The ninth edition of the short film festival, which began on November 18, featured 39 films, including a competitive section with 20 shorts from 11 countries, as announced by the organizers in their awards publication.
“Amarela,” directed by André Hayato Saito, received the award for Best International Short Film, also earning Melissa Uehara the Best Actress award for her performance.
Director Gonçalo Almeida triumphed in three categories with “Atom & Void,” taking home awards for Best National Short Film, Best Editing, and Best Original Music, following previous recognition for Best Short Film in Haapsalu, Estonia.
The short “Sash Window,” by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Hormozi, filmed clandestinely and never premiered in Iran due to political reasons, was honored with the Best Direction award.
Also from Iran, Amir Raisian secured the Best Screenplay award for “Side by Side.”
“There Will Come Soft Rains,” by Elham Ehsas, recognized as the best British film at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival, won the award for Best Cinematography.
The Greek film “400 Cassettes,” directed by Thelyia Petraki and previously showcased at the Olhares do Mediterrâneo festival, received the Best Sound Design award, while the Best Art Direction award was presented to Macha Ovtchinnikova for “Red Emma.”
Seamus O’Hara won Best Actor for “Three Keenings,” by Oliver McGoldrick, and the Audience Award was given to “Aquele Abraço,” by Michael Joaquim Matias.
Honorable mentions were awarded to actress Sofia Nicholson for the film “Os Ecos que Carregamos,” directed by Areeba Naveed, and to young actors João Bica and Manuel Nascimento for “Francisco Perdido,” directed by Frederico Mesquita.
The jury responsible for evaluating the films included Ariana Santos, Bruno Carnide, João Ricardo Oliveira, Luke Morgan, Margarida Mateus, Paulo Peralta, and Pedro Caldeira.
