente (La Otra Historia del COVID), Latin / Hispanic
Sabrina Dubner (USA), Fresh Company, Film Short (Student)
Samuel Edelsack (USA), BYE, LOVE, Editing, Film Short
Sari Mario Sabella (USA), The Florist, Film Short
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), The future in our hands, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Growing with our family tree, Asian
Soraya Vargas (Colombia), Les Barbares, LGBTQ+, Women Filmmakers
Stephen Donovan and Mark Dendy (USA), tHE aGe oF aNXieTy, Ensemble Cast, Film Short, Direction
Tanner Beard (USA), Radio Telescope, Experimental
Thomas Davisson (USA), Multiple Mes: The Series, Web Series, Actor: Leading (Thomas Davisson as Roofus, Billy, Jimmy and Simon), Direction
Tianshui Li and Haitong Lian (China), Doctorhood, Motherhood, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Tim Barry (USA), Father Of Fizz, Commercial / Infomercial
Tom Varisco (USA), A Future Memory, Experimental
Tserenchimed Khishigjargal (Australia), Wind of the Blue Sky, Documentary Short
Victoria Sutton (USA), Can Archaeology Repair its Past with Indigenous America?, Native Peoples
Zachariah Axel (USA), A Man Apart, Actor: Leading (Zachariah Axel as Ben / Newscasters)
Prickett Rick 
