2025 Awards

“MAD BILLS TO PAY (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)” Directed By Joel Alfonso Vargas

Jambor-Franklin Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature ($1000)

“The Long-Reigning King of Rollercastle Skateland” Directed By David Hull

Best Narrative Short ($500)

“Natchez” Directed By Suzannah Herbert

Best Documentary Feature ($1000)

“The Third Child” Directed By Serna Amini

Best Documentary Short ($500)

“POW!” Directed By Joey Clift

Best Animated Film ($250)

“Failure to Fail” Directed By Haley Hawkey

Best Student Film ($250)

“The Wilhelm Scream” Directed By Anna Quinlan

Alan Hunter Best Alabama Film ($500)

“Fucktoys ” Directed By Annapurna Sriram

Best SHOUT Feature ($500)

“Victoria” Directed By John Haley

Best SHOUT Short ($250)

“Outdoor School” Directed By Ime Nyong Etuk

Best Black Lens Feature ($500)

“Heavy is the Head” Directed By Chap Edmonson

Best Black Lens Short ($250)

“Discount Funeral” Directed By Brett Whitcomb

Reel South Short Film Award

Sponsored by Reel South

“It Comes in Waves” Directed By Fitch Jean

Best Narrative Feature

“Operation Talus” Directed By Sean Cygan

Best Narrative Short

“Ali Eats America” Directed By Roush Niaghi and Greg Morris

Best Documentary Feature

“Exodus” Directed By Bob Miller

Best Documentary Short

“Love Me, Bait Me: The Power of Queer Representation” Directed By Rachel van der Bie

Best Shout Film (Feature or Short)

“Forward, Ever” Directed By Jason Sciavicco

Best Alabama Film (Feature or Short)

“Natchez” Directed By Suzannah Herbert

Best Black Lens Film (Feature or Short)

“Plainclothes” Directed By Carmen Emmi

Feature Programmers' Award ($500)

“Olive” Directed By Tom Koch

Short Programmers' Award ($250)