HIGHLIGHTS: May 2025 DOCUMENTARY Festival

A showcase of the best documentary films in the world today.

AUDIENCE AWARDS:

Feature Film: SOLITARY ROAD
Short Film: BEAT KEEPERS: THE NEXT CHAPTER
Micro-Short: BE THEIR VOICE
Direction: SHADOW BOXING
Environmental Film: MUSKIE MAN
Society Film: INTERWOVEN
Human Interest Film: A MAGICAL PLACE
History Film: WHEN THE WORLD CHANGES
Sound & Music: STAUNCH MODERATES EXPERIENCE LIVE
Student Film: NEW YORK TIMES CO. V SULLIVAN

See the Full Lineup of Films:

MUSKIE MAN, 25min., Canada
Directed by Michael Delmonte
Celebrated as an authority in the world of muskie fishing, Larry Ramsell now finds himself estranged from the tight-knit community of Hayward, Wisconsin—the so-called Muskie Capital of the World. At 82, Larry is a man consumed by obsession, his encyclopedic knowledge and unrelenting passion for muskie fishing having cost him dearly: three marriages, lifelong friendships, and his place among the very people who once revered him.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-muskie-men

SOLITARY ROAD, 76min., Sweden
Directed by Johan Palmgren
There is a road in the middle of the wilderness, far North of the Arcitic Circle in the Swedish mountains. It was built 1955 and was supposed to lead to Norway. The work was interrupted and now there is only a fragment of a road of 20 kilometres without connection to the general road system. Along the road there are five villages, where time has stopped. There is no electricity nor any water. The villagers have transported old cars over the ice of the lake Torneträsk from Kiruna to this unique place. The cars date from the 60 ́s and 70s. We filmed big and small aspects of life here for three years.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-solitary-road

Staunch Moderates Experience Live, Virtual Concert, 65min,. USA
Directed by Greg Simmons
Welcome to the Staunch Moderates Experience Live, Virtual concert. An entertaining live performance which takes us through the philosophy & history of the Staunch Moderates movement through music. This film presents a unique experience with its multi-genre compilation of music videos from the three albums & more released by the movement. Performed by Rapper Greg Simmons AKA “DJ Staunch”, Rappers Kyle Knight & Casanova Ace, with Staunchette dancer Pearrie Hammie.

https://www.instagram.com/staunch_moderates/

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-staunch-moderates

Beat Keepers: The Next Chapter, 43min., Canada
Directed by Cindy Goldberg
A powerful and inspiring documentary that follows a group of talented female drummers as they unite for a life-changing three-day retreat in Dallas, Texas. Through the raw energy of rhythm, unwavering mutual support, and a shared passion for music, these women forge deep, lasting connections and celebrate the transformative power of music to heal, empower, and unite.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-beat-keepers

INTERWOVEN, 24min., USA
Directed by Dawn Carpenter
In the wake of the textile industry’s decline, a community in North Carolina fights to reclaim its economic future through innovative worker-owned cooperatives and sustainable practices, transforming the remnants of their industrial past into a beacon of hope and resilience for future generations.

Home

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-interwoven

Be Their Voice, 2min,. Austria
Directed by FOUR PAWS
Jesse, a curious Australian student, invents an AI sheep translator and befriends Sunny, an adorable merino lamb. Their light-hearted connection turns somber when Sunny reveals fears about “live lamb cutting,” a common wool industry practice. The film sheds light on this distressing reality and advocates for change.

https://www.instagram.com/four_paws_international/

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-be-their-voice

A Magical Place, 39min., Canada
Directed by Paul Steinberg
“A Magical Place: The story of the Browser’s Den of Magic” takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Toronto’s most magical place, The Browser’s Den of Magic. This enchanting documentary delves into the life and passion of Jeff Pinsky, the shop’s dedicated owner, who has created a vibrant hub for magicians of all levels, from curious beginners to seasoned professionals. Through Jeff’s unwavering commitment, The Browser’s Den has blossomed into a nurturing community where the art of magic thrives.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-a-magical-place

When the World Changes, 25min,. USA
Directed by Benjamin Caruccio, Changhee Chun
Jeju Island: often labeled the Hawaii of Korea, the island is a hotspot for tourism and vacationing. This short documentary film reveals the truth about the island… that it was the site of a brutal massacre in 1948, leading to the murder of 10% of Jeju’s native population.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-when-the-world

Shadow Boxing, 6min., Canada
Directed by Arwen Saleah Mercado
Shadow Boxing follows Navreet Chadee’s empowering journey as she confronts her inner shadows of self-doubt. This uplifting tale of an MMA fighter exceeds the rigorous training needed to enter the ring; It shows the strong mindset and determination of a young woman who is committed to her goals. By delving into the life of the girl behind the fighter, Shadow Boxing illuminates the heart of a true warrior, showcasing her courage and resilience long before she enters the ring.

https://www.instagram.com/shadowboxingdoc/

https://wildsound.vhx.tv/videos/audience-feedback-shadow-boxing

New York Times Co. v Sullivan, 10min,. Canada
Directed by Yanjia Yang
In the heat of the Civil Rights Movement, a full-page ad in The New York Times sparked a legal battle that would redefine freedom of the press in America. Through archival footage, this short film explores how the case reinforced First Amendment protections and shaped journalism as we know it today. A must-watch for anyone interested in media, law, and the enduring power of free speech.

https://wildsound.vhx.tv/videos/audience-feedback-new-york-times