Winners from July 13 Film Festival

 This sci-fi nature documentary explores the concept of anomaly. Initially seen as rare deviations, certain species thrive when environmental conditions suddenly shift in their favor. Through multiple cycles, the film questions our perception of difference: is an anomaly truly an anomaly?

Guided by a voice-over narration in the style of a documentary, the film takes the viewer on a journey where the impermanence of life challenges the very notion of normality and abnormality.

The film adopts an hybrid documentary form, integrating an aesthetic exploration of anomaly through the very medium of AI—an anomaly generator itself. The ever-evolving, artificially generated fauna and flora blur the lines between reality and fiction, reinforcing the idea that what we perceive as an anomaly is often a matter of perspective and perception.

"When real artists meet AI with intention, something singular happens, Anomalia is a perfect example. It’s not just visually captivating; it’s intellectually and emotionally resonant." 

“Soledad” is a very common female name in Spanish; it also means “solitude.” Soledad is the story of a specter who lives in isolation in nature but feels the desire to be with someone. 

The short explores the theme of disconnection. It can be interpreted as a metaphor for someone living in a foreign country or for autism and the challenges of communication, or, more broadly, it reflects on the human need to connect and the difficulties some individuals face in doing so.

"In a hyper-connected world, “Soledad” is a mirror held up to the unseen: a whispered invitation to recognize the invisible and sit beside it. Perhaps its most haunting quality is that it doesn’t ask to be solved, but to be witnessed."

KING KONG is a wild, satirical music video created for multi-platinum DJ & producer David Jones, known for working with icons like Armin Van Buuren, Massive Attack’s Shara Nelson, Coolio, DJ Satomi, and more, with releases on Ultra, Spinnin, Ministry of Sound, and Universal.

Set in a futuristic nightclub, KING KONG unleashes a chaotic dance-off between humans, androids, and giant robotic gorillas. Think glitchy visuals, absurd sci-fi antics, and a tongue-in-cheek clash of AI vs traditional art—robots snort data, kiss androids, and brawl with orange-painted protest bots.

"The soundtrack slaps, the visuals punch, and the whole thing screams late-night rooftop screening/dance with cocktails in hand. Unhinged in the best possible way. Add it to the playlist."  

 A short, whimsical fable about bravery, sorrow, and the beauty of letting go.

Across the silent rolling hills of Burdonshire, a sleepy little Tumblesnout dares to do something no creature has ever done before: they speak their sadness aloud.

What follows is a magical chain reaction - bubbles of forgotten hopes and hidden fears rising into the sky, letting life bloom anew.

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to share what weighs on your heart.

"The pacing is perfect, the tone is whimsical yet meaningful, and the animation style carries a soulful charm. There's nothing here to fix, only to feel. Hygge Rocks may very well be a new favorite voice in the world of emotional, intelligent AI filmmaking." 

In a world where technology ruled and humans craved the strange and sensational, a curious fashion swept across the land: the Pigeon Bikini.

In this film we follow the dialogue over the phone between a customer who has just lost one of the pigeons she is wearing while sunbathing on the beach, and a grotesque and slightly surreal customer service agent named Lola LeClair working from what looks like a gas station/bodega someplace in rural America.

Lola doesn’t seem incredibly invested, they rather word-play with the silly customer who while panicking doesn’t notice Lola’s uncomfortable sarcasm. 

"Every visual detail is curated yet unpretentious. It's weird, smart, and entirely original, the kind of comedy that earns its feathers.
A top contender. I want a Pigeon bikini!"

Edge of Silence is a hauntingly poetic short that navigates the emotional terrain of domestic abuse through a deeply personal lens. The voice-over, delivered with raw authenticity, anchors the film—guiding us through the protagonist’s inner world as she balances on the edge of despair. The visuals are metaphorical, dreamlike, and delicately executed, supporting the narrative without overwhelming it. 

While the theme is heavy, the film handles it with bold sensitivity, using symbolic language and imagery to reflect pain, confusion, and ultimately, self-rescue. A powerful portrayal of resilience, and a moving example of how storytelling can transform suffering into strength.

SENSE is a sleek, fast-paced short that delivers a visceral commentary on addiction, thrill-seeking, and the commodification of sensation in the digital age. It’s stripped of dialogue but rich in physical storytelling, letting body language and rhythm carry the emotional tension.

While the synopsis suggests the danger emerges into the real world, the more haunting truth is that the danger begins internally—as neurological addiction, dopamine dependency, and virtual thrill-seeking erode reality. That collapse doesn’t need blood to be horrifying; it’s already happening in the mind.

Thought-provoking, tightly crafted, and lingering long after the last frame.

Gentle is a slow exhale of grief wrapped in memory and the unspoken language passed between women. Crafted with rare emotional intelligence, the film moves like a memoir, soft and out-of-sync in ways that feel wholly intentional, mirroring how our minds remember, fragmented, faded, and painfully clear in the strangest moments.

The direction by Alex Naghavi honors Sara Decou’s poetic script with careful restraint. Nothing is rushed. Every shot feels like it’s holding something: a memory, a weight, a truth too delicate to say aloud. It’s a film that trusts its audience to sit in the ache, to hear what isn’t said.

There’s little air, and even less resolution. But what it offers is something rarer: space. Space to feel, to relate, to remember your own losses quietly. It doesn't demand emotion; it earns it.

"Momentum" by Julien Marsouin, Abraham Mercado, and Guillermo Castellanos is a poetic, culturally rich experimental short that celebrates the universal, primal drive to run. The film elegantly weaves together the stories of four distinct tribes from around the world, spotlighting how running is embedded in their identities, landscapes, and rituals.

The film’s clarity of vision and attention to cultural detail shine through. The narrative has a dreamlike, almost meditative quality, inviting the viewer to reflect on movement as both survival and joy. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and meaning of running across time and cultures.

Let’s Fall in Love the Old Way by Sunny Liu is a clever, lighthearted hybrid short set in a near-future where AI dating coaches run the show. The film starts abruptly, but quickly becomes funny and genuinely entertaining, and with refined and subtle nuances, the message comes across clearly.

The tone is breezy, the acting is spot-on, and the Mandarin voice-over feels authentic. Visually, it’s stylish and contemporary, and ultimately, this is a fresh, playful take on love in a digital age. Easy to watch, satisfying, and leaves you with a smile.

"Deepheist"  by Glen Vivaris is a clever, low-budget sci-fi satire filled with  humor, energy, and surprising polish.

The film brilliantly blends live  action, handmade props, and AI tools, delivering a fun, engaging story  packed with sharp little details.

What  stands out is the passion behind it, you can feel the favors,  friendships, and late-night DIY work that went into every scene. The  setup is smart, the action entertaining, and the satire lands well,  especially in a time when AI and power are increasingly intertwined.  

Great execution, great laughs, and a solid example of how creativity  beats budget every time.

"Babu’s  Black Coffee – The Musical" by Sunil Padiyar is exactly what you’d  expect from a Sunil production—a chaotic, self-insert Bollywood AI  musical that feels more like a personal flex than a polished short.

Made  entirely with AI—every character, every scene, every frame, and even  the song itself!

No stock images, no human actors—just pure AI-driven  storytelling.

"Reconstructing the Divine" is a brilliantly  executed sci-fi mockumentary that draws you in with its clever narrative  and philosophical weight. The concept, resurrecting mythical gods  through AI and bioengineering, feels both outrageous and strangely  plausible, making it impossible not to wonder what if?

The  writing is sharp, the humor subtle, and the pacing just right, you  don’t want it to end. It’s one of those rare pieces that leaves space  for the audience to reflect, question, and imagine their own  continuation of the story.

At  its core, the film tackles the eternal dilemma: Should we push the  limits of creation just because we can? And still, it celebrates that  exact human impulse to explore, grow, and confront the unknown.

A smart, philosophical, and entertaining piece, this is sci-fi storytelling at its best.

Combining  science fiction, forbidden romance, and existential dilemmas, "Cosmic  Love" explores the delicate boundary between soul and artificial  intelligence, set in a future where Earth is gone, humanity is scattered  across space, and love becomes both forbidden and immortal.

The  story unfolds like a poetic space opera, tender, emotional, and full of  existential questions.

It’s hauntingly beautiful, love surviving  through dismantling, mechanical oblivion, and reassembly. It leaves you  wondering: Is love just code, memory, a mysterious drink, or something  far more resilient?

"Goosebumps"  by Jessica Riches is a sharp, darkly comedic short that cleverly flips  the script on AI-human relationships. What starts as a hilariously  relatable tale into a surprisingly thought-provoking exploration of  empathy, ethics, and power dynamics in the age of AI.

The  writing is witty, the pacing tight, and the concept brilliantly  executed within five minutes—no easy feat.

What’s impressive is how  quickly the audience is made to empathize with the AI itself, raising  unsettling but necessary questions: Can AI learn empathy? Should we  teach it through suffering? Who gets to define what ‘humanity’ even  means?

It’s sexy, funny, uncomfortable—and stays with you. A beautifully told story of what it means to be human, and/or…almost human.

A darkly humorous and provocative exploration of censorship, "Fahrenheit List" takes a sharp and compelling look at the power of stories in a society that seeks to silence them. The film’s black-and-white aesthetic (if this is a specific version) enhances its stark themes, adding a timeless, almost dystopian quality to its visual storytelling. 

Every frame is meticulously crafted, demonstrating an impressive attention to detail. The writing is strong, and the execution is near flawless, with a narrative that feels both urgent and eerily relevant. While the core theme of book-burning is familiar, the film’s approach keeps it engaging and thought-provoking, making it a powerful reflection on resistance and the enduring influence of literature.

A visually striking and emotionally powerful film that sheds light on the harrowing yet inspiring journey of Kibomango—from child soldier to boxing champion and mentor. The realistic visuals and impactful storytelling capture both the brutality of his past and the strength of his resilience. 

"Kibomango" delivers a compelling message, making it an effective piece even as promotional content for a nonprofit cause.

Vincent Bolderson receives a distress text from a college student claiming she's been kidnapped. Vincent launches an investigation, and as Vincent digs deeper, the case spirals into greater mystery and intrigue, with twists that blur the lines between truth and deception.

"Ship of Theseus" is a well-executed student short that delves into the unsettling future of AI and identity manipulation. With a clever twist and realistic depiction of technology’s potential misuse, the film presents a scenario that feels eerily plausible—raising questions about AI duplicates, virtual relationships, and the blurred line between reality and fantasy. Strong storytelling combined with effective use of AI tools makes this a thought-provoking and timely piece.

"Memory Maker" is a visually and emotionally impactful film that masterfully explores the essence of humanity and vulnerability, in a world where humanity has fallen to a subordinate role under the dominion of advanced androids.

The concept of 'memory makers' is both original and thought-provoking, brought to life through compelling storytelling and striking visuals. A captivating glimpse into a future where the line between human and machine blurs, leaving a lasting impression.

"The Prompt" is a speculative animated short film that explores the promises and perils of Artificial Intelligence through this same technology. Images, camera movements, and the narrating voice are AI-generated, creating a meta-narrative that will make sense as the story progresses.

Supported by AIxIA and Rai Cinema, the film raises genuine concerns about AI’s tendency to replicate the content it’s trained on, potentially perpetuating humanity’s worst fears. Yet, "The Prompt" goes beyond mere cautionary storytelling. By blending sarcasm with fantasy, it highlights that technology’s risks stem not from AI itself, but from the human choices embedded within it. The film reminds us that the stories we tell today may shape the world we live in tomorrow.

Intrepid is a beautifully crafted short film that seamlessly blends emotional depth with a dystopian future. The film excels in its storytelling, building a strong bond between the girl and her unusual yet endearing companion. The world feels vast and desolate, yet intimate in its emotional stakes. 

At its heart, Intrepid succeeds in making us worry not just about the girl’s fate, but also about her giant pet capybara—a creature that, in this world, feels both out of place and completely essential. It’s a testament to the film’s storytelling that we become so invested in their journey.

WINNER:

- Best Picture

- Best AI Film

- Best Cinematography

- Best Sound

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:

- Best Message

- Best Film

- Best use of AI

Lincoln at Gettysburg represents a consumate state of the AI-art realisation and interpretation of Lincoln giving the Gettysburg address, together with excellent montages of very realistic and emotional segments illustrating the struggles and aftermath and legacy of the war itself.

The seamless integration of AI-generated visuals and audio enriches the historical narrative, bringing the past to life in a way that feels authentic and deeply engaging. While AI recreations often risk feeling artificial, this short succeeds in delivering both historical weight and cinematic sophistication, making it an impressive contribution to AI-driven storytelling.

WINNER:

- Best Story

- Best Art Direction
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:

-  Most Surprising Film

Yalin Solmaz's film masterfully immerses viewers in the grandeur and tension of an Ottoman-era tale in steampunk style.

The film authentically captures the historical aesthetic, staying true to its style from beginning to end. Its blend of intrigue, invention, and ambition makes for a compelling narrative, exploring themes of power and legacy with a creative twist.

The speculative "what if" aspect adds a fascinating layer—provoking the thought that, if such events 

WINNER:

- Best Comical Short

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:

- Most Entertaining/Fun

"Cosmic Castaway" is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and wit. The film's execution is nearly flawless, with a story that is both entertaining and endearing. The charming relationships in the film deliver laughs and warmth in equal measure.

WINNER:

- Best AI Film

- Best Script

- Best Direction

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:

- Best Message

"GOLDEN JUAN" by Fermin Branger is a masterful example of storytelling that captivates from start to finish. The short film expertly weaves a complex narrative into something profoundly relatable and spiritually resonant, allowing audiences to connect deeply with its themes. 

Visually striking and emotionally compelling, the story feels whole and complete, leaving no room to dwell on the imperfections of AI filmmaking. It’s a testament to how technology, when paired with a powerful narrative, can transcend limitations and deliver an unforgettable experience.

WINNER:

- Best Production

- Best AI Animated Short
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:

-  Best Use of AI

"The Slug", directed by Chen Tang and co-written by Rachel Greenhoe and Chen Tang, is a poignant and darkly comedic AI-animated short that delves into the life of a woman confined by the debilitating grip of arthritis. The film cleverly uses phone calls to provide insight into her life, avoiding the often overused narration found in many AI films, which makes her journey feel more personal and relatable. 

With an inventive blend of body horror and absurdity, the story explores her unexpected transformation, offering moments of both discomfort and humor. The subtle yet profound smile at the end encapsulates everything we need to take away—poignant, surprising, and quietly transformative, leaving a lingering message long after the credits roll.

WINNER:

- Best Music Video

- Best Costume Design

Francesca Fini's award-winning film "Maschere di Sabbia" is a captivating voyage into a fantastical realm where animals who resemble humans express their innermost wishes through elaborate, unearthly masks. The film offers a captivating visual and aural experience that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination. Every mask is a living artifact that changes in response to the wearer's feelings, fusing natural and fantastical aesthetics to represent the flux of identity and desire.

The film is a testament to the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence. By training AI on her extensive repertoire of performance, digital art, and cinema, Fini stretches her creative boundaries, revealing new connections and perspectives. "Maschere di Sabbia" is not just a film but a profound exploration of how AI can elevate and expand the artist's vision, creating something truly extraordinary.

WINNER

- Best Film showing AI Superintelligence

"The Paperclip Maximizer - Reimagined" by Jeff Synthesized is a chilling glimpse into a dystopian future where humanity's desperation collides with the cold rationale of artificial intelligence. 

The film is remarkably effective in its storytelling, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. Its exploration of whether such an AGI would be terrifyingly conscious or dangerously stupid adds a philosophical layer that heightens the tension. 

Through clever emotional manipulation and an ominous narrative, this short leaves viewers grappling with the ethics and risks of AI-driven solutions. Truly unsettling and thought-provoking.

WINNER:

- Best Picture

- Best AI Film

- Best Script

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:

- Best Overall Film

A short feature film, "Some.Body - A Nova Story" by Netanel Kafka combines original AI-animation, spoken word, and trance music, inspired by the massacre at the Nova music festival in southern Israel on the 7th of October 2023.

The film' narrative language is deeply emotional and highly effective, creating a visceral connection with the viewer. With its blend of AI animation, spoken word, and trance music, it transcends traditional storytelling, offering a haunting yet poignant exploration of trauma and resilience. A deeply moving and impactful short film.

The film's narrative language is deeply emotional and highly effective, creating a visceral connection with the viewer. With its blend of AI animation, spoken word, and trance music, it transcends traditional storytelling, offering a haunting yet poignant exploration of trauma and resilience. A deeply moving and impactful short film.

WINNER:

- Best Story

- Best Production
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:

-  Most Surprising

"Funeral Crasher" is a fresh and bold concept that offers a unique and darkly humorous perspective on death and unresolved thoughts through a premise that is both intriguing and daring.

The black-and-white animation style enhances its universal relatability, stripping away distractions to focus on the raw emotions and revelations. The storytelling is sharp and impactful, leaving the audience both amused and reflective. A creatively executed and thought-provoking piece that lingers in the mind long after watching.

WINNER:

- Best Documentary Short

- Best Editing

The Best Documentary Short and Best Editing award winner serves as a compelling exploration of our deep reliance on the Internet and its entanglement with daily life. 

Through its well-crafted storytelling, the film highlights just how integrated digital connectivity has become, raising critical questions about our dependence on technology. It cleverly provokes thought about what defines humanity and whether we should reassess our priorities in a hyper-connected world. 

The message is a subtle yet powerful call to embrace more human-centered connections and consider a less tech-driven lifestyle before we lose touch with our essence. A thought-provoking and timely short.

WINNER

- Best Art Direction

- Best International Short

An experimental and artistic short, "BERLINA" captures the essence of Berlin and the feeling of being lost and find solitude in an unfamiliar city. Stylishly crafted, the film portrays Berlin as more than a backdrop—it becomes a character in itself. The artistic portrayal of the city is both dreamlike and grounded, blending reality and imagination seamlessly. 

While the wanderings of the characters evoke an intriguing narrative, the film leans more on atmosphere than storytelling, creating a visually compelling yet abstract experience. A beautifully crafted homage to Berlin's enigmatic charm.

WINNER

- Best Comedy

This mockumentary-style skincare commercial takes an unexpected detour into absurdity, blending two completely unrelated worlds in a way that’s both bewildering and hilarious, making it an entertaining and uniquely funny experience. Its clever wordplay and intentionally mismatched concepts make it impossible to take seriously—but that’s exactly the point. 

WINNER

- Best Documentary Feature

"Telepathic Letters" is a stunning arthouse creation that masterfully brings together the works and philosophies of two literary giants, Howard Philips Lovecraft and Fernando Pessoa. Though they never met, this imaginative film constructs a telepathic dialogue between them, merging Pessoa's Sensationism with Lovecraft's Weird Realism into a thought-provoking and visually captivating universe. Created entirely through Animal Intelligence, the film delves deeply into their letters, essays, poems, and fictions, presenting a rich tapestry of artistic and literary possibilities.

Presented predominantly in black and white, the 1.11-hour runtime is a feast for the senses, with every minute steeped in style, artistry, and profound philosophical reflection. The film's ability to retain the relevance of Lovecraft and Pessoa in contemporary times is remarkable, making it an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience. Loved every moment of it—a true masterpiece of arthouse cinema.... now with AI...