Category: Best Student Film – 2025 ARFF Barcelona

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: 下一站，落馬洲

Director’s Name: Yijian Jiang

Writer’s Name: Xu Cheng

Producer: Thomas Lee

Country of Origin: Macao

Country of Filming : China, Hong Kong, Macao

Language: Chinese

Runtime: 27 minutes 11 seconds

Film Description:

Cross-border student Yuen, who comes from a Single Non-Resident Family, hopes to have her mother immigrate to Hong Kong to accompany her. After failing to assist her mother with the immigration process, Yuan is reluctant to seek help from her brother, who has already settled in Hong Kong. In order to achieve her goal, she joins smuggling operations. However, after being caught by customs, she faces an unexpected legal and moral judgment with her father.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: What Remains of Us

Director’s Name: Solomon Fezer

Writer’s Name: Solomon Fezer, Mellony Ledo

Producer: Mellony Ledo

Country of Origin: Australia

Country of Filming : United States, Australia, United States

Language: English

Runtime: 10 minutes 16 seconds

Film Description:

What Remains of Us is a poignant exploration of grief, connection, and missed opportunities. Luke, a young man weighed down by personal struggles and family expectations, revisits a close but strained relationship with Cam, a friend who moved away. Through a series of text messages, flashbacks, and video calls, the film reveals Luke’s guilt and regret over losing touch, culminating in the devastating realization of Cam’s tragic fate. As Luke grapples with his emotions, he reflects on the impact of their bond and the unspoken struggles both carried, emphasizing the importance of reaching out and cherishing meaningful connections.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: MEEET

Director’s Name: Laama Almadani

Writer’s Name: Yemi Eniolorunda

Producer: Emina Smajic

Country of Origin: Germany

Country of Filming : Germany

Language: English

Runtime: 10 minutes

Film Description:

In this dark horror comedy, six eccentric and disturbed yet interesting characters suffer from starvation in a bomb shelter. When one of them seemingly dies, the rest decides to “partially” eat her corpse. But an unexpected hindrance thwarts their meal, which is then followed by a serving of poetic justice.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: THIS IS NOT A LOVE SONG

Director’s Name: Mor Peled

Writer’s Name: Mor Peled

Producer: Livia Reim Dias

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Country of Filming : United Kingdom

Language: English

Runtime: 14 minutes 3 seconds

Film Description:

When 15-year-old Violet gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the lead singer of her favorite American band, she decides to make him an offer he can’t refuse. Or can he?

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: On The Edge: Saving The Iberian Lynx

Director’s Name: Megan Richards

Writer’s Name: Megan Richards

Producer: Megan Richards

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Country of Filming : Spain

Language: English, Spanish

Runtime: 9 minutes 24 seconds

Film Description:

With fewer than 100 individuals remaining, the Iberian Lynx was on the brink of extinction. Without immediate intervention, this iconic species could have been lost forever. This short wildlife documentary tells the remarkable story of a groundbreaking rewilding project that saved the species. Through powerful interviews with conservationists and intimate footage of the lynx in the wild, the film captures the triumphs, ongoing challenges, and hope for the future of what was once the world’s most endangered cat. A feel-good film that shows what can be achieved when people unite to protect nature.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: Those Who Don’t

Director’s Name: Ryan Rivera, Yasmine Tohme

Writer’s Name: Ryan Rivera, Yasmine Tohme

Producer: Ryan Rivera, Yasmine Tohme

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming : United States

Language: English

Runtime: 10 minutes 16 seconds

Film Description:

A Hispanic student, Ignacio, seeks acceptance and connection outside his comfort zone while navigating life in a predominantly white institution. This leads to a clash with his best friend Marissa and a journey of self-discovery on the field.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: AMAZIGH

Director’s Name: SERRA SOYUPAK

Writer’s Name: SERRA SOYUPAK

Producer: ASLI SAVATLI, LUTFI SAVATLI

Country of Origin: Turkey

Country of Filming : Morocco

Language: English

Runtime: 8 minutes 11 seconds

Film Description:

The film follows an inspiring Amazigh woman who is determined to break societal expectations and embrace her passion for surfing. Narrated in her native language, Tamazight, the film takes viewers on a personal journey as she tells her story in various locations. This journey captures the intersection of culture, traditions, and individuality and shows the empowering transformation of a young woman who breaks free and explores surfing.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Cuffed!

Director’s Name: Hannah Romell

Writer’s Name: Hannah Romell, Grace Birkland

Producer: Hannah Romell, Grace Birkland

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming : United States

Language: English

Runtime: 7 minutes 21 seconds

Film Description:

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: Bitter Honey

Director’s Name: Julia Andreevna Makarova

Writer’s Name: Julia Andreevna Makarova

Producer: Zlata Sergeevna Cheremnykh

Country of Origin: Russian Federation

Country of Filming : Russian Federation

Language: Russian

Runtime: 26 minutes 32 seconds

Film Description:

After their father passes away, the Skuratov sisters try to preserve the family business – the bee apiary. But it is not so easy to let go of the experience of loss after the recent passing of a loved one.

(WINNER)

Original Film Title: Suerte de Matar (The Act of Death)

Director’s Name: Diego Rocha

Writer’s Name: Diego Rocha

Producer: Jonathan Horton

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming : United States

Language: English, Spanish

Runtime: 15 minutes 38 seconds

Film Description:

As Esteban prepares for his bullfighting induction, he must decide between his love for a flamenco dancer and his imminent glory in the arena.