Western Film
Award winners, Winter 2026
Every award the season carried, and the writers and directors behind them.
Winter 2026
Award winners
Their work captured exactly what our festival exists to celebrate: bold vision, originality, and outstanding craft. The Winter 2026 Award Winners stand as a powerful reflection of the very best in independent cinema, and their achievements point to an exciting future for film.
Thriller Screenplay
Flashing Back
Thriller Film
Imbroglio
Sci-Fi Film
Berlin Loop
Romance Film
I See Dark
Horror Film
Portae Infernales
Historical / Period Film
In the Footsteps of Alexander Nevsky
Fantasy Film
Journey
Drama Screenplay
Legacy
Drama Film
Angel's Tide
Debut Director – Short
Turtle
Debut Director – Feature
The last tupper
Comedy Screenplay
Shanghai Palace
Comedy Film
Bunnyville
Best Web Series / Episodic
The Bad Boy of Gospel Experience
Best Visual Effects (VFX)
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Haunting Hours
Best USA Film
Out of State-A Gothic Romance
Best TV Pilot (Script)
Gyre
Best Student Film
Echo Frequency
Best Sound Design
Cold Time
Best Short Screenplay (11-30 pages)
Savings Bonds
Best Short Film
Moisture
Best Production Design
Dojo
Best Original Song
The Bumblebees
Best Original Score / Soundtrack
Don't Look Away
Best Music Video
Redemption
Best Micro Short (under 5 minutes)
Time
Best Medium-length Script (31-60 pages)
Spiralmind
Best Male Director
Clutch
Best Indie Short Film
The Perfect Palm
Best Indie Feature Film (Low-budget)
Cheers Captain Alma
Best Female Director
Girl of Peace
Best Feature Screenplay
La strada segnata
Best Feature Film
The Deserter
Best Experimental Film
Litium
Best European Film
Trigger
Best Ensemble Cast
Reckoning
Best Editing
The End of the World
Best Documentary Short
If Not for Farming
Best Documentary Feature
All In My Power
Best Director – Music Video
Walk With Us
Best Cinematography
El Almuerzo
Best Australia & New Zealand Film
Unicorn
Best Asian Film
Iriso
Best Animated Film
Team Nuggets - Chicken Impossible
Best African Film
Dust and Dignity - African Lessons
Best Actress
Not a Love Story
Best Actor
Common Law
AI-Crafted Film
Constant
Action / Crime Film
Mancala: Crisis in Bauxite Mining
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Every entry is read and scored by our selection committee, and every Official Selection is promoted through our showcase.