Showcase of the best FILMS in the world today.
Audience Award:
Best Short Film: SMOKE OR FAMILY
Best Feature Film: SKATEGOAT
Best Micro-Short: THE CYCLE OF FASHION
Best Environmental Film: THE LAST LION
Best Society Film: WE ARE WE DANCE WE PAINT
Best Humanitarian Film: THE KENTUCKY COWBOY
Best Human Interest Film: A NATION’S TABLE
Best Direction: A DOUBLE LIFE
Best Cinematography: FRAGMENTS OF A HALF LIFE
Best Nature Film: MADE IN PARADISE
Best Story: RecoverED: A Documentary Film About Eating Disorder Recovery
See info for each film:
SKATEGOAT, 84min., Australia
Directed by Van Alpert
Leandre Sanders was born in Venice Beach, LA, into a world of gangs and crime. While his older brothers joined the family gang life, Leandre spent his time at Venice Beach skatepark with his younger brother Leontay. He caught the eye of filmmaker Van
Alpert.
https://www.skategoatfilm.com/
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
THE CYCLE OF FASHION, 5min., China
Directed by Xiruo Jiang
The documentary follows the curator, Katherine, as she intends to shed light on the environmental consequences of the fashion industry through her upcoming art exhibition and encourage viewers to rethink their relationship with clothing and consumption. Driven by a desire to approach the reality of fashion waste, Katherine ventures beyond the walls of her gallery and into the heart of garment production factories. Here, she witnesses firsthand the staggering amount of waste generated in the process of creating trendy clothing pieces that often end up discarded or unused.
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
THE LAST LION, 14min., UK
Directed by Matt Campion
‘The Last Lion’ is a thought-provoking short film that explores the heart-breaking possibility that lions could go extinct. This emotional story is told with the help of Kevin Richardson and Bobcat the lion’s unique bond, the breath-taking beauty of South Africa’s landscapes and the incredible talent of spoken word artist Sophia Thakur.
https://www.instagram.com/mattcampion/
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
WE ARE WE DANCE WE PAINT, 37min., USA
Directed by Leslie Dektor
For decades, the poor and dispossessed have been herded and confined to Skid Row. In Passing Through, the seemingly lost find a new sense of community.
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
THE KENTUCKY COWBOY, 58min., USA
Directed by Mike Goldberg
Despite becoming a success on the football field, a man struggles internally with mental health issues all his life, as he continuously tries to gain acceptance from his father and legendary football coach.
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
A NATION’S TABLE, 11min,. Canada
Directed by Garrett Smith
Ask a farmer, a fisher, a chef, and a home cook to define ‘Canadian food’ and you’ll get four different answers. After all, the food found in Canada is as diverse as the people who live here.
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
SMOKE OR FAMILY, 14min., India
Directed by Jaswant Mintu
The protagonist in the film “Smoke or Family” is a heavy smoker who visits a hospital for a teeth problem. There, doctors tell him to quit smoking, explaining that it’s causing his teeth issues and could lead to lung cancer and other health problems. However, he defends his smoking habit, claiming he is different from other smokers.
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
A DOUBLE LIFE, 85min,. USA
Directed by Catherine Masud
A Double Life unveils the gripping true story of Stephen Bingham, a lawyer accused of passing a gun to prisoners’ rights leader George Jackson in 1971. Forced into a life on the run, Bingham spends 13 years underground, eluding capture while fiercely determined to clear his name.
https://www.doublelifemovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adoublelifemovie
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
FRAGMENTS OF A HALF LIFE, 33min., Australia
Directed by Johnny Abegg
A Son deep dives into a period of grief after losing his Father, whilst his Mum recounts the life he never got to share. Through introspection he resurfaces knowing where to find him.
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
MADE IN PARADISE, 44min., India
Directed by Aniruddha Das
Set against the stunning backdrop of Ladakh, Made In Paradise tells the story of the Changpa nomads, guardians of the world’s finest Pashmina. A testament to human resilience and perseverance, the film highlights the community’s immense respect for the environment, and its attempt to protect a rich heritage and culture, only to ensure that their Pashmina remains a global treasure. The film also explores the symbiotic relationship between the herders and their animals, the legacy of the Pashmina, and the fight to preserve a way of life that teeters on the edge of survival.
https://madeinparadisefilm.com/
https://x.com/pashminafilm
https://www.instagram.com/pashminafilm/
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
RecoverED: A Documentary Film About Eating Disorder Recovery, 50min., Canada
Directed by Tyler Anderson
RecoverED is a compelling documentary that explores the journey of recovery from disordered eating through powerful personal stories of resilience. The film highlights the vital role of community support and the transformative power of hope in healing. It delves into the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by individuals battling eating disorders, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of recovery. RecoverED aims to inspire those struggling and to raise awareness about the recovery process, underscoring that with the right support, perseverance, and resources, recovery is possible.
http://www.bridgepointcenter.ca/recovered
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566675153019
https://x.com/RecoverEDfilm
https://www.instagram.com/recoveredfilm
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
Documentary Film Festival. Los Angeles & Toronto 