AREA51
UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
WINNER
BEST PICTURE
WINNER
BEST DIRECTING
NOMINEE
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
NOMINEE
BEST LOW-BUDGET FILM
NOMINEE
BEST ART DIRECTION
UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
4.10.25
VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL
FILM AWARDS CONTEST
IMDB QUALIFIER
MAN WITH SHADOW
DIRECTED BY
EMA KUGLER
OFFICIAL SELECTION
4 WINS 8 NOMINATIONS
WINNER
BEST FEATURE FILM
WINNER
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
NOMINEE
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
PRESENTS
The battles are epic and huge. The sets
look grand and tangible, particularly the
Colosseum. I can't speak to the historical
accuracy of some moments in the
Colosseum, but it's pretty cool to watch.
Likewise, the naval battle scene is
incredible and well-choreographed.
For all the action, Man With Shadow has
a slightly meandering pace with lots of
broody moments from the key characters.
It's a bit of a slow-burn movie, it’s a
worthy experimental ouvre.
★★★★★
A R E A 51 FilmFest
Santa Fe, New Mexico
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
BEST PICTURE OF THE SEASON WINNER
AREA51
UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
WINNER
BEST PICTURE
WINNER
BEST DIRECTING
NOMINEE
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
NOMINEE
BEST LOW-BUDGET FILM
NOMINEE
BEST ART DIRECTION
AREA51
MAN WITH SHADOW
DIRECTED BY
EMA KUGLER
OFFICIAL SELECTION
4 WINS 8 NOMINATIONS
WINNER
BEST FEATURE FILM
WINNER
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
NOMINEE
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
PRESENTS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
BEST PICTURE OF THE SEASON WINNER
AREA51
UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
WINNER
BEST PICTURE
WINNER
BEST DIRECTING
NOMINEE
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
NOMINEE
BEST LOW-BUDGET FILM
NOMINEE
BEST ART DIRECTION
COLLABORATORS
The AREA51 Cinematic Division is tasked
with the identification, evaluation, and
recognition of covert cinematic operations
conducted by emerging auteurs. Our
primary objective is to expedite the
acknowledgment of exceptional
audiovisual transmissions that have yet to
infiltrate mainstream channels.
AREA51
2025 UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
ACCESS 2025
FINALISTS
MAN WITH SHADOW
DIRECTED BY
EMA KUGLER
OFFICIAL SELECTION
4 WINS 8 NOMINATIONS
WINNER
BEST FEATURE FILM
WINNER
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
NOMINEE
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
PRESENTS
The battles are epic and huge. The sets
look grand and tangible, particularly the
Colosseum. I can't speak to the historical
accuracy of some moments in the
Colosseum, but it's pretty cool to watch.
Likewise, the naval battle scene is
incredible and well-choreographed.
For all the action, Man With Shadow has
a slightly meandering pace with lots of
broody moments from the key characters.
It's a bit of a slow-burn movie, it’s a
worthy experimental ouvre.
★★★★★
A R E A 51 FilmFest
Santa Fe, New Mexico
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
BEST PICTURE OF THE SEASON WINNER
PREVIOUS COMPETITION ROUNDS
2025 SPRING
2024 WINTER
AREA51
UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
WINNER
BEST PICTURE
WINNER
BEST DIRECTING
WINNER
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
FILTHER
DIRECTED BY
SIMEN NYLAND
OFFICIAL SELECTION
7 WINS 6 NOMINATIONS
WINNER
BEST SHORT FILM
WINNER
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
PRESENTS
In Simen Nyland's beguiling "Filther,"
evolution's cruelest joke becomes its most tender
gift: a man with a gas mask for a head searching
for love as nuclear apocalypse looms. What could
collapse into maudlin allegory instead achieves
the tonal alchemy of del Toro's "The Shape of
Water" wedded to Gilliam's absurdist dystopias
—Nyland mines profound pathos from biological
grotesquerie, his protagonist embodying
Kristeva's abject made heroic. When a circus
woman arrives as potential salvation, their
courtship unfolds with Bressonian restraint and
Lynchian surreality, each gesture—gas mask
meeting wine glass—generating both devastating
comedy and existential ache. Nyland's visual
economy recalls Tarkovsky's metaphysical
landscapes reimagined through carnivalesque
whimsy, his fantasy world a painterly meditation
on Darwinian alienation where the capacity to
love amid annihilation becomes humanity's truest
evolutionary adaptation. As one world dies,
another begins—audaciously hopeful,
unnervingly magnificent, irrevocably first-class.
★★★★★
A R E A 51 FilmFest
Santa Fe, New Mexico
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
BEST PICTURE OF THE SEASON WINNER
RUNNER-UPS BEST PICTURE NOMINEES
+ OTHER HIGHLIGHTED WINNERS
KRUZ'
DIRECTED BY
LOIC ZIMMERMANN
THE GRAND BOOK
DIRECTED BY
ARJAN BRENTJES
CAT EATS BIRD
DIRECTED BY
GARD LØKKE
HAPPY WIFE
DIRECTED BY
GRACE STROMATT
F BOY TONY - MAMA SAID
DIRECTED BY
AKSINJA BELLONE
MARTINO SPAVENTO
WINNER
BEST CREATED ENVIRONMENT
WINNER
BEST ART DIRECTION
随波 "THE ROWBOAT"
DIRECTED BY
YUTONG CAO
HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS"
DIRECTED BY
DAVID JARAB
IN THE VALLEY - A COSMIC QUEER ABDUCTION
DIRECTED BY
ADAM VAN DYKE
THE LEGEND OF KING NIBBLES
DIRECTED BY
ALISON CHANG, TOPRAK BEKIROGLU
AMMO 'HARM'
DIRECTED BY
ADRIAN PRUETT
GUNNER
DIRECTED BY
DIMITRI LOGOTHETIS
THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US
DIRECTED BY
NATALIA ASHUROVSKAYA
I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS"
DIRECTED BY
JACOPO MARCHINI
SHOES AND SIGNPOST
DIRECTED BY
TAKAHIRO YAMAGUCHI
SIERRA'S GOLD
DIRECTED BY
ADZE UGAH
MAN IN THE MOUNTAIN
DIRECTED BY
DENNIS TROMBLY
MONKEY BEACH
DIRECTED BY
LORETTA SARAH TODD
BEST FEATURE FILM
WINNER
· OTTA "THE LONER" (India) · Resul Pookutty
· GUNNER (USA) · Dimitri Logothetis
· THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US
(Russian Federation) · Natalia Ashurovskaya
· SIERRA'S GOLD (South Africa) · Adze Ugah
· MONKEY BEACH (Canada) · Loretta Sarah Todd
· PHOENIX INCIDENT (USA) · Keith Arem
NOMINEES
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (CZECH REPUBLIC) · DAVID JARAB
· VIOLET (Australia) · Derek Yang
· EL ZAPATO "THE SHOE" (Mexico) · Mauricio De la Maza-Benignos, Sofía Alejandra Díaz Garza
· TOM AND LUCE (France) · Paule Muxel
· AWAY FROM THE SHORE (Bulgaria) · Kostadin Bonev
· 12 (USA) · Lawrence Bridges
· THE LAST VIGIL (USA) · Vivekananda Kondapalli
· UNLUCKY TO LOVE YOU (Canada) · Mauro John Capece
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST MEDIUM-LENGTH FILM
WINNER
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (Italy) · Jacopo Marchini
· SHOES AND SIGNPOST (Japan) · Takahiro Yamaguchi
· DAWN AFTER YOU (France) · Terry Misseraoui
NOMINEES
· IN THE VALLEY: A COSMIC QUEER ABDUCTION (USA) · ADAM VAN DYKE
· SONGS OF THE CHAMBERMAIDS (UK) · Mark C. Hewitt
· ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERGROUND (UK) · Tipu Sultan
· SIGNS: A JOURNEY OF SOULMATES (USA) · Cheryl Gallegos, Trey Carswell
· MOTHER KNOWS BEST (USA) · Monda Raquel Webb
· JULIA (France) · Mike Colquhoun
· NO OXYGEN (Greece) · Nikos Kourou
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST SHORT FILM
WINNER
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
· KRUZ' (USA) · Loic Zimmermann
· BOREALIS (Portugal) · Jo Monteiro
· KLOVNER (Norway) · Jon Tengs Engebretsen
· UM AMIGO NA NOITE "A FRIEND IN THE NIGHT"
(Brazil) · Vinicius de Castro Gomes, Filipe Coelho
· BUBBA (Israel) · Sari Azoulay Turgeman
· AUTODROM (Austria) · Manuel Hüttner
· RED TRIANGLE (Ukraine) · Maks Stupak
NOMINEES
· FILTHER (NORWAY) · SIMEN NYLAND
· THE BOOK OF LOVE (UK) · Anderson J West
· NON OBBEDIRE (Italy) · Alessandro D’Onghia
· NOWHERE TO GO (USA) · Julie Pacino
· BACK STORY (USA) · Seth Reuben Jacobson
· A CURIOUS WOMAN (USA) · Kelby Thwaits
· OUT OF THE WALLS (USA) · Debi Yazbeck
· STUCK IN MUSKOGEE (USA) · PJ Sosko
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST MICRO-SHORT FILM
WINNER
· WHAT DO WE DO? (USA) · Roderick Fenske
· DISTORTED REALITY (Canada) · Christine Sawka Fraser
· GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (USA) · Jeffrey Carl Woodson
· A CONVERSATION (USA) · Jacob Archer
· FRANZ’S MEMORY (USA) · Jose Flores
· DEAR HUMMINGBIRD (Australia) · Jobin Kuruvilla George
· WARBABIES (USA) · Lan Deal
NOMINEES
· CAT EATS BIRD (NORWAY) · GARD LØKKE
BEST STUDENT FILM
WINNER
· THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US
(Russian Federation) · Natalia Ashurovskaya
· HAPPY WIFE (USA) · Grace Stromatt
· VIOLET (Australia) · Derek Yang
· CRAZY FOR YOU (UK) · Tommy Green
· I HAVE A BOYFRIEND (Australia) · Derek Yang
· FACE THE MUSIC (Australia) · Shannon Watts
· THE HAND OF DARKNESS (USA) · Rowan Kelley
· CAPTURADA (USA) · Isabela Paiao, Ryan Rivera, Sophie Gould
NOMINEES
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · YUTONG CAO
· SEDONA (Argentina) · Julia Canale
· THE SOJOURN OF CAROLYN TOWNSEND (USA) · Chris Denny
· CAMP DOUGLAS FIR (USA) · Violet Dempsey
· THE FIRST THANKSGIVING (USA) · Bree K. Jones
· WAKING CONUNDRUM (Canada) · Dale Loon, Alyssa-Rose Hunter
· QUEEN BREE (Canada) · Christine Sawka Fraser
· OZ DOESN'T EXIST (Australia, UK) · Mikel Capriano, Callum Chiplin (Lurcher Films)
· STARCROSSED (USA) · Shealagh Brower
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM
WINNER
· CAT EATS BIRD (Norway) · Gard Løkke
· TERROR TUNNELS (UK) · Antony Crossfield
· ZONEN (Sweden) · Nina Jeppsson
· PIC PIC (Canada) · Carol-Ann Belzil-Normand
· LES COFFRETS / PREMIUM (UK) · Mark C. Hewitt, Matt Parsons
· SONGS OF THE CHAMBERMAIDS (UK) · Mark C. Hewitt
· DYNAMICS (Netherlands) · Teo Baehler
· FRATRES (USA) · David Moss
NOMINEES
· THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US (RUSSIAN FEDERATION) · NATALIA ASHUROVSKAYA
· ENFOLD (USA) · Steve Socki
· BEING THING (Germany) · Helen Hines
· A CURIOUS WOMAN (USA) · Kelby Thwaits
· ERRATA IN BLUE (Netherlands) · Karin Balog
· LES TROIS POUCES "THE THREE INCHES" (USA) · Craig Trumbo
· SKIES OVER GROUND ZERO ONE (USA) · Bryan Hamilton Chadwick
· JANUS EFFECT (USA) · Debra Zarne
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST DIRECTING
WINNER
· IN THE VALLEY: A COSMIC QUEER ABDUCTION (USA) · Adam Van Dyke
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (Italy) · Jacopo Marchini
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (Czech Republic) · David Jarab
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
· THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US
(Russian Federation) · Natalia Ashurovskaya
· KRUZ' (USA) · Loic Zimmermann
· GUNNER (USA) · Dimitri Logothetis
NOMINEES
· FILTHER (NORWAY) · SIMEN NYLAND
· CAT EATS BIRD (Norway) · Gard Løkke
· OTTA "THE LONER" (India) · Resul Pookutty
· SIERRA'S GOLD (South Africa) · Adze Ugah
· DICK BUNNY (USA) · Katie Locke O'Brien
· AWAY FROM THE SHORE (Bulgaria) · Kostadin Bonev
· ROSES ARE BLIND (USA) · Gui Agustini
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST EMERGING DIRECTOR
WINNER
· FILTHER (Norway) · Simen Nyland
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
· SHOES AND SIGNPOST (Japan) · Takahiro Yamaguchi
· THE SOOTHSAYER (UK) · Nick Sneath
NOMINEES
· IN THE VALLEY: A COSMIC QUEER ABDUCTION (USA) · ADAM VAN DYKE
· I THINK ABOUT YOU, THE LAST TIME WE WERE TOGETHER,
YOU SMOKE CIGARETTES TOO (Thailand) · Taviras Amatyakul
· TRIAL 54 (USA) · Davis Rohrer
· YOU'RE IT (USA) · Alexander J Callens
· BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN (USA) · Cooper Miller
· BACK STORY (USA) · Seth Reuben Jacobson
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST DIRECTORIAL DEBUT
WINNER
· PHOENIX INCIDENT (USA) · Keith Arem
· UM AMIGO NA NOITE "A FRIEND IN THE NIGHT"
(Brazil) · Vinicius de Castro Gomes, Filipe Coelho
· RED TRIANGLE (Ukraine) · Maks Stupak
· MIDNIGHT GIRL (USA) · Kerri Randles
· FACE THE MUSIC (Australia) · Shannon Watts
· BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN (USA) · Cooper Miller
NOMINEES
· MONKEY BEACH (CANADA) · LORETTA SARAH TODD
· WARBABIES (USA) · Lan Deal
· OZ DOESN'T EXIST (Australia, UK) · Mikel Capriano, Callum Chiplin (Lurcher Films)
· INTO THE DIM LIGHTS (Canada) · David Rodgers
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
WINNER
· FILTHER (Norway) · Simen Nyland
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (Italy) · Jacopo Marchini
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (Czech Republic) · David Jarab
· OTTA "THE LONER" (India) · Resul Pookutty
NOMINEES
· SHOES AND SIGNPOST (JAPAN) · TAKAHIRO YAMAGUCHI
· MONKEY BEACH (Canada) · Loretta Sarah Todd
· BOREALIS (Portugal) · Jo Monteiro
· KLOVNER (Norway) · Jon Tengs Engebretsen
· DICK BUNNY (USA) · Katie Locke O'Brien
· 12 (USA) · Lawrence Bridges
· ROSES ARE BLIND (USA) · Gui Agustini
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
WINNER
· GUNNER (USA) · Dimitri Logothetis
· FILTHER (Norway) · Simen Nyland
· AUTODROM (Austria) · Manuel Hüttner
· IN THE VALLEY: A COSMIC QUEER ABDUCTION (USA) · Adam Van Dyke
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (Italy) · Jacopo Marchini
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (Czech Republic) · David Jarab
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
NOMINEES
· KRUZ' (USA) · LOIC ZIMMERMANN
· THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US
(Russian Federation) · Natalia Ashurovskaya
· OTTA "THE LONER" (India) · Resul Pookutty
· CAT EATS BIRD (Norway) · Gard Løkke
· SHOES AND SIGNPOST (Japan) · Takahiro Yamaguchi
· TRIAL 54 (USA) · Davis Rohrer
· WARBABIES (USA) · Lan Deal
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
WINNER
· FILTHER (Norway) · Simen Nyland
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (Italy) · Jacopo Marchini
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (Czech Republic) · David Jarab
· OTTA "THE LONER" (India) · Resul Pookutty
NOMINEES
· SHOES AND SIGNPOST (JAPAN) · TAKAHIRO YAMAGUCHI
· MONKEY BEACH (Canada) · Loretta Sarah Todd
· BOREALIS (Portugal) · Jo Monteiro
· KLOVNER (Norway) · Jon Tengs Engebretsen
· DICK BUNNY (USA) · Katie Locke O'Brien
· 12 (USA) · Lawrence Bridges
· ROSES ARE BLIND (USA) · Gui Agustini
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST LEAD ACTOR
WINNER
· UM AMIGO NA NOITE "A FRIEND IN THE NIGHT" (Brazil) · Vinícius de Castro Gomes
· MALEVOLENT (Canada) · Harlan Guthrie
· SHOES AND SIGNPOST (Japan) · Hiroaki Kawatsure
· FACE THE MUSIC (Australia) · S.N. Watts
· DO YOU KNOW HIM? (Canada) · Jordan Clyde
NOMINEES
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (CZECH REPUBLIC) · STANISLAV MAJER
BEST LEAD ACTRESS
WINNER
· MONKEY BEACH (Canada) · Grace Dove
· SIERRA'S GOLD (South Africa) · Sihe-isipho Nontshokweni
· VIOLET (Australia) · Emily Marszalek
· MIDNIGHT GIRL (USA) · Mimi Mason
· MAJACK IN CANDY CUPID (USA) · Pratigya Paudel
NOMINEES
· HAPPY WIFE (USA) · GEROGIA BRIDGERS
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
WINNER
· SIERRA'S GOLD (South Africa) · Tiisetso Thiko
· GUNNER (USA) · Morgan Freeman
· VIOLET (Australia) · Maddox Valentin
· AWAY FROM THE SHORE (Bulgaria) · Stefan Valdobrev
· MENOS DO QUE A GENTE QUER LEVAR "LESS THAN WE WANT TO TAKE" (Brazil) · Jorge Neto
NOMINEES
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · SHANE P. ZHANG
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
WINNER
· SHOES AND SIGNPOST (Japan) · Anna Kawamura
· MIDNIGHT GIRL (USA) · Kerri Randles
· BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN (USA) · Samantha Girard
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (Italy) · Marta Cherni
NOMINEES
· THE BOOK OF LOVE (UK) · DOMENIQUE FRAGALE
BEST SOUND & FILM EDITING
WINNER
· GUNNER (USA) · Dimitri Logothetis
· KRUZ' (USA) · Loic Zimmermann
· THE SOOTHSAYER (UK) · Nick Sneath
· FILTHER (Norway) · Simen Nyland
· THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US
. Russian Federation) · Natalia Ashurovskaya
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (Czech Republic) · David Jarab
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
NOMINEES
· IN THE VALLEY: A COSMIC QUEER ABDUCTION (USA) · ADAM VAN DYKE
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (Italy) · Jacopo Marchini
· THE LAST GLACIERS: JOURNEY TO THE EXTREME
(Hong Kong) · Craig Leeson, Gregory Browne
· OTTA "THE LONER" (India) · Resul Pookutty
· AUTODROM (Austria) · Manuel Hüttner
· AWAY FROM THE SHORE (Bulgaria) · Kostadin Bonev
· LISTENING WITH FIRE (USA) · Kimberly Danek Pinkson
· A CURIOUS WOMAN (USA) · Kelby Thwaits
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
WINNER
· PHOENIX INCIDENT (USA) · Keith Arem
· THE SOOTHSAYER (UK) · Nick Sneath
· BEVERLY EVER AFTER (USA) · John Kestner
· THE BANSHEE GANG: RECIPE FOR MAGIC (Bulgaria) · Angel Georgiev
· THE PROSPECTOR (USA) · Wade Chitwood
NOMINEES
· FILTHER (NORWAY) · SIMEN NYLAND
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
WINNER
· MALEVOLENT (Canada) · Harlan Guthrie
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (Italy) · Jacopo Marchini
· FRATRES (USA) · David Moss
· THE GRAND BOOK (Netherlands) · Arjan Brentjes
· BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN (USA) · Cooper Miller
· DEADLY BLUE (UK) · Diana Cignoni
· ROSES ARE BLIND (USA) · Gui Agustini
NOMINEES
· FILTHER (NORWAY) · SIMEN NYLAND
BEST ART DIRECTION
WINNER
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
· THE SOOTHSAYER (UK) · Nick Sneath
· GUNNER (USA) · Dimitri Logothetis
· OTTA "THE LONER" (India) · Resul Pookutty
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (Czech Republic) · David Jarab
· MONKEY BEACH (Canada) · Loretta Sarah Todd
· AUTODROM (Austria) · Manuel Hüttner
NOMINEES
· FILTHER (NORWAY) · SIMEN NYLAND
· IN THE VALLEY: A COSMIC QUEER ABDUCTION (USA) · Adam Van Dyke
· THE BANSHEE GANG: RECIPE FOR MAGIC (Bulgaria) · Angel Georgiev
· DICK BUNNY (USA) · Katie Locke O'Brien
· TRIAL 54 (USA) · Davis Rohrer
· AWAY FROM THE SHORE (Bulgaria) · Kostadin Bonev
· THE LAST VIGIL (USA) · Vivekananda Kondapalli
· THE PROSPECTOR (USA) · Wade Chitwood
· TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES (USA) · Theresa Stone
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST DANCE OR POETIC FILM
WINNER
· CAT EATS BIRD (Norway) · Gard Løkke
· THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US
. Russian Federation) · Natalia Ashurovskaya
· PAST AND PRESENT (USA) · Zach Hagy
· ZONEN (Sweden) · Nina Jeppsson
· TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES (USA) · Theresa Stone
NOMINEES
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · YUTONG CAO
· THE OTHER WOMAN, ZIZI'S DREAM (Ireland) · Zizi Rincolisky
· SANDLINE (UK) · Christopher Lewis-Smith
· WAY STATION (Canada) · Sandra Vida
· ALL THAT IS KELP MELTS INTO ICE (USA) · Jaanika Peerna
· GREAT JOURNEY (Germany) · Jürgen Baums
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST ZERO/LOW-BUDGET FILM
WINNER
· UM AMIGO NA NOITE "A FRIEND IN THE NIGHT"
. Brazil) · Vinicius de Castro Gomes, Filipe Coelho
· THE FILTHY THREE (Germany) · Raphael Oettel
· AFFLUENZA (USA) · Justin Lundstrom
· TEARS OF FUTILITY (Canada) · Daniel Milligan
· IMMERSION (Switzerland) · Anaëlle Femme Morf
· MASTER LEONARD (USA) · T.B. Johnson
· DESTROY IMAGINATION (USA) · Chris Adam Abercrombie
· DOWN IN FLAMES (USA) · Vanessa Ellis
NOMINEES
· SIERRA'S GOLD (SOUTH AFRICA) · ADZE UGAH
· TRAIL TO THE RESERVOIR (USA) · Graham Abraham
· THE MEN OF MERCY (USA) · Anne Furlong
· THE PRIEST (USA) · Jeffrey Carl Woodson
· ORIGINE (France) · Frédéric Kuhn
· AN ORDINARY DAY? (UK) · Graham John Sessions
· THE JUSTICES (Japan) · Yahn Kawamoto
· FIRST VOICE (USA) · Mike J. Marin
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST DRAMA
WINNER
· HADÍ PLYN "SNAKE GAS" (Czech Republic) · David Jarab
· 随波 "THE ROWBOAT" (USA) · Yutong Cao
· OTTA "THE LONER" (India) · Resul Pookutty
· UM AMIGO NA NOITE "A FRIEND IN THE NIGHT"
. Brazil) · Vinicius de Castro Gomes, Filipe Coelho
· RED TRIANGLE (Ukraine) · Maks Stupak
· SHOES AND SIGNPOST (Japan) · Takahiro Yamaguchi
· MENTALLY CONFUSED (Germany) · Sophie Menacher
· UNSPOKEN BONDS (USA) · Andreina Aristeiguieta
NOMINEES
· I NOSTRI GIORNI "OUR DAYS" (ITALY) · JACOPO MARCHINI
· MIDNIGHT GIRL (USA) · Kerri Randles
· DEAR ERNIE (USA) · M.D. Walton
· MENOS DO QUE A GENTE QUER LEVAR "LESS THAN WE WANT TO TAKE"
(Brazil) · Matheus Parizi
· AMARGO SILENCIO (Panama) · Freddy D'Elia
· LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING (USA) · Karamell Jones
· ST PANCRAS SUNRISE (UK) · Maeve Murphy
· DO YOU KNOW HIM? (Canada) · Sylvia Stewart
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST COMEDY
WINNER
· WHAT DO WE DO? (USA) · Roderick Fenske
· A TEXAS TRILOGY (USA) · Robert Marshall Tartell
· PICKLEBALL WARS (USA) · Vivian Sorenson
· CAN'T LET IT GO (USA) · Roy Szuper
· THE KID (Finland, Spain) · Tamara Aalto
· FAMILY TRADITIONS (USA) · Jay Bogdanowitsch
· GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (USA) · Jeffrey Carl Woodson
· THE COMPOSITION OF AN OYSTER (USA) · Jon Campbell Rose
NOMINEES
· DICK BUNNY (USA) · KATIE LOCKE O'BRIEN
· ST. BARTS IS A HAPPENING PLACE (USA) · Suzanne Birrell
· WEDLOCKED (USA) · Debra Zarne
· MAJACK IN CANDY CUPID (USA) · Mark Janavel
· COLD FEET (New Zealand) · Connor Curlewis
· SOMEWHERE IN HOLLYWOOD (Switzerland) · Pat Pascale
· OUIJA MARRY ME? (USA) · Grace Stromatt
· MOORRIISS THE ROBOT (USA) · Wade Chitwood
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST ACTION, SCI-FI OR FANTASY
WINNER
· FILTHER (Norway) · Simen Nyland
· THE SOOTHSAYER (UK) · Nick Sneath
· PHOENIX INCIDENT (USA) · Keith Arem
· AUTODROM (Austria) · Manuel Hüttner
· NALVORA (Morocco) · Mehdi Saqi
· THE BANSHEE GANG: RECIPE FOR MAGIC (Bulgaria) · Angel Georgiev
· TRIAL 54 (USA) · Davis Rohrer
· OUT OF STOCK (UK) · Aksinja Bellone, Martino Spavento
NOMINEES
· GUNNER (USA) · DIMITRI LOGOTHETIS
· THE FORK IN THE ROAD (Australia) · Carolyn Jennifer Corkindale
· FIABEXIT (Italy) · Lorenzo Giovenga, Giuliano Giacomelli
· BEVERLY EVER AFTER (USA) · John Kestner
· THE PROSPECTOR (USA) · Wade Chitwood
· THE PRIEST (USA) · Jeffrey Carl Woodson
· NO TIME TO THINK (Switzerland) · Angelo Borer
· AVAMPOSTO 81 "OUTPOST 81" (Italy) · Sergio Sansone
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST HORROR OR THRILLER
WINNER
· KLOVNER (Norway) · Jon Tengs Engebretsen
· SIERRA'S GOLD (South Africa) · Adze Ugah
· RED TRIANGLE (Ukraine) · Maks Stupak
· LOSE IT (USA) · AJ Taylor, Maximilian Clark
· YOU'RE IT (USA) · Alexander J Callens
· THE LAST VIGIL (USA) · Vivekananda Kondapalli
· MINE-BLOODSHIFT (USA) · David Ruiz
· CREEPING OCCUPATION (Georgia) · Revaz-Giorgi Arveladze
NOMINEES
· IN THE VALLEY: A COSMIC QUEER ABDUCTION (USA) · ADAM VAN DYKE
· BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN (USA) · Cooper Miller
· DEADLY BLUE (UK) · Diana Cignoni
· SUMMER'S NIGHTMARE (Canada) · Eric Gorka Gambini
· FANGS (USA) · Alexander Grapes
· YOU'RE IT (USA) · Alexander J Callens
· FEAR, FORGET MY NAME (USA) · Alex Bram
· INTO THE DIM LIGHTS (Canada) · David Rodgers
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST EXPERIMENTAL AVANT-GARDE (CULT-QUALITY FILM)
WINNER
· ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERGROUND (UK) · Tipu Sultan
· THIS IS THIS (UK) · Keith Sargent
· DEATH WITCH (USA) · Ryan Policky
· ZOMBIE JESUS VAMPIRE HUNTER (USA) · Gustavo Aviles
· CRISPS AND ZOMBIES (UK) · Katherine J Shannon
· HUNTER (USA) · Jason Cross
· OF ROBOTS AND REDNECKS (USA) · Kevin Scott Davis
· MYSTERIOUS MOMENTS WITH MILLIE MALLORY (USA) · Mysti Smith
NOMINEES
· KLOVNER (NORWAY) · JON TENGS ENGEBRETSEN
· MARKER 187 (USA) · Chaz Fatur
· TEORÍ (Turkey) · Aydoğan Rayman
· WALKING THROUGH THE PARK (Italy) · Monica Ravalico
· THE WORLD IS FAR TOO MUCH (UK) · Alex Perry
· DA BULLS - RENATES LAST JOURNEY (Germany) · Sepp Klein
· RELATIVITY REDUX (USA) · Ramona L. Taylor
· KARKAS HÉROES DE ANTAÑO (Spain) · Jerónimo Cabrera
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST ANIMATION
WINNER
· THE GRAND BOOK (Netherlands) · Arjan Brentjes
· A SOLID FUTURE (Spain) · Aitor Saizarbitoria
· HIS AND HERS (Canada) · Natalie Turcotte
· MOMENTOS INOLVIDABLES (Mexico) · Dan Hernández
· INTERNAL EMBERS (USA) · Alec Tufenkjian
NOMINEES
· THE LEGEND OF KING NIBBLES (USA) · ALISON CHANG, TOPRAK BEKIROGLU
· PITY PATHOS (Philippines) · Rory Esguerra
· THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SCHRODINGER’S CAT:
A QUANTUM TALE OF LOVE AND ENTANGLEMENT (USA) · Ron Noble
· TRANSCENDED (USA) · Drew Tank Garrett
· PANOPTICO (USA) · Jonathan Henry
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST CHARACTER DESIGN
WINNER
· FILTHER (Norway) · Simen Nyland
· MOMENTOS INOLVIDABLES (Mexico) · Dan Hernández
· A SOLID FUTURE (Spain) · Aitor Saizarbitoria
· FOUNDLING (USA) · Nina Podlesnyak
· DAUGHTER (USA) · Jason Cross
· MOORRIISS THE ROBOT (USA) · Wade Chitwood
NOMINEES
· THE LEGEND OF KING NIBBLES (USA) · ALISON CHANG, TOPRAK BEKIROGLU
BEST CREATED ENVIRONMENT
WINNER
· THE LEGEND OF KING NIBBLES (USA) · Alison Chang, Toprak Bekiroglu
· TERROR TUNNELS (UK) · Antony Crossfield
· THE GRAND BOOK (Netherlands) · Arjan Brentjes
· FOUNDLING (USA) · Nina Podlesnyak
NOMINEES
· FILTHER (NORWAY) · SIMEN NYLAND
· SEA YA (USA) · Yani Sun
· BIG DATA (USA) · Linda Robinson
· QUANTUM MAZE (USA) · Jie Zhang
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST ORIGINAL ANIMATION STYLE
WINNER
· MOMENTOS INOLVIDABLES (Mexico) · Dan Hernández
· HIS AND HERS (Canada) · Natalie Turcotte
· Y'A BON? (France) · Marc Faye
· L'OR OU LA VIE "GOLD OR LIFE" (France) · Gladys Vantard
NOMINEES
· THE GRAND BOOK (NETHERLANDS) · ARJAN BRENTJES
· THE STORY OF DOG (Greece) · Konstantinos Mousoulis
· QUELQUES PLANCHES (Belgium) · Marijke De Belie
· PLANE STALKER (UK) · Andrew Spinks
· THE POINT OF CIRCLES: VISIONS OF EXPERIENCE (UK) · Andrew Spinks
· EL LIBRO EN EL CAMPO "THE BOOK IN THE FIELD" (USA) · Richard Fertell
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
WINNER
· THE LAST GLACIERS: JOURNEY TO THE EXTREME (Hong Kong) · Craig Leeson, Gregory Browne
· AUTOUR DE LUCIO (France) · Etienne Barrier, Pierre-Alain Delisse
· AHAB WAS HERE: REFLECTIONS ON MOBY DICK (Bulgaria) · Todor "Tosh" Lichev
· BEDOUINS OF THE WIND (United Arab Emirates) · Danish Farhan
NOMINEES
· SYSTEM CHANGE: A STORY OF GROWING RESISTANCE (GERMANY) · KLAUS SPARWASSER
BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
WINNER
· TEYUNA: LOST CITY (UK) · Stuart Fortune
· UNTITLED SKATES (South Africa) · Koketso Matabane
· UPSTATE PURGATORY (UK) · Lee Phillips
· LIFE WITHOUT A HEARTBEAT (Germany) · Wolfgang Christoph Schmiedt
NOMINEES
· JUMPMAN (USA) · TOM DEY
· WELCOME TO VIETNAM: WHERE CORPORATE BRANDING MEETS LIVE EVENTS
(USA) · Brett Langolf, Andrew Jowett
· THE BALLET OF DYSLEXICS ON DYSLEXIA (USA) · Celine Rose GRUENBERG
· TARGETING BEAUTY (USA) · William Donaruma
· KAZBEGI (Slovakia) · Yakiv Antypenko
· BÉSAME MUCHO & THE EAST SIDE GALLERY BERLIN (Germany) · Gilbert Brüning
· HISTORIC RAILROAD TOWN (USA) · Timothy W. Webb
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST FILM ESSAY
WINNER
· 7 YEARS ART FROM BERLIN "BRÜCKENKUNST" (Germany) · Gilbert Brüning
· LISTENING WITH FIRE (USA) · Kimberly Danek Pinkson
· HOPLOVE: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOP YEAR AT LAKE CONSTANCE
(Germany) · Sebastian Bauer
· ALL SHORT FILMS ABOUT THE WORK & THE EXHIBITIONS OF
. BRÜCKENKUNST" FROM 2014 TO 2019: A GROUP OF UNRECOGNIZED
ARTISTS IN BERLIN (Germany) · Gilbert Brüning
· THE LIBRARY OF ALL POSSIBLE THINGS (Argentina) · Ana Fraile,
Lucas Scavino
· LE VOLCAN ET LE BÉBÉ (Switzerland) · Danielle Jaeggi
· TALKING TO A SURVIVOR (Austria) · Milena Olip
NOMINEES
· THE CITY WAS SLEEPING AND DREAMING OF US (RUSSIAN FEDERATION) · NATALIA ASHUROVSKAYA
· BEDOUINS OF THE WIND (United Arab Emirates) · Danish Farhan
· DIS-CONNECTION (Canada) · Richard El Asmar
· MORE THAN A TEST: THE RISE OF THE UNSILENCED MOVEMENT (USA) · Shelby Smith
· ACCIDENTAL TRUTH: UFO REVELATIONS (USA) · Ron James
· IT’S TIME (USA) · Peter Rodger
· A BEAUTY I CANNOT CAPTURE (UK) · Lior Locher
· CAPPADONNA'S THAT'S MY WORD! INCARCERATION:
HOW TO STAY ALIVE & FREE (USA) · Reginald Baskerville
· ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND LIONS (Mexico) · Oliver Lionheart
· VOICES FROM KAW THOO LEI (USA) · Martha Gorzycki
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST PERFORMATIVE OR CHARACTER-DRIVEN DOCUMENTARY
WINNER
· AUTOUR DE LUCIO (France) · Etienne Barrier, Pierre-Alain Delisse
· A DOG'S LIFE (Germany) · Philipp Hampl
· THE SKIDS REVOLUTION (UK) · Laura Graham, Colin J Graham
· LA SANTA DI BROOKLYN (Italy) · Ulisse Lendaro
· THE PRATT IN THE HAT (USA) · Susan Hillary
· DELUDED - THE MAKING OF 'FAR FROM NOWHERE'
(UK) · Alec Bowman Clarke
· WORDS THAT SING (USA) · Barbara Sharon Wiener
NOMINEES
· AHAB WAS HERE: REFLECTIONS ON MOBY DICK (BULGARIA) · TODOR "TOSH" LICHEV
· DON'T GAMBLE YOUR LIFE AWAY (Italy) · Michela Sartori
· LIFE RITUALS (USA) · Denise M McQueen
· JUST A PLOUGHBOY (Canada) · Gina Payzant
· KEV FRANZI - WORKS 80 YEARS IN THE FILM INDUSTRY (Australia) · Dianne Mary Lang
· THE EVENTOLOGIST (USA) · Oscar de Jesus Yema
· ¡VICTORIA PARA EL TEATRO PUERTORRIQUEÑO! (Puerto Rico) · Iván Nieves
· THE CHAINSAW MADONNA IN CANADA (Sweden) · Ann-Charlotte Ulrika Boholm Wall
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST NEW MEDIA AND/OR EPISODIC SERIES
WINNER
· MALEVOLENT (Canada) · Harlan Guthrie
· NALVORA (Morocco) · Mehdi Saqi
· THE SOOTHSAYER (UK) · Nick Sneath
· HOW IT ENDS (USA) · Micah Rodriguez, Stephanie Resendes
· DICK BUNNY (USA) · Katie Locke O'Brien
· DR. APPLES PODCAST (USA) · Lacye A. Brown
· MAJOR LEAGUE STRIPPER 'THE CHOICE' (USA) · Bob Brill
· #NONFARIDERE "#ITSNOTFUNNY" (Italy) · Mario Massaro
NOMINEES
· MAN IN THE MOUNTAIN (USA) · DENNIS TROMBLY
· GOBBLE - GOBBLE (Portugal) · Claudio Almeida
· TURTLETASTIC? (USA) · Rae Leonovich
· RIGHT ON LA! WITH RUBY LOVELL (USA) · Ruby Lovell
· CAGNEY AND HOOCH (USA) · John Altobello III
· THE BOUNTY HUNTER (Argentina) · Ion Kion
· IN SEARCH OF A P-I-G (USA) · Keith Edward Szarabajka, Tony Pasqualini,
Laura Stribling, Chuma Gault, Jack Szarabajka, Kazu Takeda
· BRADLEY'S JOURNEY (UK) · Callum Jon Bagshaw
· THE LAST SUNRISE (USA) · Blu de Golyer
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
WINNER
· NICE SHOES (USA) · Jonathan Lawrence, Tommy Mack
· JIM'S PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL - BACK ON DRUGS
(Canada) · Dom Llanos, Sammy Lewis
· MAMA SAID (UK) · Aksinja Bellone, Martino Spavento
· WALK INTO THE WATER (USA) · Aric Johnson
· TOPNOVIL - NOBODY'S FOOL (Australia) · Adam Jordan
· PERFECT EASE OF MIND - THE LUCKY COUPLE (Switzerland) · Jan Graber,
Alexandra Carambellas
· FILTER: BLONDIES PIZZA (Canada) · Lauralee Sheehan
NOMINEES
· AMMO 'HARM' (USA) · ADRIAN PRUETT
· NUSE - SCOUNDREL (USA) · Thomas Baldinger
· KRUPA & SUNSARA FT. RICCARDO LEARDINI - LEAVE MY HEAD ALONE
(Poland) · Grażyna Gudejko
· AGENTS OF PROJECT BLUE BOOK / WRESTLING WITH SURVIVAL
(USA) · Kevin Scott Davis
· FULL MOON MIST (USA) · Grayhawk David Gibney
· J'AIME PAS MA MÈRE "I DON'T LOVE MY MOTHER" (France) · Gerard Cuq
· NUSE - SWEPT AWAY (USA) · Tom Baldinger
· OH ALIENS (USA) · Ron James
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
WINNER
· AMMO 'HARM' (USA) · Adrian Pruett
· JIM'S PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL - BACK ON DRUGS
(Canada) · Dom Llanos, Sammy Lewis
· MOMENTOS INOLVIDABLES (Mexico) · Dan Hernández
· WALK INTO THE WATER (USA) · Aric Johnson
NOMINEES
· F BOY TONY - MAMA SAID (UK) · AKSINJA BELLONE, MARTINO SPAVENTO
· YOU'RE A HALO (USA) · Debra Gussin
· ST PANCRAS SUNRISE (UK) · Maeve Murphy
· MERCY ME (USA) · Steve Schuster
· THE AGE OF ALTERNATIVE FACTS (USA) · Daniel McLaughlin
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY
WINNER
· HER PLACE (USA) · John T. Frederick
· THE VENUSIAN CHRONICLES (USA) · Lynn Vincentnathan
· THE GHOSTS OF WELLINGTON X3757 (UK) · Nicola Gaughan
· 10 REASONS WHY I'M A BAD IDEA (USA) · Sam Speron
NOMINEES
· THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN (USA) · DENNIS O'FLYNG
· ISCHAEMIC (Australia) · Andrew John Cahill-Lloyd
· GAMBIA UNTITLED (USA) · Xochi Blymyer
· SOUTH OF GOOD (USA) · Randall Reneau
· BLUE IDAHO (Belgium) · Noah Zayn Mortier
· 86 DEAN FOX (Belgium) · Noah Zayn Mortier
· THREE TREES (USA) · Dennis Garber
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY
WINNER
· DIARY OF HEATHER KEATING (USA) · Kerri Randles, Bonnie Root
· THE WARDEN (USA) · Korea Black, Gianna Rose
· TERATOMA (UK) · Kay Adshead
· MAGNIFICENCE & STONE (USA) · Michael Angel Johnson
NOMINEES
· THE BOOTS (USA) · RUBY LOVELL, JASKARAN BAHIA
· WHISPERS IN THE WALLS (Canada) · Ioannis Koutroubis
· THE CHRONICLES OF A RETIRED HITMAN (USA) · Hunter Freedom
· TIME (USA) · Mario Telles
· NOT AN EXIT (USA) · Sid Kramer
· THE BLACK CROSS (USA) · Korea Black
SEMI-FINALISTS
BEST TV SCRIPT
WINNER
· LOVE, MARY TODD (USA) · Bixby Elliot
· MIKE GOES FISHING (USA) · Wayne Gibson
· BLACK TEAL (Belgium) · Noah Zayn Mortier
· MUCH ADO ABOUT FAMILY AFFAIRS (USA) · Olivia Green
NOMINEES
· I/O (INPUT-OUTPUT) (USA) · MOLLY VERNON
· CORPORATE AMERICA (USA) · Travis Lee Davidson
· JAZLYN'S SIGHT (USA) · Debi Yazbeck
· WOMEN OF STEEL: GRACIE'S STORY (USA) · Cheryl Bookout
· WHO TAKES THE W(R)AP (USA) · Carla Boone
· MY LADY GARDEN (UK) · Sally Llewellyn
SEMI-FINALISTS
OUTSTANDING DRAMATIC ACHIEVEMENT
WINNER
· ON THE RECORD (USA) · Adam Goudchaux
· THE SIXTH SUN (USA) · Matthew Karram
· GARBAGE REX (UK) · Steve Hunyi
· CHILD OF DAWN (USA) · Leslie Anne Lee
NOMINEES
· LAST STOP TOKYO (USA) · NANCEE LAFAYETTE-PANG
· THE BEST ME (USA) · Lynnette Woolery
· THE LAST SUNRISE (USA) · Blu de Golyer
· WHERE THE SUN DON'T SHINE (USA) · Wayne Gibson
· SEMICOLON LIFE GOES ON (USA) · Andreina Aristeiguieta
· PIPE DREAMS (USA) · Jack Sherry
SEMI-FINALISTS
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL CONCEPT
WINNER
· THE PRINCE OF THE AIR (USA) · Dennis Garber
· SHE CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (USA) · Tom Jenkins
· BLOOD RUNES (Norway) · Jonny Bjørkhaug
· POSSUM MAN (USA) · Eddie Yaroch
· TEMPLIN HIGHWAY (USA) · William Prosser
NOMINEES
· PESTICIDE (USA) · CASEY LEARY
· BAD TRIP (USA) · Anthony Ford
· G.I.A. (USA) · Joe Boi
· NEVER SAY NEVER (Australia) · Stephen Karnaghan
· THE RED ZONE (USA) · Terry Luke Podnar
· OUTER (USA) · Joe Boi
· DIARY AFTER DEATH (USA) · Nadine Weathersby
· SHOULD I DIE BEFORE I WAKE... (USA) · Nicholas Zingarelli
SEMI-FINALISTS
ACCESS
INTELLIGENCE
AREA51
UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
4.10.25
VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL
FILM AWARDS CONTEST
IMDB QUALIFIER
COLLABORATORS
The AREA51 Cinematic Division is tasked
with the identification, evaluation, and
recognition of covert cinematic operations
conducted by emerging auteurs. Our
primary objective is to expedite the
acknowledgment of exceptional
audiovisual transmissions that have yet to
infiltrate mainstream channels.
AREA51
2025 UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
JURY PANEL
Dylan Taylor is a seasoned Music Producer and Sound Designer with a proven track record of creating compelling compositions and enhancing audio quality within the music industry. His expertise in trend analysis and creative direction in sound makes him an invaluable asset to our film festival jury.
DYLAN TAYLOR
FILM SOUNDTRACK SPECIALIST
Gianna Brown is an acclaimed screenwriter and director with a MFA in Screenwriting, known for her dynamic storytelling and leadership in producing original content. Her extensive experience in mentoring and media production education makes her a profound contributor to our film festival jury.
GIANNA BROWN
VISIONARY SCREENWRITER & DIRECTOR
Danielle Shapira stands out as a transformative video director and creative producer, celebrated for her compelling video content for top-tier brands and her creative leadership at Condé Nast. Her expertise in brand storytelling and talent for pioneering successful marketing campaigns make her an asset to our film festival jury.
DANIELLE SHAPIRA
INNOVATIVE VIDEO DIRECTOR
Drew Rosenfeld shines as an accomplished Exec VP and multi-media specialist with a prolific 25-year career in entertainment, covering TV, film, and music, known for steering innovative content development across multiple platforms. His adept leadership in global broadcast licensing and production, coupled with a rich background in music, positions him as an industry luminary.
DREW ROSENFELD
STRATEGIC EXEC VP & MULTI-MEDIA MAESTRO
Michael B. Sieve is an acclaimed screenwriter with a talent for crafting impactful narratives across genres, garnering over 90 film writing awards. His expertise in script consultation and development is sought after in the film industry, reflecting a career highlighted by compelling storytelling and recognition from top film entities.
M B SIEVE
SCREENPLAY VIRTUOSO & STORY CONSULTANT
Jason Young is a distinguished Director of Photography and Photographer, known for his skill in creating powerful visual narratives. His work, marked by a blend of technical mastery and creative insight, spans from leading roles at top firms to a dynamic freelance career, solidifying his status as a cinematic innovator.
JASON YOUNG
VISIONARY DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Grant Livingstone, esteemed Creative Director, excels in delivering impactful storytelling and visual narratives. Educated at Seattle Central College, his work with META, Contrast Films, and clients like Nordstrom and Vogue showcases his ability to direct with a compelling creative vision.
GRANT LIVINGSTONE
VISIONARY CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Farrell Roth is an Emmy-nominated TV Field Producer and Unscripted Director with significant experience at E! News and roles on shows like "Entertainment Tonight" and "Extra." As a Film Podcaster and On-Camera Host, she shines in team management and celebrity interviews. Based in Los Angeles, her work spans the Tribeca Film Festival to MTV, highlighting her media industry impact.
FARRELL ROTH
EMMY-NOMINATED TV PRODUCTION MAESTRO
The AREA51 Cinematic Division is tasked with the identification,
evaluation, and recognition of covert cinematic operations
conducted by emerging auteurs. Our primary objective is to expedite
the acknowledgment of exceptional audiovisual transmissions that
have yet to infiltrate mainstream channels.
The AREA51 review board seeks audiovisual communications and
narrative blueprints that exhibit the following characteristics:
Deployment of avant-garde storytelling methodologies
Evidence of visionary cognitive processes
Exploration of restricted thematic terrain
Novel interpretations of societal phenomena
Resourceful utilization of limited tactical assets
Our panel of experts prioritizes originality, psychological impact, and
the capacity to instigate cognitive recalibration among viewers. We
encourage the submission of materials deemed too unconventional
for standard evaluation protocols.
NOTE: THIS COMMUNICATION IS CONSIDERED
UN-CLASSIFIED AND APPROVED FOR PUBLIC DISSEMINATION.
DISTRIBUTION TO ALL POTENTIAL OPERATIVES IS ENCOURAGED.
The designation "AREA51" was selected due to its association with
clandestine innovations and classified information. Much like its
namesake, this division serves as a secure facility for ideas and
techniques that challenge established norms in visual storytelling.
AREA51 Cinematic Division issues the following directives to all field
operatives:
Engage in high-risk, high-reward creative maneuvers
Infiltrate restricted subject matters and illuminate obscured
truths
Conduct experiments with narrative architecture and visual
cryptography
Produce artifacts capable of reconfiguring public consciousness
Expand the parameters of cinematic possibility
Be advised: AREA51 is not merely a testing ground. It is a top-secret
initiative designed to revolutionize the landscape of independent
cinema.
ABOUT
AWARDS LIST
LIVE-ACTION NARRATIVE
FILM - MAIN COMPETITION:
Best Picture
Best Feature Film
Best Film (Medium-Length)
Best Short Film
Best Micro-Short Film
Best Student Film
Best Experimental Film
Best Mood Film (Dance or Poetic)
Best Transgressive Film
Best Queer Drama
Best Zero/Low-Budget Film
TECHNICAL AWARDS or INDIVIDUAL MERIT:
Best Directing
Best Emerging Director
Best Directorial Debut
Best Young Filmmaker (16-25)
Best Original Screenplay
Best Original Concept
Best Cinematography
Best Lead Actor
Best Lead Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Sound & Film Editing
Best Visual Effects
Best Original Score
Best Art Direction
Best Makeup & SFX
NARRATIVE FILM - GENRE COMPETITION:
Best Drama
Best Comedy or Musical
Best Action, Sci-Fi or Fantasy
Best Horror or Thriller
ANIMATION & VFX COMPETITION:
Best Animated Film
Best Character Design
Best Created Environment
Best Original Animation Style
Best 2D Animation
Best Student Animation
Best CGI & Visual Effects
DOCUMENTARY FILM COMPETITION:
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Documentary
Best Student Documentary
Best Film Essay
Best Documentary Directing
Best Documentary Cinematography
Best Documentary Editing & Sound
Best Nature Documentary
TV & NEW MEDIA COMPETITION:
Best Series or Pilot Episode
Best New Media
Best Filmed Theatre
Best Fashion Film
Best Fan Film
Best Mobile Film
Best Commercial/Ad Film
Best Original Podcast
Best Film Trailer
Best Film Poster
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION:
Best Music Video
Best Experimental Music Video
Best Original Song
Best Music Video or Commercial Directing
Best MV or Commercial Cinematography
Best Music Video Artist
Best Music Video Montage Editing
Best Music Video or Commercial Scenography
SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
(WRITTEN/UNPRODUCED):
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay
Best TV Script
Best Drama
Best Queer Drama
Best Romantic Drama
Best Comedy or Musical
Best Family Adventure
Best Action Drama
Best Horror
Best Psychological Thriller
Best Semi-Professional Screenplay
RULES FOR COMPETING
Why Compete at AREA51 FilmFest?
Competing at the AREA51 FilmFest offers numerous benefits to
filmmakers and artists aspiring to make their mark in the industry:
1. Regular Competitions:
- With three contests held annually, AREA51 provides continual
opportunities for new talent to emerge and be recognized, fostering a
dynamic environment that celebrates cinematic innovations all year
round.
2. IMDb Qualifier:
- As an IMDb-qualifier, our contest ensures that winners and selected
entrants gain valuable exposure and credibility, which are critical for
advancing careers in the competitive film industry. This affiliation not
only enhances your project's visibility but also significantly boosts
your professional profile.
3. Reputation and Prestige:
- The laurels awarded by AREA51 are recognized symbols of quality
and achievement within the international film community. Winning or
being nominated at AREA51 can substantially enhance the reputation
of the filmmakers and the films themselves, marking them as
distinguished entries in the global cinematic landscape.
4. Career Advancement:
- Achievements at AREA51 can profoundly impact your professional
trajectory. These accolades open doors to further opportunities in
filmmaking.
6. Online Festival Dynamic:
- AREA51 is an exclusively online film contest that operates with a
unique structure featuring three classification periods throughout
the year. This model allows for multiple entries and flexible
participation, culminating in a Results Day where category winners
are announced, celebrating a wide array of filmmaking excellence.
7. Secure and Exclusive Streaming Opportunity:
- While AREA51 does not typically stream films, selected Best Picture
winners may be showcased during a designated short window, under
strict conditions to ensure copyright integrity and secure viewing,
which includes encryption and robust anti-piracy measures such as
geoblocking and digital rights management (DRM).
By competing at AREA51, you not only strive to excel in a competitive
environment but also gain the opportunity to present your work on a
prestigious, international platform that honors the art of film and the
profound impact of visual storytelling.
Additional Guidelines and Policies...
1. Use of Stills and Clip Fragments:
- You allow us to use stills and short clips from your projects on our
digital platforms for promotional, non-commercial, and educational
purposes, affirming that all necessary rights are cleared worldwide.
2. Downloading for Jury Review:
- Permission is granted to the Festival Director and Jury to download
your projects to assist with offline viewing and adjudication,
underlining the festival's commitment to comprehensive and fair
evaluation.
3. No Refunds and Commitment to Sportsmanship:
- Entry fees are non-refundable, and participants are expected to
uphold respect and sportsmanship throughout the competition
process.
4. Singular Fee, Multiple Categories:
- A one-time fee ensures your project is evaluated across all
applicable festival categories, maximizing your potential for
recognition and awards.
5. Submission Integrity and Restrictions:
- Each submission must adhere to the festival's guidelines, and once
a project has been submitted to a particular edition, it cannot be re-
submitted in subsequent editions unless significantly altered.
6. Opt-Out and Privacy Policy:
- Entrants agree to be added to our mailing list for further
communication and promotion, you agree for our partner festivals to
send you direct discount offers and promotions, with rights reserved
to unsubscribe or opt-out at any time, ensuring respect for
participant privacy and data protection.
These terms and conditions underscore AREA51 FilmFest's
dedication to fairness, integrity, and the celebration of cinematic
artistry, providing a robust platform for filmmakers globally to
showcase their creative prowess.
INSCRIBE YOUR PROJECT AND COMPETE
©2023 AREA51 FilmFest