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.
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 🙂
DANCE OF THE DAKINIS, 28min., USA, Documentary Directed by Lindsay Gilmour The film focuses on the empowerment of female monastics and the innovation of gender roles in Vajrayana Buddhism. The film has two frameworks: an outer framework that focuses on rising status of Tibetan nuns in previously male dominated religious structures, and an inner framework that focuses on the inner state of the dancer. The film delves into how ancient rituals adapt in shifting political and cultural landscapes and how the roles of women evolve and develop in this framework.
BENJAMIN FELIKSDAL, The Life Story of a Dutch Dance Master, 45min. Ballet Directed by Roland Gaedtgens, Robin Lionhar van Zutphen The inspiring journey of Benjamin Feliksdal began in a humble yet determined manner. At the tender age of just six, he discovered his calling in the world of dance. His talent quickly caught the attention of none other than Sonja Gaskell, an iconic figure in the Dutch dance scene. Under her tutelage, Benjamin blossomed into a talented dancer with a passion for expression and movement.
A showcase of the best short films in the world today.
AUDIENCE WINNERS: Best Action: VERTIGO SPRITZ Best Micro-Short: antisocial Best Adventure: AKASHIC SPHERES Best Story: THE CORNER ROOM Best Animation: SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL Best Direction: LAST TOUCH Best Performances: HAPPY PLACES
THE CORNER ROOM, 15min., USA Directed by Gita Farid An homage to the tragic ending of the Ann Frank story. It always saddened me that Ann Frank didn’t survive to see the Liberation although it was only months away. Two women hidden in an attic apartment in the Jewish Quarter in a town in Poland are joined by their younger brother, a fighter in the Resistance. There is a round-up…
SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL, 5min., USA Directed by Orlando Mendesv Nick, a 17-year-old race driver, has spent his life chasing speed, but now, the stakes are higher than ever. Haunted by the loss of his older brother in a Formula 1 crash and with his little sister trapped in an unbreakable coma, Nick is thrust into a race unlike any other—a race that isn’t just about winning but about facing his fears and rewriting destiny.
antisocial, 2min., Germany Directed by Tobias Rothacker I am the hero, I’ll remain, See only me, push you away, Embrace destruction, face the pain, Transforming swiftly in my own domain!
Akashic Spheres, 11min., USA Directed by James Scott Mystical orbs hold the power to control the multiverse are being sought by dark forces who plan to use them for evil. Captain Everest must find them first to save mankind.
LAST TOUCH, 25min., Uzbekistan Directed by Gulnara Ivanova This is the story of a man trapped in a cycle of self-punishment, unable to break free from the torment of his own guilt. Each day, he finds new ways to inflict pain upon himself, believing it to be penance for his past mistakes. Blind to the damage he’s causing, he begins to destroy not only himself but also the world around him—relationships, opportunities, and dreams crumble under the weight of his relentless self-blame. It is only when he confronts the truth—that forgiveness must come from within—that he can hope to heal and rebuild the shattered pieces of his life.
HAPPY PLACES, 20min., USA Directed by Nich Frost A mysterious stranger interrupts the evening of a seemingly normal family to visit his childhood home. But his presence progresses towards a possibly ominous outcome.
A showcase of the best BLACK & WHITE films from around the world.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Short Film: Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero Best Direction: We’re Nothing Best Story: Ice Cream Sidewalk Best Micro-Short: THE VEGETABLE GARDEN – a tale from the Barbagia region in Sardinia
We’re Nothing, 4min, USA Directed by Kelly Hughes Music video collaboration between director Kelly Hughes and Italian Post-Metal band Postvorta. Hughes filmed most of the footage in Kitsap County in WA State (Port Orchard, Gorst, Sunnyslope, Bremerton, Suquamish) with a mostly local cast.
Ice Cream Sidewalk. 5min., USA Directed by Randy Zuniga
Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero, 28min., USA Directed by JZ Murdock Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero is a unique anti-war film blending historical documentary, visual poetry, and the haunting music of Maurice Ravel. Based on the poem by JZ Murdock, the film delves into Ravel’s time as a truck driver in World War I, reflecting on the profound impact of his music and the devastating effects of war.
THE VEGETABLE GARDEN – a tale from the Barbagia region in Sardinia, 3min., Italy Directed by Samantha Comizzoli In a Sardinian’s village of Barbagia, a mother writes to her son in prison beacuse. She is to old to work the land, so she can’t makes the vegetable garden. The son finds an ingenious solution.
Head Over Heels, 12min., UK Directed by Ignacio Rodo When conventional therapy fails, it’s time for a crazy approach.
Hello, min., USA Directed by Lauren A. Poole A disaster brings three people into irritating proximity of each other.
Indyana Jones – End of the world, 25min., Finland Directed by Petri Puroano Sometimes filming a movie is not easy when people involved in the film-production have a different vision of the final product. Star wanna-be faces these challenges and struggles with motivation to move forward when dealing with the demands from the films director, producer and reacting to animals on set. All this dream-chasing moves “Indyana” into direction that was not planned. The film is a parody, almost like a mockumentary while trying to show respect towards the original movies which this one is based on. This shortfilm, fan film, is a prequel-film that launches season 5 for “We Sock” webseries & feature film.
A showcase of the best LGBTQ+ films in the world today.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Short Film: Astronaut’s Uniform Best Direction: Reflections of Us
Reflections of Us, 15min., USA Directed by Sanna Lexhed Anna wants to have a perfect relationship, devoid of any negativity. Her partner, Charlie, wants to have honest, difficult conversations about their feelings. When the two stumble upon an ice rink in the park, we see Anna at her best: spontaneous, fun, pushing Charlie out of her comfort zone. Later that night, Charlie receives devastating news from her mom over the phone. Instead of asking Charlie about it, Anna avoids Charlie and acts as if everything’s fine. As their relationship falls apart, Anna must overcome her fear of opening up if she wants to keep Charlie in her life.
A showcase of the best from the STYLE, EXPERIMENTAL, FASHION festival.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Micro-Short: NAKIELSKY Best Dance Film: HYPNAGOGIA Best Experimental: MX. Best Story: BLACK AND CATHIE Best Performances: SEEKING TRANQUILITY Best Direction: RIPPLES Best Visual Design: LAST LOVE Best Documentary: Tomasz Kwiecien – Professional skating instructor Best Music Video: Maria Niklińska Marlen – make it
Mx., 5min., UK Directed by WWenen Lusa “Mx.” is a title used as a gender-neutral alternative to Mr. or Ms., reflecting inclusivity in gender identity. This film delves into the tension between gender identity and societal expectations, highlighting the quest for selfhood amidst oppression. Through the lens of diverse, non-binary lesbians, it showcases their struggles with physical acceptance, cultural pressures, and homophobia. The narrative emphasizes the symbolic power of costumes and dance as tools for inner awakening and liberation, illustrating the beauty and strength found in diverse identities. By following the journeys of these individuals, “Mx.” challenges societal norms and questions how the fashion industry can lead the way in accepting varied gender expressions, ultimately portraying the ongoing fight for identity acceptance and understanding.
BLAKE AND CATHIE, 8min., Argentina Directed by Ileana Gómez SHORT FICTION FILM ABOUT WILLIAM BLAKE, ENGLIH WRITER AND PAINTER.
Hypnagogia, 4min., UK Directed by Ysabelle Taylor Hypnagogia is the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep. A sensation of semi-consciousness or trance where images float sometimes randomly, sometimes sequentially through our minds.
Seeking Tranquility, 4min., UK Directed by Ysabelle Taylor An improvised dance film in collaboration with dancer Aleth Berenice and composer Alberte Erantis. Filmed at Acosta Dance Centre, located in a historic building of the Woolwich Royal Arsenal in London.
Last Love, 18min., Russia Directed by Dmitri Frolov The musical and poetic composition “O my prophetic soul” on the verses of Fedor Ivanovich Tyutchev for the Reader, Pianist and String Orchestra of the composer Sergei Aleksandrovich Oskolkov served as a sound basis for the philosophical parable about the Love of the human and divine, about the cycle of life, about the decline of civilization, That the latter will be the first. The film is shot as a dream, and the use of the aesthetic series of experimental cinema only emphasizes this state. The universal sound gives him the poetry of Fedor Tyutchev (1803-1873), deeply played by Leonid Mozgovoy behind the scenes. The young actors Natalya Surkova and Vladimir Zolotar, who existed in the frame, had a difficult task to show the first people not burdened with the intellectual work of subsequent generations. It was necessary to abandon today’s problems and try to imagine themselves as original people, and then immediately move to the very end of time. The plot begins with them and ends with humanity. This author wanted to show continuity: the first love and the supposed last is an indivisible whole of one eternal Love.
Tomasz Kwiecien – Professional skating instructor, 6min., USA Directed by Dominika Machel Tomasz Kwiecień is on a mission — to get as many people involved in blading as possible, not just kids but adults too. His passion for skating knows no limits — he even set a Guinness World Record by completing a full marathon… skating backwards! Blading in schools?
Nakielsky, 1min., Poland Directed by Dominika Machel This isn’t a story – it’s a collision of senses. Movement, sound, image – equal, sharp as glass, precise as a blade. Nothing leads, nothing follows. They coexist in tension, in a rhythm that doesn’t obey rules but rises from the clash of motion, sound, and visuals. Each sense holds its ground – sight never overshadows hearing, sound never silences the body. But everything penetrates everything else – without that, there’s no meaning. The layers merge, not in harmony, but in friction – and that friction sparks reaction.
Festival Reviews 