The Best Shorts Competition Announces Latest Winners! March 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Rick Prickett, Competition Director

858-779-9544

BestShorts.net

Info@BestShorts.net

La Jolla, CA, April 2024 – The Best Shorts Competition is proud to announce the latest winners. The Best Shorts Competition puts filmmakers first and provides a direct opportunity for recognition and publicity for high quality productions. It is international in scope and has granted awards to producers in Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Mauritius, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

Paul Hendy (United Kingdom), The Choice, Film Short – Paul Hendy’s astute direction brings depth to “The Choice,” a haunting psychological drama about a famous TV personality whose life unravels when confronted by a mysterious visitor. Rita Simons (EastEnders, The Krays) delivers a powerful performance, while BAFTA-nominee Alex Macqueen’s portrayal of pure evil adds chilling depth. The film keeps audiences guessing until the end, making it a compelling and relevant story that explores themes of favoritism, identity, and the consequences of our choices. BAFTA-winner Whitnall’s compelling script, coupled with Hendy’s nuanced direction, creates a captivating narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

Marko Bosanac (Serbia), New Idea, Animation – A whimsical animated short that dives into the inner workings of creativity. Pensilio, Loopito, and Lensio, embodying creativity, research, and production, embark on a quest for a new idea. Their journey is fraught with obstacles mirroring the creative process – from distractions to self-doubt. The twist comes as the adventure unfolds within a teenage girl’s mind, adding layers to the narrative. With utterly charming characters, brilliant animation and universal themes, “New Idea” is a delightful exploration of creativity’s complexities, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted.

Jaclyn Lehrer (USA), Johnny Johnny, Film Short – A darkly comedic short follows a homeless comedian seeking revenge on those he deems unfunny. It delves into friendship and resilience in a society overlooking those in need. Lehrer’s deft direction blends humor with shocking twists, challenging stereotypes. Engaging performances by Sencere Tucker and Alexandria Sanders add depth to this quirky tale.

Rob Schiller (USA),Waiting Around For You To Die, Film Short – Emmy-winner Schiller’s compassionate direction delivers a poignant short as a daughter and mother confront deep-seated fears and their complicated relationship in the face of her father’s impending death. Shot from a unique perspective, it offers an unflinching portrayal of a family grappling with loss. Cheryl Bricker delivers a gut-wrenching performance.

Antonio Hrynchuk (Canada), Paramedics: Emergency Response, Television Series – A gripping look into the intense world of paramedics in Saskatoon. This fast-paced series captures the adrenaline-fueled moments as teams respond to 911 calls, showcasing the dedication and bravery of these first responders. With raw footage and firsthand accounts, viewers are immersed in the high-stakes world of emergency medical services.

Brian Foyster (USA),The Last Take, Film Short LGBTQ+ –  In the twilight of his Hollywood career, a legend confronts his hidden love, revealing untold stories of stars in a repressive era. With raw emotion, the narrative unveils the heartache of those who dared to love against society’s constraints. Stellar performances with poignant authenticity. Robert John Burke, Richard Fancy, Austin Basis, and Brian Foyster.

Stephen Reis (USA), The Pitch Is Wac, Webisode – A witty adult animated comedy about games and gamers. Director Reis (“The Simpsons”) crafts a fast-paced animation with compelling characters that cleverly satirizes the gaming industry’s greed and excess. Game designer Elika faces a high-pressure pitch at Wactivision, testing her creativity against AI. A wildly entertaining ride through the love-hate relationship with technology.

Christina Hulen (USA), Everything’s Fine, Film Short – A young teacher suffering from trauma induced memory loss finds herself spiraling dangerously out of control as the impending anniversary of the event nears, threatening to destroy her carefully crafted veneer of normalcy, her relationships and her life. Achingly authentic performances by Charlotte Rothwell, McKenna Slone, Michelle Clunie, Chopper Bernet.

Tanya Chuturkova and Kim Wang (USA), Through the Modern Looking Glass, Web Series – A poignant and moving exploration of real depression and misleading social media facades. Young adults, seemingly happy online, struggle with personal battles of sadness, addiction, loss and abuse. A talented ensemble cast delivers memorable performances as they shed light on the true hidden struggles behind seemingly perfect online lives.

Karlos Simon (Spain), The 4 Kings, The Sanctuary in Halmahera Sea, Doc Short – Explore Raja Ampat’s stunning world, where vibrant reefs teem with life. It showcases diverse exotic marine species with entertaining information and the surrounding pristine landscapes highlighting the need for sustainable tourism and conservation. With breathtaking cinematography, viewers are transported to an underwater paradise.

David Weder (Switzerland), Snacks for Smiles, Doc Short – An uplifting documentary set in Laos, about a project combating malnutrition in children and pregnant women. With compelling interviews and gorgeous cinematography, it showcases the tireless dedication of a small group of people who created a sustainable food source, nourishing communities with compassion and innovation for the future.

Jeff A Poole (USA), Planet X, Film Short – An amusing script propels this short where an alien discusses climate change. Through a lively debate, the alien challenges a close-minded farmer’s biases, highlighting the human ignorance that is hindering action. This thought-provoking narrative exposes the urgent need for change. Jeff Poole (Furthest Witness) and Ryan Dobbs star.

Jonah Lange (USA), Fury IV, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – A short showcasing the raw power and beauty of Mother Nature, focusing on storms in the U.S. plain. Through stunning time-lapse footage, the film reveals the awe-inspiring spectacle when nature’s forces converge. With exceptional editing and a potent soundtrack, this series delivers a gripping portrayal of nature’s might and majesty.

Andrew Jowett and Brett Langolf (USA), Seed to Shelf – A Green Chili Advertisement, Commercial / Infomercial
Andrew Jowett, Brett Langolf and Heidi Solomon (USA), Lugar de marketing de agradecimiento de cosecha, Commercial / Infomercial, Latin / Hispanic, Script / Writer
Andy Carruthers (New Zealand), Tararua S-K, Documentary Short
Brett Langolf, Andrew Jowett, Heidi Solomon and Gabriela Borja – contentEXP Group, Katie Bucey – ofi (USA), Harvesting Thanks Marketing Spot, Commercial / Infomercial
Brian Foyster (USA), The Last Take, Costume Design (Lisa Padovani)
Bruce I. Lazarus and Robert Martens (USA), Robot Parade, Animation, Original Score
Carlo De Agostini (Italy), wallypower58, Commercial / Infomercial
Celia Arias and Manuel Mollá (USA), Nervio, Experimental
Chase K. Ramsey (USA), Vicarious, Christian, Film Short
Constance Brenneman (USA), BUILT DIFFERENT, Disability Issues
Fella Cederbaum (USA), Bambolina and the Doodles, Script / Writer
Ho Young Lee (Korea), Two Time, Asian (Student)
Hudson Hillin (USA), Newman’s Block, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, Film Short (Student), Viewer Impact: Content/Message Delivery (Student)
Hung-Lung Hsu (Taiwan), Taiwan’s ‘Wild Bird’ Power Station, Documentary Short, Editing, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Public Service Programming / PSA
Hung-Lung Hsu (Taiwan), Ping’e Centennial: 141km Cable Undergrounding and Beautification Project along Ping’e Highway, Documentary Short, Editing, Public Service Programming / PSA
Imelda O’Reilly (Ireland/USA), Suspicious Minds, Film Short

Iva Kevra (Ireland), Love of Magdalena, Original Score (George Ivanovich)
Jaclyn Lehrer (USA), Johnny Johnny, Actor: Leading (Sencere Tucker as Johnny Johnny), Actress: Supporting (Alexandria Sanders as Mona)
Jeff A. Poole (USA), Planet X, Script / Writer
Jonathan Sawyer (USA), I Am This Dark World’s Light, Christian, Direction, Documentary Short, Original Score
Jose Miguel Soriano and Ricardo Macian (Spain), ÑUÑUYACHIY: BREASTFEEDING WITH AFFECTION AND CARE, Documentary Short
Julie Robinson (USA), Snuggledown, Actor: Leading (Paul Hodgson as Jim), Direction, Film Short
Karlos Simon (Spain), The 4 Kings, the Sanctuary in Halmahera Sea, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Melissa Vitello (USA), The Coven, Women Filmmakers, Mockumentary
Nikita Belomestnykh (USA), Stone Soup, Film Short
Patrick Guthrie (USA), RugbyTown Season 2, Reality Programming, Web Series
Paul Hendy (United Kingdom), The Choice, Actor: Leading (Alex Macqueen as The Man), Direction
Rob Schiller (USA), Waiting Around For You To Die, Actress: Leading (Cheryl Bricker as Sandra)
Robert T. Turfe (USA), I Love This Country, Direction, Film Short, Islamic, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Lily Hui (Canada), Forever Young – A Mindwriter Story, Women Filmmakers, Asian Filmmaker
SiJia Zheng and Jiaxi Wu (China), Monument, Animation
Tanya Chuturkova and Kim Wang (USA), Through the Modern Looking Glass, African American Filmmaker, Ensemble Cast

Bear Kosik and Erika Lupo (USA), Hiding Bodies, Script / Writer
Brent Heise (USA), The Girl Who Faded Away, Music Video, Direction
Carlos Evaristo Flores and Nicolas J. Lewis (USA), Across, Latin / Hispanic
Chris Dabney (USA), Princess Love, Actress: Leading (Heaven Howard as Madison Dawson)
Eleanor Gough, Layla Williams, Dhwani Agravat, Elliot Hanscomb, Emily Holden and Sophie Nankivell (Australia), Heartless Romantics, Web Series (Student)
Elizabeth Phelps (USA), Creation Fables, Animation, Creativity / Originality
Fella Cederbaum (USA), Bambolina and the Doodles, Music Video
F-M Cossey, Renée Jonas and Elizabeth Usher (New Zealand/Australia), I’ll Be Your Soft Place to Fall, Original Song
Frank J. Fazzio (USA), Bridge of Curiosity, Documentary Short
Frédérique di Scala-Montava (France), Our Inhumanity, Documentary Short

George Sebastian Lazaroiu (United Kingdom), Family Ties, Film Short (Student)
Hudson Hillin (USA), Newman’s Block, Art Direction (Student)
John Marrs (USA), The Weight of the Badge, Direction, Film Short
John Papola (USA), Love Gov 3: The Metaverse of Madness, Film Short
Julie Robinson (USA), Snuggledown, Actor: Leading (Joseph Cote as Shopkeeper Joe)
Lawrence Jones (USA), How To Make It In Hollywood *While Being Black, Animation, African American
Lukas Ratka (Austria), My Invisible Friend, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Mayedurimi Andrea Larotonda (USA), The Pill, Women Filmmakers
Moosa Nasser Alkindi (Oman), Al Bangeri, Film Short
Nichole Thompson, Robert Thompson and Meredith Lilly (USA), A Nation Within, Documentary Short
Patrick Guthrie (USA), RugbyTown Season 2, Documentary Short
Romy Nordlinger (USA), The Feeling Part, Actress: Leading (Romy Nordlinger as Liv)
Shirley Lynn and Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Let the Love Flow, Original Song (Shirley Lynn and Elizabeth Usher)

Aleksandra Zamorina (Russia), SASHA LOONA / STIM AXEL – Sleeping Satellite, Music Video, Women Filmmakers
Alizay Rizwan (United Arab Emirates), The Test, Film Short
Andrew Jowett and Brett Langolf (USA), Win(d) Over Cancer, Direction, Documentary Short
Anne Arreguin (USA), Funny Thing About Grief, Women Filmmakers, Film Short
Bear Kosik and Erika Lupo (USA), Hiding Bodies, Film Short
Ben Harlan (United Kingdom), Out Line, Film Short, Creativity / Originality
Bill Bradley (USA), Climbing For Furley, Documentary Short
Birgitta Liljedahl (Sweden), Potato, Film Short, Creativity / Originality
Carey L. Jones (USA), ALONE, Direction, Film Short
Cari Sudmeier (USA), Frequency Over Time, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Women Filmmakers
Carol J. Amore (USA), TIGERS-Tracking a Legend, Music Video, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Chance Fuerstinger and Chance Owen (USA), I’m Changin’, Music Video
Charlie Puritano (USA), Extreme Paleo, Film Short
Chonglang Fan (China), Song of the Conscripts, Asian
Chris Dabney (USA), Princess Love, Direction, Film Short
Dena L. Hildebrand (USA), Small Town Girl, Big Heart – Abby’s Courage, Christian, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Dhanush Paramesh (USA), Simulacrum, Film Short
Dinesh Shukla (India), SAVE SKIN SAVE LIFE, Educational / Instructional / Training, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Donald Watson (USA), Whitey On The Run, Film Short
Eric Treml (USA), Das Pickle, Documentary Short
Fady Jeanbart, Olivia Jamgotchian and Nora Salim (USA), I Have No Place to Cry, Actress: Leading (Dani Alvarado as Anna), Direction, Film Short, Editing (Fady Jeanbart)
François Joseph and Rémi Dumas (France), Dogsitter, Film Short, Actor: Leading (François Joseph as Franjo)
Gina Lori Riley (Canada), I Am Here, Experimental
Graham J. Northrup (USA), GIFT, Film Short
Hunter Nickless (USA), Gone, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, Film Short (Student)
Iva Kevra (Ireland), Love of Magdalena, Women Filmmakers
Jeff Lane (USA), Lady Doctor, Film Short, Cinematography
Jeremy Lee Dickson (USA), Second Amendment, Right?, Film Short, Dramatic Impact
Juliana Bergstrom, Keara Barnes and Brenda Whitehall (Canada), Harbour, Women Filmmakers
Kristin Koliss and Tommy Jay Dwyer (USA), Madigan’s Again, Narration / Voiceover Talent, Script / Writer
Lauralee Sheehan (Canada), Filter, Webisode
Lauren P. Tyree (USA), Remember me, Documentary Short (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Lubomir Atan (USA), Clout Chaser, Animation, Music Video
Markus Schnatmann (Germany), Elteney, Film Short
Mia Denaé Brathwaite (USA), Monotony, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Mike Savuica (Romania), Planet of Broken Dreams, Actress: Leading (Flavia Călin as The Mother)
Mohammed Saif Alshehhi (USA), Limerence, Actress: Leading (Student) (Clara Bach as Helene)
Nick Adducci (USA), Coming Home, Christian
Paetyn Naidoo (USA), PITCHES, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Patrick Sweeney (USA), Selling Dreams, Documentary Short (Student)
Peter Edward Hartwig (Australia), Beneath the Soil, Experimental
Randy Ferino Wayne and London McAlpine (USA), Drinks On Me, African American
Richard R. Murray (USA), Natural Light: The Remarkable Transformation of a School on Detroit’s East Eight Mile, Documentary Short
Roberto Orazi (Italy), VOICES, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Educational / Instructional / Training
Romy Nordlinger(USA), The Feeling Part, Script / Writer (Romy Nordlinger)
Ron Geffen (USA), Call In The Night, Music Video
Shirley Lynn and Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Let the Love Flow, Music Video (Shirley Lynn)
Sierra Productions (USA), Troy’s Story, Editing (Nancy Hamilton), Original Score (Patrick Rundblad)
SiJia Zheng (China), Cat Chaser, Experimental (Student)
Steph France (USA), Hexxed, Film Short, Direction
Tanner Reece (USA), Airlock 27, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, Film Short (Student)
Vivian Sorenson (USA), Pickleball Wars, Film Short
Xiaoyuan Ma (China), The Road of Inheritance, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Yossi Waxman (Israel), The Plate, Jewish

Aaron Williams (USA), Secret Santa, Actor: Leading (Stephen Paunovski as Gabe)
Abdullah Alassil (USA), Vital Shot, Film Short
Alex Stene (USA), Body of Christ, Ensemble Cast, Film Short
Amanda Siow (USA), Wishbone, Experimental (Student), Creativity / Originality (Student)
Amit Bar (Netherlands), Liberation, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Anne Eva Kristina Isaksson (United Kingdom), A Meditation on Trauma, Experimental
Antje Lindner (Germany), identity, Animation, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Barrye L. Price and Florita Bell Griffin (USA), Interview With A King – An animated short film, African American, Animation, Christian
Bryson Oleson (USA), Finding Deadwood Coach, Educational / Instructional / Training (Student)
Carol J. Amore (USA), Ancient Lands and Lives-Above the Grand Canyon Rims, Music Video
Cathy Beasley (USA), Mary’s Choice, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Chris Denny (USA), The Sojourn of Carolyn Townsend, Actress: Leading (Student) (Holly Anspaugh as Carolyn Townsend)
Christian Ramirez (USA), The Late Hour, Commercial / Infomercial, Direction
Christopher Michael Spence (USA), The MixTape, Script / Writer
Chuchu Xiong (China), STRANGER, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Dan Aguar (USA), Down To The Plastic Ocean, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Experimental 
David Taylor (USA), COMPLEX, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Davide Comelli (Italy), O’ Paradiso – The Heaven, Actor: Leading (Emilio Sioli Legnani as Nidio Casorcio), Music Video
Demian Alan Mancino and Brittany Benedict (USA), Suffer In Silence, Film Short
Dennis Johannes Kulunnguaq Møller (Norway), A Culinary Tale Of Greenland’s Changing Climate, Native Peoples (Student)
Devin Durrant (USA), No Tracks: The Value of Quiet Service, Christian
Engin Altintas (USA), NO TIME, Film Short
Erica Diederich (USA), This Shit Is ____, Web Series, Comedy Program / Series
Gene Blair Jr. (USA), Stay, Film Short
Grace Marrero (USA), Saving Sanctuary, Documentary Short, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Ilya Tilkin (Israel), Hold Me Tightly, Disability Issues, Jewish, Script / Writer
India Anne Mitchell (USA), Guiding Light, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Jasper Capalad (USA), Asynchronous, Actor: Leading (Jasper Capalad as Michael)
Joe Costa (USA), She Is 17 Again, Film Short
Jonathan Sawyer (USA), Remember, Movie Trailer
Juan Ignacio Amusategui (Argentina), u̯ekʷ, Experimental
Jürgen Baums (Germany), Great Journey, Remixes / Mashups
Kim Kelln (Canada), Bennett and Clement, Film Short
Kristin Koliss and Tommy Jay Dwyer (USA), Madigan’s Again, Direction
Kseny Duke (USA), Memories, Children / Family Programming
Kyle Williams (United Kingdom), Play Like an 8 Year old, Documentary Short (Student)
Lena Mattsson (Sweden), Not Without Gloves, Experimental
Lois Basham (Australia), Sirens Call, Film Short (Student)
Machiel van den Heuvel (Netherlands), Noble Savage, Documentary Short
Markus Schnatmann (Germany), Elteney, Actress: Leading (Kira Wiechers as Trish)
Michael Austin (USA), To the Ends of the Earth, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Miguel Lopez de Leon (USA), Ghost Leave, Film..