JACKSON DOC FEST
2026 Finalists and Winners

FESTIVAL SPECIAL AWARD

“Listen” – Taliesin Black-Brown (United States)

Listen, directed by Taliesin Black-Brown, is a visually captivating and emotionally moving documentary exploring the profound connection between nature, memory, and the human experience.

The film follows Hank Lentfer, an Alaskan author and wildlife sound recordist dedicated to preserving the disappearing sounds of the natural world. As he documents the voices of wildlife and the changing wilderness, he also faces the deeply personal challenge of caring for his mother, Mary, who is living with dementia.

Through intimate storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and immersive sound design, Listen draws a powerful parallel between the fading memories of a loved one and the disappearing sounds of nature. The documentary reminds audiences that both our natural environment and personal relationships are fragile, precious, and worthy of preservation.

Winner of Best Documentary Short at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, Listen has earned significant recognition for its artistic excellence, emotional depth, and innovative approach to documentary filmmaking.

The film closely reflects Jackson Doc Fest’s commitment to environmental awareness, humanity, and meaningful storytelling. Beyond its environmental message, Listen invites audiences to reflect on love, loss, and the importance of appreciating the world around us before its irreplaceable moments fade away.

“Generations of Service: The LaShaunda Jackson Story” – Gina Gelphman (United States)

Generations of Service: The LaShaunda Jackson Story, directed by Gina Gelphman, is a compelling short documentary exploring the legacy of African American military service, family tradition, and the pursuit of equality.

The film follows Lieutenant Colonel LaShaunda Jackson, whose journey reflects generations of dedication to serving her country. Her grandfather, Henry Lee Jackson, was among the pioneering Montford Point Marines who served during an era of racial segregation and was later honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Although LaShaunda initially pursued a different path, she eventually joined the military through ROTC, serving in South Korea and Afghanistan. Throughout her career, she confronted the challenges of racial and gender discrimination while demonstrating determination, leadership, and resilience.

Produced through Veteran Documentary Corps, the film connects America’s military history with the personal experiences of a Black woman continuing her family’s legacy of service. Beyond its military focus, the documentary addresses universal themes of identity, opportunity, equality, and perseverance.

Generations of Service closely reflects Jackson Doc Fest’s commitment to preserving overlooked histories, celebrating diverse voices, and inspiring future generations through documentary storytelling. It reminds audiences that the pursuit of equality is not simply a chapter of American history, but an ongoing journey shaped by individuals whose contributions deserve recognition.

AMERICAN HISTORY - FEATURE

WINNER:

“Frost: The Story of a Lifetime” – Tom Seawell (United States)

Frost: The Story of a Lifetime celebrates the extraordinary life of Tom Frost, a pioneering American rock climber, engineer, photographer, and environmentalist whose innovations helped transform modern climbing.

Through his groundbreaking equipment designs, iconic photography of Yosemite’s legendary climbs, and leadership in the Clean Climbing movement, Frost left a lasting impact on outdoor adventure and environmental conservation. His efforts also helped preserve Yosemite’s historic Camp 4, a landmark for generations of climbers.

FINALIST:

• “Against the Current” – Joshua Jackson (United States)
• “Being Adolph Gasser” – John C. Aliano (United States)
• “Built On Zydeco: A Louisiana Music Documentary” – Dustin Cravins, Milton Arceneaux (United States)
• “By George” – H. Paul Moon (United States)
• “Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim” – Kenny Dalsheimer, Rafael Samanez (United States)
• “My Father’s Footsteps ‘Letters to the Fallen'” – Terrance A. Williams (United States)
• “Nashville Soul” – John Carr, Marcus Shute, Taylor Burgess, Harry Penryhn-Jones (United States
• “Taming the Mouth” – Brett Eichenberger (United States)
• “TENACITY: The Story of Edwin and Elise Harleston” – Charles Kaufmann (United States)
• “Trailblazers” – Kristin Atwell, Bill Davis (United States)

AMERICAN HISTORY - SHORT

WINNER:

“Stalin Boys” – Ora DeKornfeld, Bianca Giaever (United States)

In a small Texas border town, four Mexican-American middle school boys develop an unlikely fascination with Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. When their teacher introduces them to the Texas State History Fair, the boys decide to bring one of history’s darkest chapters to life through an ambitious theatrical performance. Armed with homemade cardboard props, internet-purchased fur hats, and boundless enthusiasm, these unlikely contenders embark on their first journey away from home, discovering friendship, determination, and the unexpected power of history along the way.

FINALIST:

•”All Equal!” – Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Diop (United Kingdom)
•”Black is Beautiful – Roots of Transformation” – William de Oliveira Lima (Brazil)
•”Florida’s Forgotten Fort” – H. James Gilmore (United States)
•”Freedom” – Mike Bennion (United States)
•”Generations of Service: The LaShaunda Jackson Story” – Gina Gelphman (United States)
•”She Quietly Ran Into History: The Marilyn Bevans Story” – Anthony Renard Reed (United States)
•”The Land Remembers” – Nathan Rice (Country not specified)
•”The Sight Unseen” – Shawn Antoine II (United States)

EAST ASIAN - FEATURE

WINNER:

“Shumei” – Takashi Miike (Japan)

Shumei offers an intimate look into the historic succession of Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII, one of the most celebrated names in Japan’s centuries-old Kabuki tradition. Delayed for two and a half years by the COVID-19 pandemic, this long-awaited ceremony marks a defining moment in the distinguished Ichikawa family’s legacy. Through rare behind-the-scenes access, the documentary captures Danjūrō XIII’s personal struggles, determination, and emotional journey as he confronts the immense responsibility of preserving his family’s artistic heritage while forging his own identity in the modern world.

FINALIST:

•”Auf Rädern 굴러가며 gulleogamyeo” – Ji Su Kang-Gatto (Germany)
•”Hey Hong Kong” – Nicholas Gao (Hong Kong)
•”Replica” – Chouwa Liang (Australia)
•”TABLE OF THE FLOWERS” – Ryuta Lee Hayashi (Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States)

EAST ASIAN - SHORT

WINNER:

“Homeward Bound” – Erika Lau (United Kingdom)

In 1995, a family journeyed to Guangdong, China, in search of their ancestral home, capturing the experience on a camcorder. Thirty years later, filmmaker Erika Lau and her mother revisit the forgotten footage to retrace a journey her mother was unable to take. With no written addresses, they follow visual clues from the decades-old recordings, relying on the kindness of strangers to rediscover their family’s roots.
Blending archival home videos with contemporary footage, Homeward Bound (Balik Kampung) explores the immigrant experience, cultural identity, and the sacrifices of earlier generations. As past and present intertwine, what begins as a search for an ancestral home becomes a deeply personal exploration of memory, family connections, and belonging.
The documentary offers a moving reflection on the experiences of immigrant families and those growing up between cultures, reminding audiences that home is not always a place, but a connection to the people, stories, and traditions that shape who we are.

FINALIST:

• “Back, crawling over” – Woong Yong Kim (South Korea)
• “Struggling to Slack” – Yanyan Qi (China)
• “The Asian Part” – Skyler Tran (United States)
• “The Way They’re Supposed to Be” – Jiaqing Xu (China)

HUMANITY - FEATURE

WINNER:

“The Great Experiment” – Stephen Maing, Eric Daniel Metzgar (United States)

Filmed in striking black and white across the United States between 2017 and 2021, The Great Experiment offers a powerful cinematic exploration of American democracy during a period of deep political and social division. Through intimate human moments and poetic visual storytelling, the documentary captures the diverse voices, experiences, and contradictions shaping a nation struggling with its identity.
Moving beyond traditional political narratives and partisan boundaries, the film challenges audiences to reconsider what unites and divides Americans. As polarization threatens the foundations of democratic dialogue, The Great Experiment raises a profound question: Can a nation built on the promise of freedom, equality, and shared ideals find common ground and preserve its democratic future?

“Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me” – Mohammed Sawwaf (Palestine, State of, Qatar)

Amid the devastation of war in Gaza, Rania gives birth to triplets in the besieged northern region, only to face unimaginable heartbreak when one child dies and her surviving twins are evacuated to the south. Separated by the realities of war, a mother and her children struggle to survive as their lives unfold along different paths.
Through intimate storytelling, Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me captures the devastating human cost of conflict, the vulnerability of innocent lives, and the extraordinary resilience of a mother’s love. Beyond the destruction and uncertainty, the documentary reveals an unbreakable family bond and a mother’s enduring hope of holding her children together once again.

• “4000 Days” – Daniel Catullo (United States)
• “A BRAVE OLD WORLD” – Laura Bondarevsky (Argentina, Uruguay)
• “A Cowboy in London” – Jared L. Christopher (United States)
• “AMAZING LIVE SEA MONKEYS” – Mark Becker, Aaron Schock (United States)
• “AMERICAN MOTH” – Alan Shope (United States)
• “an open field” – Teboho Edkins (France, Germany, South Africa)
• “Babushka’s secret” – Natalia Anisimova (Russian Federation)
• “Dad Genes” – Craig Downing (United States)
• “Echoes of the Silenced Carol” – Stanislava Doronchenko (Ukraine)
• “Emerging from the Shadows: Rediscovering the legacies of Weinberg and Korngold” – Veronika Emily Pohl (Country not specified)
• “Everyday Sunday” – Abraham López Feria (Spain)
• “Far From Home” – Kristi Tethong (Canada)
• “Going For Home” – Eric Simonson (United States)
• “Grampy’s Red Rock Rabbit Ranch” – Laura Asherman, Martin Krafft (United States)
• “HOME FROM THE VIETNAM WAR” – Mat Hames (United States)
• “Interpreting Erik – Canadian Documentary” – Donald D’Haene (Canada)
• “KUT AL AMARA / From Tale To Truth” – Koray Demir (Türkiye)
• “Living with the Taliban” – Siarhei Marchyk, Witold Repetowicz (Poland)
• “Marcos – Willpower” – Zoran Djordjevic (Brazil)
• “Memory for burial” – Charlotte Jarrix, Maud Guillaumin (France)
• “Needles in the Hay: Road to Recovery” – Brett Lyndon Meyer (United States)
• “Nurse: Empathy Heals” – Chusy (United States)
• “sisters” – Julia Zahar (France)
• “The Last Message” – Andrii Voloshyn, Oleksii Liebiediev (Ukraine)
• “The Long Walk: A Dance with Humanities” – Philip Lawrence, Edison Eskeets (United States)
• “The Postman of Nagasaki” – Mika Kawase (Japan)
• “The Seeds of Peace” – David-Paul B. Hedberg (United States)
• “The Unicycling Unicorn” – Robert Bartolome (United States)
• “The Witchdoctor and the Windmill” – Robert Hamilton (Australia)
• “Three Black Men” – Sienna McLean-LoGreco (United States)
• “VANISHING TRACKS” – Hamed Zolfaghari (Iran)

HUMANITY - SHORT

WINNER:

“I Wanted To Hear Your Voice” – James Pellerito (United States)

After eight years of caring for his mother as she struggles with severe dementia, a devoted son faces the emotional and physical challenges of daily caregiving. Through a collection of recorded voicemails, I Wanted To Hear Your Voice reveals the heartbreaking progression of the disease, capturing the gradual loss of communication and the changing relationship between mother and son.
This intimate documentary offers a deeply personal portrait of love, sacrifice, isolation, and caregiver burnout. As memories fade and familiar voices become distant, the film explores the emotional toll of caring for a loved one while honoring the enduring bond between a mother and her son.

“Adas Falasteen” – Hamdi Khalil Elhusseini, Samar Taher Lulu (Palestine, State of)

Amid the devastation of war and growing famine in Gaza, a Palestinian chef transforms his passion for cooking into an extraordinary act of compassion and resistance. Facing severe food shortages and the daily struggle for survival, he uses his culinary skills to provide nourishment and hope to members of his community.
Palestine Lentils captures the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship, revealing how a simple act of preparing food can become a powerful symbol of solidarity, dignity, and survival. Through one man’s determination to help others, the documentary celebrates the strength of a community holding on to humanity and hope amid the realities of war.

FINALIST:

• “Architecture of Hope – for the ruins of the present.” – Jan Lewandowski (Germany, Spain)
• “Barika Rising” – James Holman (Iraq)
• “Educating the Gaze” – Miki Garofalo, Francisco Iván Garofalo (Spain)
• “Eid Ka Kurta” – Farha Khatun (India)
• “Final Press” – John Haley (United States)
• “Love. [nonfiction] – Episode One: Soulmates.” – Evie Joy (United States)
• “Moo: From a Refugee Camp on the Thai-Myanmar Border” – Ziyue Li (Country not specified)
• “RAH” – Beyza Emişen (Türkiye)
• “Resilience: The Kim LeBel Story” – Daniel Leonard Bernardi (United States)
• “Restoring Dignity” – Mario Espinoza (United States)
• “Tails of the Himalayas…of Dogs & Devotees” – Harpreet Kaur (United States)
• “The Custodian” – Khaula Malik (United States)
• “The Dying Business” – Joe Duca (United States)
• “The Little Princes” – Mohammad Abdi Jamali (Iran)
• “Too Disgusting To Be Confused” – Maya Avidov (United Kingdom)
• “Welcome to Set” – Cyan Bae (Netherlands)
• “What we inherit” – Tiffany Chin Luong (United States)
• “WHISPERING ROCKS” – Ali Mohammad Tarahomi (Iran)

EQUALITY - FEATURE

WINNER:

“The Haunting of Pennhurst” – Nathan R Stenberg, Mike Attie, Katarina Poljak (United States)

For more than seventy years, Pennhurst State School and Hospital operated as an institution for people with disabilities, concealing a disturbing history of neglect, suffering, and death. Closed in 1987, the facility now serves as a popular haunted attraction, where performers with disabilities bring its dark corridors back to life.
Blending chilling archival footage, firsthand testimonies, and immersive behind-the-scenes storytelling, The Haunting of Pennhurst explores the unsettling intersection of historical tragedy and modern entertainment. As performers confront the institution’s painful legacy, the documentary challenges audiences to reconsider society’s treatment of people with disabilities, the ethics of turning suffering into spectacle, and the importance of preserving history with dignity and compassion.

FINALIST:

• “A Sentimental Journey to the Parajanov Planet” – Taras Tomenko (Ukraine)
• “ADAM’S APPLE” – Amy Jenkins (United States)
• “Admission Possible” – Matthew Syrett, Bowie Alexander (United States)
• “An Ordinary Couple 2.0” – Jay Gianukos, Susan Barnes (United States)
• “D.U.M. A sea story.” – Director not specified; submitted by Claudio Cescutti (Italy)
• “Finding Bernie” – Shon Keane (United States)
• “Serge Lifar: Artist’s Case” – Mariia Holovatska (Ukraine)
• “The Pain And The Power” – Cai Indermaur (United States)

EQUALITY - SHORT

WINNER:

“Twilight Ladies” – Alexe Liebert, Alain Soldeville (France)

In the 1950s, Singapore’s vibrant Bugis Street became a celebrated nightlife destination, where transgender women captivated visitors from around the world. Known as the “Montmartre of Singapore,” the neighborhood flourished as a cultural landmark until urban redevelopment threatened its existence in the early 1980s.
Blending rare archival photographs from the 1980s with personal memories and voices from younger generations, Twilight Ladies uncovers the largely forgotten history of Singapore’s transgender community. Through intimate storytelling, the documentary challenges stereotypes, celebrates the courage and humanity of women who lived beyond society’s expectations, and explores the ongoing struggle for dignity, identity, and acceptance across generations.

FINALIST:

• “Amateurs. Only Music” – Monika Grzybowska (Poland)
• “Beyond Olympic Glory” – Shedrack Salami (Nigeria)
• “BULOSAN: ON AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, Part 3” – Andres Luz (United States)
• “Divorce Resort” – Coby Jordan Becker (United States)
• “Heart of Me” – Monika Grzybowska (Poland)
• “Lessons Learned In Cotulla” – Oddett Garza (United States)
• “The Offering” – Beto Garza (Mexico)
• “Where’s My Coffee Cup?” – Yehuda Sharim (United States)

ENVIRONMENT - FEATURE

WINNER:

“The Life We Leave” – JJ Gerber (United States)

When Washington state becomes the first to legalize human composting, entrepreneur Micah Truman sets out to revolutionize the funeral industry by building the world’s first large-scale terramation facility, transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil. Facing resistance from the traditional funeral industry, he joins forces with funeral directors Brie Smith and Katey Houston to challenge long-established practices and create a more compassionate, environmentally sustainable approach to deathcare.
Filmed over five years, The Life We Leave follows their personal and professional struggles as they navigate business challenges, grieving families, and society’s evolving attitudes toward death. Through intimate storytelling, the documentary explores the intersection of environmental responsibility, human connection, and the rituals of saying goodbye, offering a moving reflection on mortality, legacy, and how our final act can give back to the Earth while honoring the lives we leave behind.

“Black Water” – Natxo Leuza (Spain)

By 2050, Bangladesh is projected to face an unprecedented environmental crisis, with rising sea levels threatening to permanently submerge vast areas of the country and displace up to 30 million people. As communities lose their homes and millions seek refuge in overcrowded cities like Dhaka, the country faces the possibility of one of the largest climate-driven migrations in human history.
Through the personal journeys of three individuals struggling to survive, Black Water reveals the devastating human consequences of climate change, displacement, and environmental destruction. Against a backdrop of uncertainty and hardship, the documentary captures the resilience of vulnerable communities and their determination to preserve their livelihoods, identities, and hope for a better future.

Interview

FINALIST:

• “Between the Rivers” – Anne Lane Fentress (United States)
• “Bola” – Ryan Nichols (United States)
• “Broken Promises” – Joseph Giitter (United States)
• “CITIZEN RUTH environmental warrior” – Pamela Hoge Hoge (United States)
• “Dance Of The Wild” – Chance Foreman (United States)
• “Derek vs Derek” – James Dawson (United Kingdom)
• “Dreaming of Serenada” – Katrine Weber (Denmark)
• “How We Survive Diomede” – Bjorn D Olson (United States)
• “LOVE LETTER TO THE UNSEEN” – Josh “Bones” Murphy (United States)
• “LUPI NOSTRI (Our Wolves)” – Samer Angelone (Italy)
• “My Wild Life: Photographer Suzi Eszterhas” – Bill L Wisneski (United States)
• “Plastic’s Hidden Path” – Mitzi Mayer (United States)
• “Son of the Tundra” – Qiong Wu (China)
• “The 3100” – Mark Fisher (United States)
• “The Big Kids” – Paul Veloso (France)
• “The Quiet Diplomat” – Charles Lyons (United States)
• “The Right Whale.” – Nick Dean, Cheryl Holmen Dean (United States)
• “The Whale” – Eliya Swarttz (Israel)
• “The Zoo” – Aleksey Shabarov (Russian Federation)

ENVIRONMENT - SHORT

WINNER:

“No Mean City” – Ross McClean  (United Kingdom)

Under the quiet glow of a city after dark, two workmen and an apprentice travel through the streets, replacing aging sodium streetlights with modern LED technology. As they carry out their nightly routine, the changing lights reveal a city caught between its past and an evolving future.
Through atmospheric cinematography and intimate observation, No Mean City transforms an ordinary maintenance job into a poetic reflection on urban transformation, the passage of time, and the people whose often-overlooked labor shapes our everyday lives. Beneath the shifting glow of the streetlights, the documentary explores how progress quietly reshapes not only the places we inhabit, but also our relationship with the world around us.

FINALIST:

• “Chinar man: the silent planter” – Inam Ul Rehman (India)
• “Echoes From Fading Island” – Rianata Astama Putra (Indonesia)
• “Honoring Long Person” – Chris Cassels (United States)
• “Imperfect Offerings” – Ella Warnick (United States)
• “Listen” – Taliesin Black-Brown (United States)
• “Malverde” – Claudia Gordillo (Colombia)
• “Remnants” – Michael Catenacci (United States)
• “seaward” – Saksham Mehrotra (Singapore)
• “Shucking Tradition” – David Helfer Wells (United States)
• “Symphony of The Sunrise” – Komeil Soheili (Country not specified)
• “Until the End” – Kuba Naum (United States)
• “Young Fires” – Laura Albritton (United States)

RELIGION AND FAITH - FEATURE

WINNER:

“I Hope For Heaven” – Daniele Pignatelli (Italy)

Inside the maximum-security Opera Prison in Milan, Italy, three convicted murderers—two serving life sentences and one scheduled for release in 2031—are selected from 1,300 inmates for an extraordinary mission. With hands once responsible for taking lives, they begin producing sacred communion hosts destined for churches around the world.
Through their remarkable journey, I Hope For Heaven explores guilt, forgiveness, faith, and the possibility of redemption. United by a shared dream of personally delivering their sacred creations to Pope Francis, the prisoners embark on a deeply spiritual journey that challenges society’s perceptions of punishment and transformation. The documentary offers a moving reflection on humanity, second chances, and the enduring hope of finding dignity and purpose even behind prison walls.

FINALIST:

• “God Bless America, Baby” – Director not specified; submitted by Tracey Eaton (United States)
• “Holy Hip Hop House: Street Ministry 4 Life” – Frankie L. Holbrook (United States)
• “In Search of Immortality” – Suhas Vasant Jahagirdar (India)
• “MAHIMA ALEKHA” – Himanasu Sekhar Khatua (India)
• “Mar Musa” – Schahab Kermani (Germany)
• “Via Dolorosa: The Path of Sorrows (طريق الآلام)” – Amira Khalil Hanania (Palestine, State of)

RELIGION AND FAITH - SHORT

WINNER:

“Who Calls Her A Witch?” – Ziyue Li (China)

Struggling with burnout and uncertainty about her future, a young filmmaker travels to Qiandongnan, Guizhou, China, to meet women who practice traditional fortune-telling through egg-burning and rice divination. What begins as a search for answers about her own destiny evolves into an exploration of ancient beliefs, cultural identity, gender roles, and the power of interpretation.
Through intimate encounters with these women, the documentary examines how spiritual traditions offer comfort and guidance while challenging stereotypes surrounding their practices. As the filmmaker questions her own assumptions and responsibilities behind the camera, she discovers that understanding others also requires confronting her own uncertainties. The film offers a thoughtful reflection on faith, perception, and the search for meaning, reminding audiences that while traditions and interpretations may guide us, the choices shaping our future ultimately remain our own.

About the Filmmaker

Ziyue Li is an emerging high school filmmaker from Nanjing, China, currently studying at Nanjing Foreign Language School. Passionate about cinema, theatre, and writing, she explores social equality, gender, cultural identity, and the experiences of marginalized communities through her creative work.
Despite her young age, Ziyue has participated in numerous film and theatre projects, developing a distinctive approach that connects personal experiences with broader social issues. Through documentary storytelling, she hopes to challenge conventional perspectives, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire greater understanding and compassion. Her work reflects a promising new generation of filmmakers who see cinema not simply as entertainment, but as a powerful medium for education, social awareness, and meaningful human connection.

Interview

FINALIST:

• “Beyond The Ritual” – Chua Chi Sung, Tan Kian Fatt (Malaysia)
• “God-shaped Void/Дыра размером с Бога” – Kira Istomina (Russian Federation)
• “SCENES FROM THE DIVIDE” – Alison Klayman (United States)
• “Takigyo” – Julian Weinert (Germany)
• “Varanasi – The City of Nirvana” – Vikash Thakur (India)

SOCIAL JUSTICE - FEATURE

WINNER:

“Kikuyu Land” – Bea Wangondu, Andrew H Brown (Kenya, United States)

While investigating a Kenyan man’s legal battle against the British Crown and the global tea industry, Nairobi journalist Bea Wangondu uncovers long-hidden secrets within her own family, leading her on a deeply personal journey into Kenya’s colonial past.
Through intimate testimonies and investigative storytelling, Kikuyu Land reveals how generations of Kikuyu communities were dispossessed of their ancestral lands and forced into exploitative labor on tea plantations, many of which remain under corporate ownership today.
As buried histories and painful family memories emerge, the documentary explores the enduring consequences of colonialism, the struggle for land rights, and the importance of preserving cultural identity. More than an investigation into historical injustice, Kikuyu Land is a compelling story of resilience, generational inheritance, and the determination of communities to reclaim their land, dignity, and future.

FINALIST:

• “A BEAST TOUCH THE MOUNTAIN: Mountain Valley Pipeline and the Fight for Appalachia” – James Mottern (United States)
• “Beyond the Vote” – Marshall “Mr. P” Pollard, Philippe “SPN” Celestin (United States)
• “BreakPoint: The Untold Story of the Constitution Express” – Leslie Korn, Max Montalban (United States)
• “BURNED ALIVE” – Bob Segall, Ryan Thedwall (United States)
• “Galina Vasilievna vs.” – Egor Gavrilin (Russian Federation)
• “I Remember” – Manuel Bayo Gisbert (Mexico)
• “Leaving Amerika” – Marie-Pierre Brêtas (France)
• “Mother” – Elizaveta Bobyleva (Russian Federation)
• “People vs. Politics” – Robert M. Pease, Carol A. Wingard (United States)
• “Set Her Free” – JLove Calderón (United States)
• “The Endless Shifts: Stories that Keep Care Alive” – Felipe Andres Noriega (Canada)
• “Thy Neighbor” – Eliza Q Hemenway (United States)
• “UNHEARD VOICES: A Mother’s Quest for Freedom” – Christopher Paul Horne (United States)
• “Uncommitted” – Razi Jafri (United States)
• “UNTETHERED” – T.C. C. Johnstone (United States)
• “WE PUSH – For a world without barriers” – Sandra Bühler (Switzerland, Uganda)
• “What Will People Say?” – Rafina Khatun (India)

SOCIAL JUSTICE - SHORT

WINNER:

“The Second Life of Freddie Nole” – Dana Nachman (United States)

After spending 50 years behind bars for a crime committed at age 17, Freddie Nole dedicates his newfound freedom to helping others rebuild their lives after incarceration. Returning to the very prison gates that once confined him, Freddie welcomes newly released individuals with something many have lost: compassion, dignity, and hope.
Filmed as an intimate, one-day documentary road trip, The Second Life of Freddie Nole gradually reveals the extraordinary story behind his mission. Through candid conversations and deeply human encounters, the film explores the lasting consequences of incarceration, the challenges of reentering society, and the transformative power of forgiveness and service. Freddie’s remarkable journey challenges perceptions of justice and redemption, reminding audiences that a person’s past does not have to define their future—and that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.

FINALIST:

• “Do Not Stay Silent” – Adam Harrison Joe, Jennifer (Guatemala)
• “How They Built a Movement” – Oddett Garza (United States)
• “One More Breath: Horses Helping Veterans Heal” – Lynn Thomas (United States)
• “Prison and Time” – Evan Bode, Marvin Wade (United States)
• “S.H.A.R.E.” – Emma Buchanan, Jordan Molaro (Canada)
• “Souls Not Numbers” – Mike Large (United States)
• “We Rise Together” – Alan Kondo (United States)
• “Where Is America The Beautiful?” – Fr3deR1cK Jerome Taylor (United States)

STUDENT FILMS

WINNER:

“Filme-Copacabana” – Sofia Leão (Brazil)

On a bustling sidewalk in Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana neighborhood, a woman places a chair and quietly observes the world passing before her. As workers, tourists, pedestrians, and wandering dogs move through the streets, ordinary moments unfold like scenes from a movie.
Through creative editing, rhythmic montage, and observational storytelling, Filme-Copacabana transforms everyday street life into a vibrant cinematic portrait of the neighborhood, celebrating the beauty, spontaneity, and diversity of urban life.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Sofia Leão is an emerging photographer and documentary filmmaker whose cinematography work has been featured at prestigious festivals, including Locarno, Berlinale, Clermont-Ferrand, and TIFF. A graduate of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, she made Filme-Copacabana as her first solo directorial project. The film has received international festival selections and awards in France, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and Russia. Through her distinctive visual storytelling, Leão brings a fresh perspective to the everyday human experiences that make cities come alive.

WINNER:

“The Long Distance” – Alina Baitokova (Kyrgyzstan)

Having grown up without ever knowing her father, young filmmaker Alina embarks on an emotional journey to uncover the missing chapter of her family’s history. Guided by her mother’s memories, she travels through unfamiliar landscapes to a distant village, confronting feelings of abandonment, uncertainty, and longing along the way.
Through intimate observations and personal reflections, the documentary follows Alina’s search as she discovers her father’s family home, only to learn that he has moved away and started another family. What begins as a quest for reunion becomes a deeper exploration of identity, family relationships, and the courage to confront the past in search of healing and acceptance.
Born in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Alina Baitokova is an emerging filmmaker whose work explores female identity, family relationships, and social issues in Central Asia. Her short film Red Heels was showcased at the 2026 Tampere Film Festival, Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, and Palm Springs International Film Festival. Through her deeply personal storytelling, Baitokova brings an authentic perspective to the complexities of family, belonging, and the human experience.

WINNER:

“Threading the American Dream” – Ashish shrestha (United States)

Arriving in Mississippi as a young Nepali immigrant, Dipa challenges expectations by building her own threading business at just 22 years old. Armed with a folding chair, a spool of thread, and an extraordinary determination to succeed, she soon finds herself confronting state cosmetology licensing regulations that threaten her livelihood.
Through the eyes of a fellow Nepali immigrant filmmaker, the documentary follows Dipa’s legal battle to challenge Mississippi’s occupational licensing system, exploring the obstacles facing immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners. What begins as one woman’s fight to protect her business becomes a broader story about economic freedom, equal opportunity, and the American Dream. The film celebrates resilience and the courage to challenge established systems, revealing how one determined individual can inspire meaningful change far beyond her own community.

WINNER:

“[Trans] Texan” – Hallie Harper (United States)

Against the backdrop of Texas’s changing political and social landscape, two transgender individuals, James and Evie, navigate their everyday lives while confronting uncertainty about their rights, identities, and futures. Through intimate conversations and personal experiences, the documentary reveals the human stories behind the broader debates surrounding transgender rights.
Directed by Hallie Harper, a filmmaker and artist from Washington state with an MFA in Documentary Production and Studies from the University of North Texas, the film offers a compassionate portrait of resilience, identity, and belonging. Harper’s previous work includes Beyond Roe, nominated for Best Student Documentary at the 2025 Thin Line Fest, and Eyes Above: Militarization of Sacred Land, which received a 2021 Northwest College Emmy Award.
Drawing on their experience in documentary and experimental filmmaking, Harper brings a thoughtful perspective to stories of identity and social justice. Moving beyond political divisions and stereotypes, the film encourages audiences to recognize the individuals behind the headlines, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect for our shared humanity.

WINNER:

“Black Rain In My Eyes” – Amir Athar Soheili, Amir Masoud Soheili (Syrian Arab Republic)

Amid the devastation of war in Syria, Hessan, a devoted father and poet, struggles to protect his four blind daughters from the terrifying realities surrounding them. To preserve their innocence, he transforms the sounds of gunfire and explosions into imaginary celebrations filled with music and dancing. When Hessan receives an invitation to attend a poetry forum, he faces an emotional dilemma: how to bring his daughters into a world whose dangers he has carefully hidden from them.
Through intimate storytelling, the documentary explores the extraordinary bond between a father and his children, the power of imagination, and the resilience of families living amid conflict. It offers a moving reflection on parental love, innocence, and the human spirit’s determination to find beauty and hope even in the darkest circumstances.
Directed by Iranian filmmakers Amir Athar Soheili and Amir Masoud Soheili, the film brings together extensive experience in international cinema. Amir Athar is a filmmaker, writer, and university professor with more than 18 years of industry experience. Amir Masoud is an internationally recognized filmmaker whose works Blue-eyed Boy and Elephantbird have received over 40 awards across more than 300 international film festivals. Their combined creative backgrounds bring an experienced and compassionate perspective to this deeply human story of survival, love, and hope.

WINNER:

“Born 2 Desire” – Jayde Sobota (Canada)

What began as a childhood band in 1987 has evolved into a lasting musical journey for four friends—Gord, Tim, Justin, and Dave. Born 2 Desire follows their remarkable transformation from young musicians sharing a passion for music into a successful tribute band that continues to perform decades later.
Through personal stories, memories, and musical performances, the documentary celebrates the enduring power of friendship, creativity, and dedication. It explores how a shared childhood dream can withstand the test of time, bringing people together through the universal language of music.
Directed by Jayde Sobota, an emerging Canadian filmmaker studying at Humber Polytechnic, the film reflects her passion for music-driven storytelling and emotionally engaging cinema. Her previous short film, The Perfect Picture, received selections at several film festivals, including the Lift-Off Global Network. Through Born 2 Desire, Sobota brings a fresh perspective to a heartwarming story about perseverance, artistic passion, and the lifelong bonds formed through music.

FINALIST:

• “Bepuwaveh” – Director not specified; submitted by Ilysa Spencer (United States)
• “Childhood Memories of Bicycles” – Yu Quan Wang (China)
• “DESIRE” – Rudresh Ganachari (India)
• “Distant Dreams” – Caroline A. Peterson (United States)
• “Elegy of Salt” – Addie Akina Knoll (United States)
• “Finding Her Home” – Ganna Mahmoud (United States)
• “Guide Dogs” – Samuel Mateo Barnhoorn (United States)
• “It Might Even Be Real” – Yael Bonne (Israel)
• “Kamaan Marra – Once More” – Stefan Johnson (Netherlands)
• “Kevin” – Christine Sawka Fraser (Canada)
• “Like a Butterfly” – Iris Gershon Nagar (Israel)
• “Love and Forgiveness” – Billy Ghawa (Indonesia)
• “Ma Lan” – Aaron Hu (United States)
• “Nazariya” – Dhananjay Bhardwaj (India)
• “No Small Matter” – India Anne Mitchell (United States)
• “Stay in Kajang” – Muhammad Aghna Mannan, Muhammad Halim Harfiandri (Indonesia)
• “The Fate of Noah’s Ark” – Merrick Hendrix (United States)
• “The Flint Dichotomy” – Callie Russo (United States)
• “The Forgotten Spring” – Yerim Kim (South Korea)
• “The Voice of Chinese Taipei” – KeRan Zhao (China)
• “Three days from the life of hands” – Kateryna Statsenko (Ukraine)
• “Us and Them” – India Anne Mitchell (United States)
• “Wen-jin” – Roy Tsai (Canada, Hong Kong)
• “What Ends the Story?” – Shane Cannon (United States)

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