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Award winners 2026

                       

Feature documentary

Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution – Bill Haney

Cracking the Code, narrated by Mark Ruffalo, is an inspiring story of vision, perseverance, and the power of science to change the world. Phil Sharp’s journey from a Kentucky farm boy to Nobel laureate embodies the American Dream and the triumph of entrepreneurial spirit. His 1977 groundbreaking discovery of RNA splicing rewrote the rules of molecular biology and ignited a life-saving scientific revolution, laying the foundation for an industry that has become a cornerstone of global innovation and economic growth – and transformed the health of billions of patients worldwide.

Feature film

The Deconstruction of Retta Blom – Pieter Grobbelaar

Retta Blom has the perfect life. Or so it seems. A loving husband, a son, her beloved dog and a dream house in a leafy Johannesburg suburb. When her perfectionist eye spots a tiny crack in the varnish of her flawless life, doubt seeps in. She starts investigating. Perhaps her husband, Tobias, isn’t all he pretends to be. Has he been hiding a dark secret from her all these years? When she joins her madcap friend, Leigh, on a road trip to Cape Town, the puzzle pieces start falling into place one by one. And with each new piece, Retta falls apart a little more. She deconstructs until she is left with only her essence, and the knowledge of what makes her truly happy.

International animation

In Half – Jorge Morais Valle

Through a child's imagination it tells the journey of a man who after falling prey to his fears, he must cross a strange world, a universe full of magic, where he will be confronted with his own fears and conflicts from the past and where he must find solutions for the future to discover his self-identity.

International documentary short

UKRAINE UNDER FIRE | A Film About War & Resilience – Jordan Campbell

UKRAINE UNDER FIRE is a film about Ukrainian resilience during a time of war. The story follows Olga Butko, a Ukrainian television news presenter and Jordan Campbell's experience as an American journalist covering the conflict. With the war escalating every day, the duo collaborate on a series of interviews, chronicling aspects of resistance, war crimes and acts of genocide. More broadly, the film speaks to Ukraine’s quest for freedom, democracy and European integration, amidst the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II.

International short

Lebedynske – Artur Kedzierski

Svitlyachok orphanage, Ukraine, 2000. Kairo (8) and Stanislas (12) meet and form an unbreakable bond through shared adventures and secrets, until one small mishap changes everything.

Music video

Looking for You – Christian Scharfenberg

Shemp, the main character of 2021’s wonderful ‘Shots of Light’ returns to the screen as an intergalactic hero, on the search for their soulmate. In ‘Looking for You’, Shemp is tasked with rescuing Cardboardia... and makes the discovery of a lifetime!

National animation short

Lange Wapper – Roel Soetewey

“Lange Wapper” is a six-minute animated short based on the old Antwerp legend. The film reimagines the iconic trickster figure to tell a new story, exploring how folklore evolves and remains relevant today, through a stylized 3D animation.

National documentary short

The Banned – Haman Vaferi

Haman, a musician whose works have been repeatedly censored, embarks on a personal and artistic journey to uncover the deeper implications of artistic suppression. Rather than remaining in exile, he returns to his homeland, where he engages in raw, unfiltered dialogues with other artists who have faced similar restrictions. Through archival footage, live performances, and firsthand testimonies, the film explores not only the external forces that silence artists but also the internal struggles they endure. Is censorship merely a political act, or does it embed itself into the psyche of those it targets? The Banned is an unflinching documentary that exposes the hidden mechanisms of control over artistic expression while giving voice to those who refuse to be silenced.

National short

De Pomp – Lex Moonen

Synopsis not available.

Selected films 2026

                       

Selected Films & Loglines

National animation short

Coline and Manuel – Sandrine Lambert

Coline and Manuel were born for each other. That was 51 years ago, in Herstal, a small Belgian town in Wallonia. Happiness was not given to them, but they learned to create it themselves, in their little town, located next to a busy road, they share joys and sorrows. Until one day, Manuel takes an unfortunate fall. Driven by pure love, Coline does everything she can to get Manuel back to her.

Lange Wapper – Roel Soetewey

"Lange Wapper" is a six-minute animated trickster based on the old Antwerp legend. The film reimagines the iconic trickster figure to tell a new Antwerp story and remains relevant today, through a stylized 3D animation.

Beproeven – Karlijn Reynaerts

A film that plunges viewers into the disorienting world of a person with overwhelming anxiety and despair. Through distorted visuals, it becomes a trigger for anxiety and invites reflection on mental health.

National short

Benny – Aron Quadu

A sensory labyrinth that desperately tries to navigate. A passionate but groupless young man unexpectedly finds a trace in the sights of the police and must prove that his life is not an act.

The Code – Gilles Schijvens

When a corrupt police inspector suspects a hacker has taken important information, he takes matters into his own hands. How far are you willing to go for the truth – when it matters to clean yourself?

De Pomp – Lex Moonen

How far are you willing to go for the truth – when it matters to clean yourself?

ALBERT! – Roland Bergeys

130 jaar geleden bedacht Albert Einstein zijn speciale relativiteitstheorie, en in 1933 kwam hij in Amerika aan als vluchteling voor het naziregime. 'Albert!' vertelt over de gruwelijke deels onterechte verdenking dat Einstein een rol speelde in de atoombom. Spionageverhalen, oud-kind-spelen en een kasteelrol in het geheime leven.

Klown – Ahmed Jaf

Three struggling artists, bastaat hij wel...?

The Resistance – Natalieche Schwan

Inspired by the incredible true story of the Belgian Resistance, which successfully stopped the Twentieth Convoy bound for Auschwitz over 200 people escaped.

Trace – Michele Evouna

A man's search for his wife.

National documentary short

Hart van steen – Bastien Hubens

Een steenkapper die steen blijft hakken ondanks dat elk blok als baksteen nieuwe inzichten brengt.

The Banned – Haman Vaferi

Haman, a musician whose works have been repeatedly censored, on a personal and artistic journey to uncover the deeper implications of artistic suppression. Rather than remaining in exile, he returns to his homeland, where he engages in new, unfiltered dialogues with others who have faced similar restrictions. Through archival footage, live performances, and firsthand testimonies, the film explores not only the external forces that silence artists but also the internal struggles they endure. Censorship merely a political act, or does it embed itself into the psyche of those it targets? The Banned is an unflinching documentary that exposes the mechanisms of control over artistic expression and the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced.

Mijn laatste dag als zanger – Bastien Hubens

Wat blijf je zingen als je stem verdwijnt?

International short

BREAK THE SILENCE – Dax Phelan

"Break the Silence" is a 1-minute Public Service Announcement produced to raise awareness about people who are struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and more. It is meant to be a call to action for those who are suffering in silence to reach out for help. Please view with proper speakers or headphones.

Cloud – Amy Rebecca Munt

A father and daughter reunite, taking time to reminisce and come together with the grief of their beloved wife and mother.

Lebedynske – Artur Kidzierski

Syltlyan orphan, Ukraine, 2000. Kario and Stanislas meet until small orphan change, adventures and secrets.

KIZUNA:The Samurai's Legacy – Narimitsu Hisamichi

This film showcases the skills of a Japanese actor specializing in tate (samurai combat). Set in a time when a Japanese actor specializing in tate inherits the bond of his loved ones and the beliefs they stood for. At its heart, it is a story of Kizuna (connection) and the unwavering spirit of the samurai.

Tanhai – Krishna Sainanee

After her son moves out, an elderly mother is left in silence in an officer's quarters. Her days once echoed with laughter now resound only with silence. Her walls pass waiting for her son – a voice that could ease her aching heart.

The Silent Cry – Güney Özyaten

It's a short video project against war. And it is a voice that could ease her aching heart. SILENT CRY at their eyes.

PAPA – Florias Welch Gallay

An elderly woman, on the threshold of death, prepares to reunite with her spiritual father. Their eyes locked in a fixed point.

Feature film

The Deconstruction of Retta Blom – Pieter Grobbelaar

Retta Blom has the perfect life. Or so it seems. A loving husband, a son, her beloved dog and a dream house in Italy. When her perfectionist eyes spots a tiny crack in the varnish of her husband, Tobias, isn't all he pretends to be. Has he been hiding dark secrets? When she falls apart one by one. And with each new piece, Retta starts a puzzle falling into place. One by one. And with each new piece, Retta starts to deconstruct what makes her truly happy.

IRINA – David G. Crespo, Johnscott ENAH

Irina Velez Crespo, a single mother living in Ecuador, is raising two children alone. Lois and Inés. She consults a shaman who delivers an abusive message. Desperate, she decides to face a hard world on her own. The next day, her children disappear.

MALGRÉ TOUT – Johnscott ENAH

Alicia mysteriously disappears. Fearing separation from the children whom she accuses of abandoning them to seek refuge in the war. One day, during an interview, she is surprisingly favored thanks to the mention of her father's name.

Baramjae to Paradise – seon-il kang

In 1907, following the forced abdication of Emperor Gojong and the dissolution of the Korean Imperial Army by Imperial Japan, resistance begins to rise again in the southern region of Korea. Amid rugged mountains and isolated passes, volunteer militias known as Baramjae fight against a vastly superior occupying force.

Feature documentary

The Keys To Paradise – Roman Jaquez

In the breathtaking backwaters of the Florida Keys, this feature documentary weaves together an intimate tapestry of human connection and environmental stewardship. Through a series of powerful short stories, we journey into the lives of locals bound by a common purpose, caring for each other and the fragile paradise they call home.

The Wind Once Whispered – Johan Swinnen

Inspired by the cancer experience of his young son Pieter, Belgian cancer researcher Johan Swinnen draws from his journey. The first bow for his son Pieter, and hundreds more follow for people experiencing the tail of a colorful kite in their lives. Johan’s journey takes him on an emotional rollercoaster of paper, believing the paper is patient, even when words become too heavy to pronounce. Johan also sends messages to an emotional small pieces of paper, reflecting the ups and downs of life. The film accompanies hope and reflections that perfectly match the imagery, with changing time in poetic confidence to those seeking support.

The Madness of Moonlight – Leigh-Ann Beverley

In a quiet support group far from the world of mass production, a team of master craftspeople set out to build something extraordinary: a piano that is also a sculpture, a story, and a legacy. The Madness of Moonlight follows Frank, a visionary, as he pours his heart, time, and future into creating a one-of-a-kind instrument. From raw timber to final polish, the film reveals a creative process that is as emotional as it is technical. Frank’s journey is shaped by his parents, the pressures of survival, and the weight of making something truly lasting. Survival, all odds, set in a warehouse in New Jersey and the rich cultural backdrop of Vienna, this is a story about art, obsession, and what it means to give everything to one dream.

Cheer Dreams – Jason Turner

An all-girl college cheer team pursues a historic third national title in a season marked by fierce competition, personal struggles, and deep camaraderie. Cheer Dreams moves beyond the mat and into everyday life, revealing the intimate bonds behind the routines. Experience the unfiltered drama of 2025’s cheerleading world.

Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotechnology – Bill Haney

Cracking the Code, narrated by Mark Ruffalo, is an inspiring story of vision, perseverance, and the power of science to change the world. Phil Sharp’s journey from a Kentucky farm boy to Nobel laureate embodies the 1977 groundbreaking discovery of RNA splicing – a scientific revolution laying the foundation for an industry that has become a cornerstone of the global biotechnology and transformed the health of billions of patients worldwide.

Aleque & Issay – Tora Mbandakwire Mårtens

Aleque and Issay, three-year-old twins, move to the bustling city of Beijing on the 26th floor surrounded by skyscrapers and highways. Day by day, Issay is on inflatable beds and looks for his toys. Day by day, they start learning new things, try local foods and pick up simple Chinese words. Aleque & Issay is told from foods and pickup simple Chinese words. With a lower camera angle, we get to follow the youngest sister. With a lower camera angle, we get to follow the growth of twins.

International animation

BRIDGE -My Little Friends- – Kazuyuki Ishihara

"It'll bring Shiro to promise!" Jin, the cat, made the promise to Mugi, who is deeply sad after losing her beloved dog, Shiro. Jin loves Mugi very much and, after hearing the story of the "Rainbow Bridge", he decides to take Mugi to the bridge! Can Jin Mugi's sadness? With the help of nearby pigeons and squirrels, Jin's great plan is now underway!

In Half – Jorge de Valle

A magic child must cross a strange world, a universe of magic, where he is confronted with his own fears and conflicts from the two halves within.

Where the two seas meet – Motaz H Matar

In this animated short drama, Yassin is pressured by his brother, Bader, to take a job translating letters in Arabic for the Museum of Seville with his valuable tapestry to avenge Bader's perceived mistreatment of their Andalusian heritage. But this gets more complicated as Yassin falls in love with the museum curator, Mira, and both dive deeper into letters in love with the secrets of the universe and spiritual awakening. For Yassin to show guns drawn and chase at hand, Yassin has to define himself to show what it means to stand up for his identity.

Enemy Heroes – Not known

Enemy Heroes "Because... sometimes it is not easy to tell... Who is the Enemy?.." Enemy Heroes is a multi-level WWII version of 'All Quiet on the Western Front' in which the audience agonizes over the heart-wrenching choices the protagonists are forced to make – and in so doing claims their own values.

Circus Macabre – Mart Sander

It's not a film about War. It is a film about humanity – and in so doing claims their own values.

International documentary short

Return to My Blue – Yuta Noguchi

A short documentary of a ventilator without electricity. The story follows the children deeply seep into the veins, and the smiles of the children deeply into the veins. They look back at "life" as a definitive presence through the journey of mother and child. An infinitely positive documentary film that captures the moment when life and death connect without notice.

CTRAL-ALT-RIGHT: A Short Portrait of Guillerm – Not known

A young man reflects upon his alt-right radicalization and how he came back from the edge.

UKRAINE UNDER FIRE | A Film About War & F – Jordan Campbell

Ukraine Under Fire is a film about a Ukrainian journalist covering a time of war. The story follows Olga Dubro, a Ukrainian television news presenter and European integration, amid the Russian invasion. With the war escalating every day, the duo collaborates on a series of interviews, chronicling the aspects of resistance, war crimes and genocide. With the war escalating every day, Olga speaks the quest for freedom, democracy and European integration amid the Russian invasion.

Music video

Looking for You – Christian Scharfenberg

Shemp, the main character of 2025's wonderful "Shots of Light" returns to the screen in search of echo, on the search for their soulmate.

What Do You Want by Electric State – Rob Viney

Synopsis of "What Do You Want": Shemp is tasked with rescuing Cardiop... will he always be the one that has to bring him down? They are just speed bumps in the road. You just have to keep moving! They are just speed bumps free.

Cure – Mélyssandre Manem

Through "Cure", Mayve metaphor her wounds to finality and reclaimed strength – between vulnerability and power.

Trump Up What You're Puttin' Down – Mart Sander

Originally submitted to Eurovision as "haemless 'woic political' – which it is – this gleefully theatrical music video mocks Trump, Putin, and a flood of 1930s big band satire.

WINNERS 2025!

Our dedicated reviewers have truly enjoyed watching and evaluating every single submission, appreciating the creativity and passion in each film, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the winners for their outstanding contributions! We’re excited to invite filmmakers from around the world to submit their films for the 2026 edition, joining us in this celebration of diverse storytelling and cinematic excellence.

Best Animation Short National under 40 minutes


A Single Day
  • Director:Janne Willockx
  • Logline:Grandpa loves order and rules. When his daily routine starts falling apart, everything he makes, he trusted house turns into a chaotic swirl of shapes and colors which he frantically tries to keep under control, until he can’t anymore.



Best Documentary Short International under 40 minutes

Dr. S.O.S. - Emergency in the Wilderness
  • Directors:Zsolt Marcel Tóth, Péter Sass
  • Logline:Dr. Ender Sós, the personality and chief veterinarian of the Budapest Zoo, and Jani Vadon, the inexhaustibly humorous radio personality, give us a close-up look at dangerous veterinary interventions in the field and in zoos.


Best Documentary Short National under 40 minutes

Brussels Close-Up!
  • Director:Ilija Širčenko
  • Logline:"Brussels Close-Up!" follows a street photographer in Brussels who uses unexpected flash photography to capture the essence of strangers in public spaces. Through an upcoming exhibition, he aims to challenge the notion of art and explore the boundaries between candid documentation and artistic expression.


Best Feature Documentary

Cuberdon - The Curious Story of the War of the Noses
  • Director:Frederik Van Melle
  • Logline:A story about two cunning candy vendors whose fight spiraled out of control and made headlines around the world.



Best Feature Film International and National

First Haunt
  • Director:Tanner McCowan
  • Logline:First Haunt follows Claire, a recently murdered young woman, who wakes up in purgatory. She quickly discovers the unexpected business world of haunting where she’s been assigned to haunt Will, a struggling writer, who just found the inspiration for his new murder mystery novel.



Best Music Video Clip

Filippo Franceschini - A Caress
  • Logline:"A Caress" is not just a music video but a visual and sonic embrace—a work of art that comforts and inspires, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, a simple caress can renew strength and inspire hope.



Best National Short Film under 40 minutes

Non Grata
  • Director:Lennart Lemmens
  • Logline:The short film Non Grata is based on a true story and deals with the mysterious disappearing of Sister Gabrielle in 1982. Sister Gabrielle conducted a secret investigation into the sexual excesses and the financial tampering by her superior Canon Morrie. However, before she could convey her findings to the ecclesiastical authorities, she disappears without a trace.


Best Animation Short International

Mahsa - Woman Life Freedom
  • Director:Shahrād Fredotti
  • Logline:On September 16 of 2022, Mahsa Zheen Amin was killed by the "morality police" of Tehran for wearing her hijab in a loose manner. Her death ignited an international movement against the government of Iran.


International Short Film under 40 minutes

I’m not a robot

  • Director:Victoria Warmerdam
  • Logline:After repeatedly failing CAPTCHA tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with the question: could she be a robot

Online Festival

Pictures of past live screening

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