BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
WHERE THE HORSES HEAL THE SOUL
(DOCUMENTARY FEATURE)
1:30:05
TEXAS
Director: Twila LaBar
A powerful and inspiring documentary that follows children, adults, and veterans as they confront visible and invisible wounds - physical, cognitive, emotional challenges, and deep trust barriers. At ROCK Ride On Center for Kids, they experience healing through the rhythmic motion of riding and the profound connection between human and horse. These are stories where broken spirits rise, hooves carry the weight of hope, and the journey to unbridled potential begins.
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
THE EGO DEATH OF QUEEN CECILIA
(NARRATIVE FEATURE)
1:25:37
TEXAS
Director: Chris Beier
A washed-up YouTube star blackmails an old, high school rival in an attempt to reclaim her fame. But when things go awry, she finds herself ensnared by a drug trafficking ring. As Cecilia spirals out of control, she's forced to confront her true place in society.
BEST FOREIGN SHORT
THE SCREENWRITER
(FOREIGN SHORT)
8:10
ITALY
Director: Mark Petrasso
A screenwriter is grappling with a new story: a noir with echoes of John Huston. A priceless object, a killer, a dead man, and a femme fatale all play their part in a metacinematic homage.
BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
TOGETHER FOREVER
(NARRATIVE SHORT)
9:02
FLORIDA
Director: Lauren Butterfield
A musical dark comedy about a newly married couple who learn how far you must go to stay together forever.
BEST STUDENT SHORT
CAUGHT BETWEEN CULTURES: THE ASIAN AMERICAN BEAUTY DILEMMA
(STUDENT SHORT)
22:09
TEXAS
Director: Karis Jane Lai
The film explores the tensions East Asian American women face navigating conflicting beauty standards. Through peer interviews, expert insights, and autobiographical stop motion, it examines ideals of attractiveness, plastic surgery, and the “Asian American ideal.” Personal reflections and philosophical questions deepen the exploration of these complex themes.
BEST STUDENT FEATURE
ELUBO
(STUDENT FEATURE)
2:15:01
GHANA
Director: Opoku Agyeman Boaky
In the gripping movie "Elubo," two friends, Kwame and Mawuli, face a harrowing challenge when their 14-year-old sister, Akesi, is kidnapped by a ruthless gang involved in the illegal human trafficking trade. Driven by love and determination, the brothers embark on a perilous journey to rescue her, navigating dangerous territories and confronting the dark realities of the black market. As they gather clues and encounter various obstacles, their unwavering bond and resourcefulness shine through. Ultimately, their quest becomes a powerful testament to the strength of family and the fight against exploitation.
BEST TEXAS FILM
I VOTED
(NARRATIVE FEATURE)
1:40:00
TEXAS
Director: Tyler Mann
I VOTED is a brave film that dares to defy convention by telling a story that is directly about politics and the division in today's America while presenting it from the character's authentic point of view and shows how politics affects everyone's lives. Covering issues like abortion, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, guns, healthcare, and religion, the story unfolds entirely within a polling place, where every viewer can see themselves reflected.