BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
I Took the Road Less Traveled
United States
1:29:42
Director: Budro Partida
Chasing the American Dream...
A Stubborn Rock and Roller´s journey.
Diego's story and achievements are being narrated in the documentary "I Took the Road Less Traveled" that chronicles the musical journey of Diego ¨Bull¨ Avello from his small mountain town in Asturias northern Spain to the USA chasing the American dream..
Directed by the Texas based production company ¨Penny Rock Productions¨ and presented by ¨L.A. Lloyd Rock 30¨ the film takes place in 3 countries, USA, Mexico and Spain and was filmed in 6 American states.
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
Texas Rhapsody
United States
1:16:00
Director: Taylor Stanley
Three Stories – One America
Texas Rhapsody is a powerful, inspiring film set in the oil fields and open skies of West Texas. Inspired by three real stories, it follows the lives shaped by immigration, hard work and hope – where music becomes the language that connects us all. The film brings together extraordinary performances by non-actors playing themselves (a few with slightly changed names), stunning Texas landscapes,
and an unflinching look at humanity.
Written and produced by Sam Pfiester (Buttercup Productions) and directed by Taylor Stanley (Forest & Pine)
BEST TEXAS FILM
Cowboys and Hindus
United States
17:14
Director: Tejal Desai
A depressed, affluent, middle aged Hindu woman ventures to a rugged Texas cattle ranch. While there an unlikely friendship with a tough cowgirl gives her life new meaning with an appreciation for cowboy culture and true American grit.
BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
BOT
United States
6:44
Director: Blair Skinner
A woman questions her humanity after failing multiple CAPTCHA quizzes.
Based on true events.
BEST FOREIGN SHORT
Holy Death
Tehran, Iran
13:00
Director: Mahdi Hadizadeh
Holy Death is a modern adaptation
of Dante’s Divine Comedy.
When Death appears before a man, he offers him one final chance: answer three profound questions about life, and return to the world of the living. To earn his redemption, the man must journey through the afterlife—facing the Devil in Hell, Death in Purgatory, and the Angel in Heaven. As each realm tests his soul, he is forced to confront the essence of sin, morality, and the true meaning of existence.
BEST STUDENT SHORT
Musical Fears
United States
7:57
Directors: Rohan Tare (17 y/o)
A boy plays a game of musical chairs with the Grim Reaper.