A showcase of the best documentary short films in the world today.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Feature Film: Before Everest Best Short FilM: Mayday Best Micro-Short: Cold Isolation Best Direction: Navigating the Clickety-Clack Best Human Interest Film: JDZ Lab Best Story: Manuel the Barber Best Society Film: A Good Place to Be Best Essay Film: Portrait of Kelly Gavinoser
BEFORE EVEREST, 90min., India Directed by Kovid Mittal
We all once in our lifetime have dreamt of reaching top of the world, haven’t we?
Mount Everest the highest point on earth the most fearful mountain in the world, Kovid Mittal will have to battle this last 7000 meter mountain before he can attempt and be fully prepared for the monster Everest. A journey of young boy battling his own emotions & demons in hope one day he shall conquer Mount Everest. A motivational journey of human spirit of not giving up.
Navigating the Clickety-Clack: How to Live a Peace-Filled Life in a Seemingly Toxic World, 22min,. USA Directed by Keith Leon S. Navigating the Clickety-Clack is a 24X award-winning enlightening TV Series, based on the 4-volume award-winning international BESTSELLER book series with the same name. Producer / director, Keith Leon S. hosts this 7-episode series exploring topics that include, death, fear, job loss, money fear, family issues, relationship challenges, and how to stay peace-filled in a seemingly toxic world.
JDZ lab, 28min., Portugal Directed by Miguel Gaspar In September of 2019 we arrived in Jingdezhen (JDZ), China, for an artistic residency supported by a scholarship granted by the Fundação Oriente. Jingdezhen is a unique city in what ceramics are concerned, everything revolving around this activity.
COLD ISOLATION, 4min., Portugal Directed by José Augusto Carvalho We travel in the empty interior of ourselves, meaningless passengers.
Manuel the barber, 7min,. Portugal Directed by José Augusto Carvalho One daughter and two grandchildren. He loves his daughter very much, but he hasn’t told her yet, maybe he’ll tell her today, after shooting this film.
A Good Place to Be, 14min., Denmark Directed by Marcus Mandal This film is produced for the Danish “Autism Center Storstrøm” to tell about their big effort to help people with autism.
Mayday, 7min., Portugal Directed by Miguel Gaspar From a report by a Portuguese volunteer who carried out maritime rescue missions on a ship of a German NGO during the current refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, “Mayday” builds a visual narrative, giving space to a reflection on the drama of this humanitarian issue
PORTRAIT OF KELLY GAVINOSER, 5min., Argentina Directed by Ileana Andrea Gomez Gavinoser PORTRAIT OF KELLY GAVINOSER- DOCUMENTARY SHORT OF LIFE
A showcase of the best Female Films from around the world today!
AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS: Best Feature Film: Petty Thief Girl Best Short Film: Wall Unit Best Micro-Short: Airborne Abyss Best Direction: Together with ALS: a wife’s perspective Best Experimental Film: (French) Stories from my window Best Story: If I Were a Carpenter Best Documentary: House
PETTY THIEF GIRL, 102min., Spain Directed by Alicia Bel Benet After losing her father, Isabel, a 17-year-old girl, must move and start from scratch at a high school where she suffers from bullying. There, she meets Lola, a troubled teenager forced by her family to sell drugs and commit crimes. Isabel and Lola must team up to get ahead. Together, they forge a close friendship and eventually discover love.
AIRBORNE ABYSS, 3min., Bangladesh Directed by Soumya Shah As the world suffocates, a helpless father fights desperately to keep his family breathing.
Together with ALS: a wife’s perspective, 25min., USA Directed by Kimber Leigh, Diane Dresback Dresback ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects thousands each year, but the true impact extends far beyond the diagnosis.
(French) Stories from my window, 4min., UK Directed by Marie Chiriac Super short poetry film about one possible end of the world and love. Contemplative perspective on what makes this world beautiful and worth saving is love, as this realm being the backdrop and anchor of a universal love story.
If I Were a Carpenter, 2min., Canada Directed by Elizabeth Lewis This hand drawn animated film is based on the classic song If I Were a Carpenter and sung by the great Bobby Darin. How can love conquer the social divide? This film is a tender slightly tongue in cheek story of how love can transform us and ultimately bridge our differences.
Wall unit, 10min., Poland Directed by Joanna Polak A ramshackle wall unit is a symbol of the monotonous life of a certain 40-year-old man living in a grey, dirty post-communist block of flats district. Right after his birthday, suffering from the midlife crisis, the man decides to change his dull and routine-based existence. Alas, his wife stands in the way.
HOUSE, 6min., Afghanistan Directed by Zainab Entezar A female individual is actively seeking a residential property for rent within the Kabul region. However, despite her diligent efforts, she has not yet been able to secure a suitable dwelling for shelter.
Festival played at the end of July 2025. Showcasing the best of NEW movie trailers from around the world.
AUDIENCE AWARDS:
MOVIE TRAILER: THE APOLOGY (ACT 1) Animation Trailer: BORN Cinematography: SWIFT CURRENT SWIMMER Direction: OUR KEYS Documentary Trailer: LIVING 1 NEW DAY Drama Trailer: TALK Edited Trailer: Agents of Project Blue Book/Wrestling with Survival Fan Fiction Trailer: The Final Mission, A Star Trek Fan Production Horror Trailer: BLACK MAGIK Human Interest Trailer: FIRE IN MY BELLY Music in Trailer: TROPOS Mystery Trailer: RED BIRD Quest Trailer: THE WISH FOR LOVE Romance Trailer: NONA DAY Sci-Fi Trailer: FALLING INTO FRAME Story: SNOW Proof-of-concept Student Trailer: SHOE DOWN Thriller Trailer: SALEM AFTERMATH SIZZLE
Details of each film:
Salem Aftermath Sizzle, 2min., USA The dialogue in this film clip is derived from the latest research and historical analysis of Ann Putnam. By incorporating newly discovered documents, human behavioral science, and AI, we have reconstructed what Ann likely would have said if given the chance.
BLACK MAGIK, 2min., Italy What happens when a group of kids find themselves sharing a passion, that of music that awakens the dark side of our consciences? What happens when you find yourself in your hands with the possibility of transforming into a demon?
Agents of Project Blue Book/Wrestling with Survival, 3min., A group of ragtag soldiers try to stop a Reptilian Alien Invasion that could alter history, featuring the music stylings of Bill Mumy of “Lost in Space” featuring Bill Mumy & Tom Sizemore.
FALLING INTO FRAME, 2min., This capstone project is a trailer to a hypothetical film: After a magical painting sends June and Robert to a mysterious forest, they must learn that the best path is the one taken together. As they race against time to return home, will their love rekindle once again?
PURA SANGRE, 1min. Frankie and Lucky, two young artists navigating love and identity in New York City, cross paths again after years of separation. Their reunion in a bookstore triggers a flood of memories, reopening wounds from their past relationship. As Frankie revisits the apartment they once shared, the film delves into their tumultuous past—Lucky’s struggle with trust, Frankie’s desire for autonomy, and the emotional weight of unspoken truths.
NONA DAY, 1min. Black female vampire series. SNOW Proof-of-Concept, 2min. When an aspiring young American painter discovers that she’s pregnant with a child that her husband may not want, she’s forced to confront her troubled marriage, finding the strength to change her life when she falls in love with a Danish poet.
OUR KEYS, 22sec., As Chris and Lizzie are getting ready for their work days they realize that the keys to the house are missing leading to a bigger fight about their relationship.
FIRE IN MY BELLY, 40sec. Richard was in his recording studio working on a new song when he suddenly fell unconscious to the floor… he was told his heart stopped for 19 seconds…
THE WISH FOR LOVE, 1min. The story of a young man who is learning about life and is in search of his destiny.
TALK, 30sec. “TALK” starring Detroit’s Tony J Black ( Sting; Apples Never Fall) is a drama delving into the nuances of love, communication, and the mysterious impact of silence. The narrative unfolds through the complex dynamics between characters, exploring emotional connections and the unspoken aspects of relationships. As the story meanders through intimate scenes, it gradually reveals the main character’s struggles with communication and the consequences of having unresolved conflicts in his relationships. The evolving plot touches on isolation, education, and transformation, leaving the audience to contemplate the intricate dance of human connections.
RED BIRD, 2min. Maximilien Abadie learns of his father Alex’s death under mysterious circumstances. Officially, it was ruled a car accident—one seemingly caused by Alex himself. But Alex was more than just a father, he was a relentless police officer, known for his discipline and ruthless efficiency. Working in the shadows under the alias “Red Bird”, he was a secret vigilante who took on the city’s most complex cases.
Living 1 new day, 2min. Nothing lasts in this cruel world, not even our suffering.
SWIFT CURRENT SWIMMER, 30sec. Swift Current Swimmer is a sweeping, emotive piece that mirrors the epic life cycle of salmon from their birth in gentle mountain streams to their return as full-grown adults. It’s crafted for a full symphony orchestra, yet uniquely integrates beginner string players in a way that parallels the salmon’s growth.
TROPOS, 1min.,
The Final Mission, A Star Trek Fan Production, 1min. Amid the chaos of war, the crew of the USS Pioneer faces a mystery that will push their ship, their values, and their bonds to the brink.
BORN, 17sec. This 2D experimental animation depicts a planet with reproductive functions, exploring the transformations associated with pregnancy and childbirth. By portraying these changes on both a psychological and physical level, the animation aims to highlight the impact of reproductive trauma and advocate for greater societal awareness and compassionate care.
SHOE DOWN, 43sec.
THE APOLOGY (ACT 1), 2min. The Apology is the first of 2 short documentaries, by Métis filmmaker Matt LeMay and Inuk filmmaker Crystal Martin of Indigenous Geographic deliver an unprecedented, emotionally charged portrait of a pivotal moment in Canada’s journey toward truth and reconciliation. As the only film crew in the world granted exclusive access to the Indigenous delegation’s visit to the Vatican, they take viewers deep inside the historic week that led to Pope Francis’s apology for the Catholic Church’s role in operating the Canadian residential school system.
L’anniversaire, 4min., France Directed by Thibault Mombellet En rentrant chez lui, Julien découvre que ses amis lui ont organisé un anniversaries surprise pour ses quarante ans. Il est ravi, mais sa soirée tourne rapidement au cauchemar. Un traumatisme d’enfance refait surface et Julien met à point d’honneur à souffler ses bougies magiques… Y parviendra-t-il ?
The Perfect Shot, 1min., Germany Directed by Niklas Leifert Self-styled marketing guru Martin Muffin rushes through the final beats of his branding photo masterclass—so he can finally craft his own perfect shot. Most students stick to the recipe. Béatrice frames things her own way.
3 MINUTOS, 5min., USA Directed by Douglas Ryan Under the time pressure of a potentially life changing test, a young couple unexpectedly takes a quick but meaningful look at their past, present and potential future.
Junky Monkey, 3min., Japan Directed by Hirohisa Nakano Magy A man in Tokyo, desperate, wondering around , running through busy Tokyo scape and finally meet this guy to get something that he couldn’t resist which is…..
Right Beside You, 3min., USA Directed by Annie Windsland The night before her cousin’s wedding—to her ex—Isabel hides away, desperate to escape. But Liam, her fiercely loyal best friend, follows her, and something shifts. Their laughter fades. A glance lingers. A touch lasts too long. Unspoken truths press between them—until reality slams back in.
L’oeil des sables, 2min., France Directed by Florian Lejal In ancient Egypt, a scribe witnesses a strange apparition: visitors from another time. Shocked, he draws them on papyrus, capturing the mystery. Now on display in a museum, this drawing continues to intrigue, leaving visitors with an unsolved enigma.
LEVELS, 2min., Canada Directed by Phuong Vu Trapped in an elevator with a wanted individual, a timid office worker reveals his true identity as a skilled fighter, protecting a briefcase that holds more than just paperwork.
This festival has a guaranteed 4-tier set up for each accepted script. (No matter what, all screenplays submitted receive FULL FEEDBACK on their work.) 1) Full Feedback on your script 2) Actors performance video reading of your script 3) Blog interview promotion. 4) Podcast interview on the Film Festival ITunes show
Watch the best of SHORT FILMS from around the world today. A library of over 500 award winning films: http://www.wildsound.ca (Plus, watch a new and original festival every single day.)
A red herring is a device that is used to mislead or distract the viewer from the real answer or conclusion. Simply said – it’s a false clue. And it takes people’s attention away from the central point being considered.
A classic example is a detective or mystery series where the viewer tries to figure out who the murderer is. The attention is focussed on an individual who could be the murderer. As we emotionally involve ourselves with that person and assume they are the in fact the killer, we are distracted and the real murderer is left alone.
Or, there is a “turncoat” or “rat” in a government building. Someone who is leaking information to the enemies. As everyone attempts to figure out who the “rat” is, we are introduced to a scenario where circumstantial evidence tells the audience that a certain individual is the rat! But they are not the rat, and while we are distracted, the real person keeps getting away with it.
Where did the term “red herring” come from?
False leads started to become known as “Red Herrings” in the early 1800s when an English journalist named William Cobbett used the term to compare the media’s premature reporting of Napoleon’s defeat to the practice of using smelly fish to distract hound dogs from chasing rabbits.
While Cobbett gets credit for the term, storytellers have been using false leads to surprise audiences since the beginning of time.
Famous red herring moments in film and TV.
Alfred Hitchcock was the master of using “red herrings” in most of his films. The best and most popular example is his 1960 horror/thriller film PSYCHO.
The entire first act of the film is about Marion Crane stealing money from her boss. The audience is wrapped into this heist for over 30 minutes. But that is an entire distraction from what is really the bigger question: What is really going on at the Bates Motel?
Hitchcock also uses music in his films as red herring devices. Screeches of violin noise, or intense bass instruments playing to emotionally put viewers on high alert. Only to have the situation be safe for the main character and distract the audience away from the real conflict.
—–
Red Herrings are even used in children’s movies. A great example is the 2013 smash hit FROZEN.
The main plot is that the only way Anna can be stopped from turning into ice, is to have an “act of true love”. Almost the entire audience assumes that Anna must get Prince Hans to kiss her – because, as we’ve learned in previous Disney films, true love’s kiss solves everything!
But, Hans isn’t Anna’s true love at all. He’s actually the VILLAIN of the film.
And, Red Herring #2 – it’s not about a romantic true love. Anna thaws out because the real act of true love was her sacrificing herself to save her sister! Anna and Elsa’s love was the actual TRUE LOVE of the film.
——
Other famous red herrings are”
– “THE USUAL SUSPECTS” (1995) (Verbal’s testimony and the entire plot of the film.)
– “THE SIXTH SENSE” (1999) (the “dead people” problem)
– “CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (2016) (The Winter Soldier)
– “GET OUT” (2017) (racism is the real enemy)
TV Series are loaded with red herrings:
The trend of viewing has definitely moved to the “binge watching TV series” experience. Most of us, if we’re being honest with ourselves, have and can watch an entire season of a television show in one sitting. So to keep the viewers engaged, and to keep them moving to the next episode, red herrings are used time and time again no matter what the genre is.
BREAKING BAD is considered the most popular and well regarded series from the last 25 years. It had modest success on the AMC network with is first premiered, but when they put the show it on Netflix, the popularity of the show blew up. Why? Because people couldn’t get enough of the plotting. This show is the masterclass of the red herring!
A few examples:
– Hank’s investigation of Heisenberg
– The Ricin cigarette
– The Poisoning of Brock
– The Train Robbery
– The “Box Cutter” incident
– The Pink Teddy Bear
– The State Motto of New Hampshire
– Walt’s bullet hole reflection
All moments and devices used to distract the audience from what is REALLY the going on!
And don’t get me started on Better Call Saul! That’s another video……
The Feedback Romance and Relationship Festival offered incredible feedback and The Fountain of Truth was named an Official Selection! I can’t wait for the video of the reading for social media!
Deadline Today to submit via FilmFreeway. 86 FIVE Star Reviews!
This festival was very supportive of my work. I enjoyed the interview a lot
I have nothing but positive things to say! LOVE getting the feedback videos; the audience members who are interviewed give well thought out and reasoned critiques and it’s so gratifying to hear the way your work is resonating with others. Plus the interview opportunities are a tremendous bonus. Thanks for screening BLOOD IS THICKER!
I love this festival because it offers so many opportunities for the director, it is really original like no other. Thank you for the award to our The finger and the moon, we are very happy. Thank you for the feedback and thanks to all the people who have spent words on our film. Great!!!
A very positive experience overall. I was delighted with some very insightful feedback on “The Birthday List” and love that this festival supports female writers. Highly recommend! Thank you.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it was really wonderful getting the feedback. Nice to hear unfiltered responses to the work. The organizers are super on it, very communicative. It’s a cool experience.
Our team appreciate that such heart-warming festival does exist. The important thing is to get direct feedback from audiences, and the FFFF built this bridge, we heard a lot of encouraging words from our audiences and we are so grateful about that. Thank you FFFF 🙂
Festival Reviews 