Memory of Xinjiang – dir. Tan Wei, Li Lan

(Honorable Mention)

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Original Film Title: Memory of Xinjiang

Director’s Name: Tan Wei, Li Lan

Writer’s Name: Tan Wei, Li Lan

Producer: Fei Yun

Country of Origin: Canada

Country of Filming: Canada

Language: English, Mandarin Chinese

Runtime: 5 minutes 21 seconds

Film Description:

“Memory of Xinjiang” is a visually captivating exploration that intertwines music and memory, showcasing the beauty of Xinjiang, China. The dual narrative follows a composer who transforms his memories into music, while vibrant landscapes of the region unfold. A blend of traditional Chinese music instruments and contemporary sounds creates a dreamlike atmosphere, evoking deep emotional connections. The digital protagonist, powered by advanced technology, expresses genuine emotions, enhancing the themes of memory and connection. This work reflects W Films’ innovative storytelling, inviting viewers on a profound journey through sound and imagery.

AMAZON VARIATIONS – dir. Cecilia Pillado

(Finalist)

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Original Film Title: AMAZON VARIATIONS

Director’s Name: Cecilia Pillado

Writer’s Name: Cecilia Pillado

Producer: Cecilia Pillado

Country of Origin: Germany

Country of Filming: Argentina, Germany, Spain

Language:

Runtime: 14 minutes 30 seconds

Film Description:

The audiovisual work “Amazon Variations” by Cecilia Pillado is a “re-composition” of her piano work of the same name through images and effects, the plot of which is hinted at through the titles of the individual parts, revealing a cyclical story of beginning and return.
It is a philosophical, mystical, spiritual, experimental, contemplative essay that addresses concepts such as the origin of cosmos, life, fertility, love, destruction, transformation, among others. Or it’s just a journey through the universe and nature, passing through a jungle that holds hidden and unknown dangers, through a dancing celebration, stopping at the ocean, turning back to the starting point. A tribute to the Amazon River, giver of life, to the nature and the cosmos.

Until the last minute – dir. Ilya Noyabrev

(Honorable Mention)

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Original Film Title: Until the last minute

Director’s Name: Ilya Noyabrev

Writer’s Name: Ilya Noyabrev

Producer: Semen Khanin

Country of Origin: Ukraine

Country of Filming: Ukraine

Language: Ukrainian

Runtime: 3 minutes 33 seconds

Film Description:

The song describes the role of a woman in difficult times. Her support and faith are hard to overestimate.
A Ukrainian woman sees her husband off to war. She prays for her husband’s return and makes a folk amulet (a motanka doll) with her own hands. In her prayer, the woman promises her husband to be with him until the last minute.

Eigenarrtick – Religion – dir. Philipp Brugger

(Finalist)

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Original Film Title: Eigenarrtick – Religion

Director’s Name: Philipp Brugger

Writer’s Name: Philipp Brugger

Producer: Philipp Brugger, Nico Frye

Country of Origin: Germany

Country of Filming: Germany

Language: German

Runtime: 4 minutes 12 seconds

Film Description:

Religion. A very old and in some places controversial topic. Both the video and the song address the dark chapters of religious/biblical history. Sometimes more, sometimes less directly or provocatively, controversial topics such as “the Crusades” or “the Donation of Constantine” are addressed.
BUT did you listen and see carefully? Also between the lines/images? 😉

Car Crash Girls by Johnny Seven – dir. Simon William Pentelow

(Finalist)

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Original Film Title: Car Crash Girls by Johnny Seven

Director’s Name: Simon William Pentelow

Writer’s Name: Simon William Pentelow

Producer: Simon William Pentelow

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Country of Filming: United Kingdom

Language: English

Runtime: 3 minutes

Film Description:

Punk and Rock band video. Mostly made with found objects and footage due to no budget. Whilst an experienced stills photographer I’m none to Video and Premiere. I tried to learn editing as I went along and struggled with transitions and some of the other basics.I reverted to Photoshop a lot, because that’s where I’m more familiar. I couldn’t afford Premiere after this and so haven’t made any more videos. I’d like to make more, but need the encouragement/confidence to progress, hence entering this competion.

I Ain’t A Monster – dir. Lukas Rossi

(Finalist)

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Original Film Title: I Ain’t A Monster

Director’s Name: Lukas Rossi

Writer’s Name: Lukas Rossi

Producer: Lukas Rossi, Lukas Rossi

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 4 minutes 41 seconds

Film Description:

“I Ain’t A Monster” is a powerful and visually striking music video that explores themes of redemption, self-forgiveness, and transformation. Set against a backdrop of raw emotion and haunting visuals, the video follows the journey of a man wrestling with the demons of his past—his mistakes, heartbreak, and the shadow of being labeled a “monster.”

Through cinematic storytelling, the video portrays his struggle to rise from the ashes of shame and regret, drawing strength from the love and belief of someone who sees the good within him. It is a deeply personal and relatable narrative, symbolizing the universal battle against inner darkness and the pursuit of healing. The juxtaposition of fiery imagery and intimate moments reflects the duality of his inner storm and his rebirth into a better version of himself.

Accompanied by gripping lyrics and emotive performances, “I Ain’t A Monster” is both a confession and a celebration—a raw reminder that even in the face of despair, we can choose redemption and self-acceptance. With its bold visual style and heartfelt message, this music video resonates with anyone who has ever fought to overcome their past and redefine their future.

The Dolphin – dir. Pierfrancesco Nannoni, Riccardo Brizzi

(Finalist)

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Original Film Title: The Dolphin

Director’s Name: Pierfrancesco Nannoni, Riccardo Brizzi

Writer’s Name: Pierfrancesco Nannoni, Riccardo Brizzi

Producer: Pierfrancesco Nannoni,

Country of Origin: Italy

Country of Filming: Italy

Language: Italian

Runtime: 6 minutes 3 seconds

Film Description:

The song tells the story of a child and his journey to the land where he can make his dreams come true.

Love´s worst nightmare (ft. Liz Kretschmer) – dir. Philippe Funk

(Honorable Mention)

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Original Film Title: Love´s worst nightmare (ft. Liz Kretschmer)

Director’s Name: Philippe Funk

Writer’s Name: Philippe Funk

Producer: Graphicboy Productions

Country of Origin: Luxembourg

Country of Filming: Luxembourg

Language: English

Runtime: 3 minutes 25 seconds

Film Description:

In an abandoned building, a woman kneels on the floor, staring at a small box in front of her. Meanwhile, a man floats in a large lake, his eyes closed. Suddenly, he opens his eyes, staring up at the sky. He stands up in the water, aware of his vast, empty surroundings. Picking up the box, the woman gently takes out a necklace with a ring attached to it. As the man climbs out of the water, he touches his own necklace, looking at the ring. In the past, the man and woman embrace, holding each other closely. Both are wearing necklaces with rings attached.
Feeling lost and isolated, the man walks away from the water, walking through desolate paths and deforestation across a small island. He reaches a cliff’s edge, overlooking the rough waters of the ocean. As the woman holds her necklace, she begins to cry, remembering the pain of ending her relationship with the man. In the past, the two walk along the same cliffs the man now stands on. They were holding hands. They stood together watching the water, clearly in love. The woman intimately rested her head on his shoulder.
In the present, the man continues to stand alone on the cliff’s edge, troubled by memories of the past. The woman grows more emotional as she recalls her past relationship. Unable to bear it, she places the necklace back in the box and closes the lid, confining the memories to the past as we see the haunting, lonely island where the two lovers once walked.

NAND – SOS – dir. Aleksandr Irinarkhov

(Winner)

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Original Film Title: NAND – SOS

Director’s Name: Aleksandr Irinarkhov

Writer’s Name: Aleksandr Irinarkhov

Producer: Aleksandr Irinarkhov

Country of Origin: Germany

Country of Filming: Germany

Language: German

Runtime: 4 minutes 13 seconds

Film Description:

In a world where nature has retaliated against humanity’s destruction, mutants — half-human, half-plant beings — began to appear. Society rejected them, isolating them in “treatment” zones, while flowers were declared illegal. People caught possessing or transporting flowers faced persecution akin to drug charges. Meanwhile, among the followers of a flower cult, a myth emerged: a Messiah could be awakened through a ritual, one who would destroy technology, restore the natural world, and bring harmony back to Earth.

In the music video: four grim men in leather jackets are driving a young man dressed as a flower deep into the forest. It seems they plan to get rid of him. On a forest clearing, they pick up shovels, but suddenly rip off their jackets, revealing… bee-like bodies! They begin a ritualistic dance, pollinating the flower-like protagonist. With every move, the world starts to transform. Flowers sprout inside the car, break through asphalt, and bloom across the grass. The transformation accelerates as nature begins to consume everything…