In the Company of Wolves: An American Journey – Susan Kucera
Susan Kucera (USA), In the Company of Wolves: An American Journey, Documentary Feature. Narrated by Oscar-Winner Jeff Bridges, this stunning journey explores how wolves and the animals that traveled alongside them have shaped human history, mythology and our evolving relationship with the natural world. Through breathtaking imagery and a powerful exploration of our connection with wildlife, the film reveals how these creatures have influenced our cultures, landscapes and understanding of survival. Moving beyond traditional wildlife storytelling, it examines the myths surrounding wolves — from feared predators in folklore to essential members of healthy ecosystems — while exploring humanity’s changing relationship with the wild.
Blending history, science, Indigenous perspectives and contemporary conservation efforts, the film reveals how human choices have transformed the balance between nature and civilization. With Kucera’s deft direction, the documentary combines sweeping historical storytelling with intimate encounters with the natural world, allowing stunning cinematography and thoughtful interviews to illuminate the ecological and cultural forces that continue to shape our world. More than a film about wolves, it is a powerful reflection on coexistence, conservation and the enduring connection between humanity and the wild.
A Face Only a Mother Could Love – Robert Gaudette
Robert Gaudette (Canada), A Face Only a Mother Could Love, AI Film. Marcel Dupont is a man the world often looks away from, yet he moves through Paris with remarkable confidence, warmth and dignity. Beneath his unconventional appearance is a deeply human story of resilience and connection — a man who dances alone each evening in his apartment, one hand raised for a partner who is not there, yet continues to embrace life with hope and imagination. When an unexpected connection finally enters his world, it reveals the profound impact of being truly seen.
Visually stunning and filled with poetic imagery, the film creates a dreamlike Parisian world that deepens its themes of solitude, hope and connection. Created entirely through generative AI, the film is remarkable not because of its technology but because of the genuine humanity at its center. Gaudette refuses to make Marcel a figure of pity, instead creating a character whose self-belief allows him to embrace life despite the world’s rejection. With tenderness, subtle humor and emotional restraint, the story becomes a moving meditation on compassion, acceptance and the universal longing to be recognized. An exceptional achievement, it proves that great storytelling transcends the tools used to create it — inviting us to look beyond appearances and recognize the beauty, courage and vulnerability we all share.
Brian Calfano (USA), John Johnson Reporting, Doc Short. Narrated by Oscar-Winner Whoopie Goldberg this deeply moving doc chronicles the rise of an impoverished boy who transcended racial barriers to define a generation of journalism. Through decades of Johnson’s extraordinary global reporting and his historic anchor work, this inspiring doc celebrates a legacy of perseverance, integrity and the power of purpose.
Riker Lynch (USA), Stakeout, Film Feature. Suspicious of his new girlfriend, Jon ends up in a DIY stakeout with his wannabe-private investigator best friend, only to stumble on dangerous secrets that get them in way over their heads. This action-comedy turns an ordinary stakeout into a wild ride of humor, tension and unexpected danger as they uncover a secret that changes everything. Riker Lynch, Titus Makin, Jr., Bella Claire Martinez.
Artur Muharremi (France), EXIT PENCIL LAND, Animation. Blending striking animation with existential allegory, this inventive film transforms the humble pencil into a powerful symbol of consciousness, conformity and freedom. Set in a richly imagined factory world, this creatively fearless, technically impressive story questions purpose and the systems that shape our lives, beautifully illuminating profound truths about the human condition.
Tim Gray (USA), The Waal River Crossing: 1944, Doc Feature. Narrated by Oscar-nominee Paul Giamatti, a gripping doc recounts one of WWII’s most daring missions, as the 82nd Airborne faced overwhelming odds during a perilous river crossing under German fire. With archival footage and veteran testimony, it captures the fear, courage and sacrifice of this legendary act of bravery, honoring the soldiers for an impossible mission.
Omkar Modgi (India), Despicable Nights in Heaven, Film Short. When a married man’s affair erupts into a parking lot confrontation, his life unravels. Recounting the night through video-call confessions, this cleverly scripted, darkly funny narrative becomes a painfully intimate, engaging dissection of a marriage. The story brilliantly exposes the strategic masks and performances used to survive intimacy. Stars: Sukant Goel, Manjiri Pupala.
Guozong Lu (China), Spring in a Bottle, AI Film. Left behind in her rural village while her parents labor in the city, eight-year-old Xiaoya is deeply sad. Desperate to comfort them against the crushing pain of industrial Shenzhen, she sends plain plastic bottles packed with their hometown’s soil, flowers and cricket songs. This evocative film beautifully explores the emotional numbness of modern urban life and the ties that hold a family.
Bryony Jane Gilbey (USA), Vital Signs, Health/ Medicine/ Science – A compelling doc that explores a critical gap in the education of nurses, paramedics and EMTs: the systemic omission of forensic and trauma-informed protocols. It eloquently exposes how these training gaps often squander a victim’s sole window for justice, advocating for crucial reform to empower first responders to capture the evidence of violence and crime.
Kazuyuki Ishihara (Japan), Bridge – My Little Friends, Animation. Jin the talking cat embarks on a heartfelt quest to ease Mugi’s grief over her dog. With help from cheeky squirrels, clever birds and a quirky scientist, he creates a magical “Rainbow Bridge” from a hose. This creative anime short showcases beautifully detailed sets and masterful craft, delivering a charming, sweet, and heartwarming tale for families. Studio Goonies.
Anna Klauzner (Australia), From Ukraine with Love, Doc Short. When Russia invaded Ukraine, veterinarian Maria Mykytiuk sent her children to safety. Staying behind to treat citizens and animals, she survived brutal beatings and sexual violence. Reunited in Sydney, this moving ABC Australia Doc tracks her raw struggle with PTSD, showing how her children and a deeply supportive community are helping her heal.
Brooke Langton (USA), Happy Ways – Waste is a Failure of Imagination, Doc Short. This vibrant doc follows renowned chef Doug McMaster and Irish wellness advocates David and Stephen Flynn on an inspiring journey to Doug’s zero-waste restaurant. Showcasing closed-loop systems and joyful plant-based habits, this charming show empowers audiences with a practical, accessible lifestyle guide to eliminate waste and heal our planet.
Alain Meng (China), Alang Yeling, Asian Filmmaker
Alina Zheng (USA), One Flyer, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, Animation (Student), Use of Film / Video for Social Change (Student)
Alissa Powell (USA), Urayuli, Animation (Student), Lighting (Student)
Ashley Malcolm Morrison (Australia), Don’t Look Away, Women Theme, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Sports / Fitness
Bidyut Kotoky (India), KODUWA THE NIGHTBIRD, Asian Theme, Asian Filmmaker, Editing (Pallavi Kotoky)
Brian Calfano (USA), John Johnson Reporting, History / Biographical / Travel
Brian Spatz (USA), Parlay, Script / Writer
Bryony Jane Gilbey (USA), Vital Signs, Health / Medicine / Science, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Christina Hulen (USA), Everything’s Fine, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Charlotte Rothwell as Hannah), Direction
Daniel Golding, J. Mitchell Johnson and Bob Elfstrom (USA), Coming Home: From Shadowland to Spiritworld, Documentary Feature, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Native Peoples / Aboriginal Filmmaker, Native Peoples / Aboriginal Theme, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Doug Clyde (USA), The Pit and the Pendulum, Original Score (Kelly Joe Richardson)
Earl Crittenden (USA), The Kitchen, Script / Writer
Elana Frankel (USA), Cannabis + Creativity, Documentary Short
Eric Lotter (USA), Are You Ok?, Script / Writer
Erin Pedersen (USA), Dreams Beyond Tomorrow, Disability Issues, Women Theme
Faith Haney (USA), Viva El Suelo – From Farmers to Soil Health Managers, Women Filmmakers
Hyeongrae Yoo (South Korea), LEVIATHAN, Movie Trailer
Ilie Stepan (Romania), The Guardian Angels, AI Film, Experimental
Jacob Comforty and Robert Arnove (USA), Freedoms Under Assault, Documentary Feature
Jane Centofante (USA), Saffron Robe, Original Score (Peter Golub)
József Gallai (USA), The Black-Eyed Children 2, Cinematography, Original Score (Gergo Elekes), Sound Editing / Sound Mixing (Firoze Patel, Kaizad Patel and Zsolt Kolláth)
Kerri Hill (Australia), Santiago, Script / Writer, Television – Pilot Program, Television – Program / Series
Lynn Elliott (USA), Pirandello’s Wife, Script / Writer
Marco Calvise (Italy), THE MARIANAS WEB, Actor: Leading (Ruben Soriquez as Fosco Mancini)
Marcus CB Soori (USA), Chaton – We Are Invincible, Music Video
Mike Raabe (USA), The Gap Between Science & Fishermen, Documentary Short
Philippe Verichoux (France), The Last Letter, Original Score, Script / Writer, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Riker Lynch (USA), Stakeout, Actor: Leading (Riker Lynch as Jon), Actor: Supporting (Titus Makin as Darren), Cinematography (Sebastian Plaza), Direction, Original Score (Ellington Ratliff and Garrison Jones), Script / Writer (Riker Lynch)
Rob Loos and Tim McCalmont (USA), MEARS: How One Woman Changed American Christianity, Christian Theme, Christian Filmmaker, Original Song (Believe God More, Music by Ed Smart, Lyrics by Coops Campo, Performed by the FPCH Cathedral Choir and Nikko Dumas, Conducted by Ariel Quintana)
Russ Perry (USA), Do The Dishes, Music Video
Ryan Betzler (USA), Detroit’s Fort Wayne – Guarding | Serving | Enduring, Documentary Feature
Sai Vivaswath Omkaram (USA), The Watcher, Film Short
Susan Kucera (USA), IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY, Cinematography (Susan Kucera), Editing (Susan Kucera), Narration / Voiceover Talent (Jeff Bridges), Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Women Filmmakers
Tilmann Boegel (Germany), NO BEGINNING – NO ENDING, Sound: Overall Impact
Tony Melanson (USA), Iron Maidens – Wrestling For Glory, Documentary Feature, Women Theme
Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation (Taiwan), Love in Motion: 60 Years of Compassion, Nonprofit / Fundraising
Vahid Shahrokhi (Canada), The Kiln, Script / Writer
Yassine Marco Marroccu and Elisabetta Minen (Italy), THREE THE MOVIE, Editing
