Awards

– Hiromi Nagasaku
The award-winning “Hedgehog’s dilemma” is a quiet and pleasant piece. The two leading actors are great.
I was amazed at the emotional depth of “Complications”, even though it was a short film that was shot in a single room which is usually a difficult task. Without any deep conversations, the details of what they think, and their motivations are conveyed. I felt that the direction flowed calmly and in a positive way to communicate their message. In addition to performing actively, the main character has a natural ability to calm us with a relaxed approach to acting, which makes us feel comfortable and positive. Everything fit together and overlapped nicely.

– Ema Ryan Yamazaki
HEDGEHOG DILEMMA immersed me in a world I knew little about, and left me with emotion that stayed with me for days afterwards. Also, I would like to highlight Ibrahim Handal’s A SHORT FILM ABOUT KIDS.
With this delightfully unpredictable film in which the tone, execution, and message are perfectly in alignment, Mr. Handal has demonstrated his mastery of filmmaking. I was immersed in the world of the story and with the kids’ imagination and triumphs, while also unable to detach my thoughts of how the actual lives of the film’s crew and actors must be now, given the ongoing genocide in the region. This film needs to be watched widely; it is a reminder of why films matter.

– Tim Redford
HEDGEHOG DILEMMA has a beautiful chemistry between characters. This is absolutely exceptional.
We are delighted to recognize WATER COOLER WAR for its exceptional storytelling, innovative direction, and captivating performances. The film cleverly transforms an everyday scenario into a riveting narrative filled with humor, tension, and unexpected twists. With its dynamic pacing and deft use of visual comedy, the film not only entertains but also subtly addresses a critical global issue: the scarcity and importance of water.

– Sharon Badal
What was particularly impactful to me watching this strong selection of International short films was the diversity in storytelling.
“Maybe Someday” wasn’t a story about disability, it was a story about dreams and friendships. The setting of the special school and use of the visually impaired actors was inspirational.
I present a special jury mention to “KNITTING MY HEART” for its youthful exuberant storytelling, visually creative construction, and refreshing color and characters.

– Hiroshi Fujioka
I enjoyed the films because they talked about problems within traditional, ethnic, period and national traits. They made me think about this and expand my imagination. The award-winning film, “Maybe Someday” impressed me by the way the actors performed while being visually impaired. It felt realistic and I was emotional seeing people with impairments participating in this manner and trying to challenge their dreams and goals. The acting was excellent.
“Burul” was also a good portrayal of the traditional, father-daughter relationship where the girl’s struggle to pursue her dreams was clearly felt. As a short film, it was great and hopeful, leading us to imagine what happens next with the main character.

– Katsuhide Motoki
All 25 films that were selected perfectly exemplify the theme of ‘being seen’, and the message of looking from other perspectives. Films from the Philippines and Southeast Asia expressed cultural interest, while those from China and Central Asia/Kyrgyzstan showed a vivid picture of the social aspect of their lives through film.
The award-winning film, “Maybe Someday”, did an excellent job of portraying the challenges instead of making us feel sorry about their impairment.
“A Dream For My Daughter” is a wonderful example of how an ironic tragedy is artistically brought to life through a father’s delusion. The beauty of the mangrove forest was evocative as it brought out the main character’s sadness in a tragic way.

– Sharon Badal
I thought I would tire of the song melody repetition of “SEN”, but quite the opposite happened. It carried me on a singular journey about aging and change. I am normally not a fan of the musical short but in this case it was a poetic expression and I appreciated the way the story unfolded as the day began and eventually ended, coming full-circle as “nothing changes.”
For its poignant portrayal of grief and its aftermath, an effective use of both sound and silence, culturally authentic location, and its emotional conclusion, I present a special jury mention to OYU.

– Hiroshi Fujioka
I carefully screened the films to see if they were easy to understand and inspiring to young people, children and the general public.
“SEN” is a film with a message for every moment that passes in our daily lives, making us think about many different things.
In “Like bamboo, like bamboo shoot”, the main character’s life is represented by ‘traditional Japanese fire works’ and ‘the bamboo that grow at the end of life’. In the short drama, I felt a deep resonance from the gorgeous fireworks, such as the bond between father and son, and was touched by the movie’s ending. I think the film gave a sense of hope to the children who are creating their future.

– Katsuhide Motoki
All of the films had a high production quality and I fully felt the power of the professional cast and the crew. I enjoyed more and more films in which leading actors tried directing in a fresh way. The award-winning, “SEN” is an excellent short film in all respects including originality, entertainment and social commentary.
For “KABURAGI”, I applaud the director’s spirit of trying to tell the message in an ‘interesting’ way. If the reasons why the main character maintains his silence is reinforced beyond the article, it would become a global piece.

– Hiromi Nagasaku
The award-winning, “Then Comes The Body” is a vibrant film, which has great production and delivered a pure message straight from the heart. I thought “Alfred” embodied the spirit of purity. The images of nature, filled with the pride and elegance of the cinematographer, are delightful and exciting. There is no doubt in the main character’s statement that he was happy and proud to live the way he did. I feel respect and love for his way of living within nature. It was a beautiful manifestation of this and the snowy landscape matched the main character’s spirit.

– Ema Ryan Yamazaki
THEN COMES THE BODY is incredible work that capatures the story at heart as well as taking artistic risks. Also, I would like to highlight Jessica Bishopp’s PUFFLING. It feels magical when the execution of a film matches so well the themes being explored. Poetically shot and masterfully edited, it transported me to the perspective of the young girls on this small island, and the pufflings — confused and facing a definite moment — a metaphor for their own lives. Congratulations to Ms. Bishopp and her team for an incredible piece of work that pushes the boundaries of what a short documentary can accomplish.

– Tim Redford
THEN COMES THE BODY has strong message. Brutal, but beautiful. Totally stunning, different from other films. I present a special jury mention to David Again. We were captured by the emotional power of this poignant tribute to a man who overcomes his struggles. Executed with remarkable mastery and finesse, with disconcerting sincerity, as close as possible to the emotions of his characters, this moving documentary portraits a beautiful celebration of friendship.

– Tom Kawada
I usually like to watch short films, and this year’s nominees impressed me. There were some films that were produced using game engines, and I wanted some of them to be made into videogames. The winning entry, “A Crab In The Pool” nicely portrayed the world of imagination and it had life, death, youth, nostalgia and dreams all in it. The graphic design of “Crush” was excellent in every single scene, so it is the first film that I hope becomes a videogame.

– ShiShi Yamazaki
Many of the films nominated for this year’s awards focus on the emotional expression of the characters. The most important thing is having an awareness of moving the visual space itself as a ‘device’ rather than it being a simple puppet show. The award-winning “A Crab In The Pool” is a film that deals with serious issues, but resonates as an experience because of its excellent portrayal to a child’s mind. In “The Garden of Heart”, the fear and anxiety in the artwork is expressed through the contrast of elements. It’s wonderful that the main character’s emotions are portrayed as a flower garden and the design was lovely.

– Tomoyuki Sugiyama
Two themes appear in the finalists’ films. One is ‘death’ and the other is ‘everyday life’. The award-winning “A Crab In The Pool” has a wonderful structure that slowly turns out to be about a sister and brother who have lost their mother to breast cancer. There are many subtle clues that are hinted at and is a film to be enjoyed over and over again. “A Perfect Day: Seven Scenes and Others” is a stylish and beautiful rendering of the world of Edward Hopper’s paintings. A toy chicken is featured in this film which gives the audience an impression of human day to day activity.