Category: Best Inspirational Film – 2025 WSXA Barcelona

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: The Definition Of Happiness

Director’s Name: Tim Elwin

Writer’s Name: Tim Elwin

Producer: Tim Elwin, Ben Ulm

Country of Origin: Australia

Country of Filming : United States, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, United States

Language: English

Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes

Film Description:

As the elusive pursuit of happiness continues to plunge humanity deeper into depression, Tim is forced onto a transformative journey, uncovering truths that challenge our understanding and might just hold the key to true happiness.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Chained Silence Speaks Chapter 1

Director’s Name: Edwin Leon Rose

Writer’s Name: Edwin Leon Rose

Producer: Edwin Leon Rose, Christopher Senegal

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming : Ghana, United States

Language: English

Runtime: 18 minutes 50 seconds

Film Description:

In the stirring documentary Chained Silence Speaks, we delve into the harrowing world of human trafficking, with a piercing focus on the heartrending tale of a child sold into this shadowy industry by his own parents. This film masterfully interweaves the potent dramatization of a stolen childhood with the raw, authentic narratives of individuals who have endured and survived the trafficking nightmare.

Each frame of Chained Silence Speaks is meticulously crafted to not only educate but also to evoke a profound emotional response, compelling viewers to look beyond the surface of what they believe they know. The survivor interviews are a testament to the indomitable human spirit, serving as both a somber reminder and an inspiring beacon of hope.

(WINNER)

Original Film Title: The Hemingway

Director’s Name: Evan Mathis, Patrick Sean O’Brien

Writer’s Name: Patrick Sean O’Brien, Evan Mathis

Producer: Patrick Sean O’Brien, Evan Mathis, Michele Dupree

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming : United States

Language: English

Runtime: 9 minutes 4 seconds

Film Description:

“The Hemingway” is a visually stunning short film that attempts to unravel some of the complexities that come through living with ALS. As Patrick faces the extraordinary challenges to otherwise mundane tasks due to his condition, the narrative voice inside his head provides insights into life’s peculiarities during his most intimate moments. Unexpected twists and turns reveal the intricacies of interpersonal relationships in the outwardly silent world of ALS. In a short span, “The Hemingway” skillfully navigates the delicate balance between life’s beauty, dark humor, and heartfelt revelation – offering a poignant exploration of the human experience through life, death and shit. The film is directed by the duo of Patrick O’Brien and commercial veteran Evan Mathis, and edited by Doug Pray.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Closed Gates

Director’s Name: Naresh Kumar Rajendran

Writer’s Name: Naresh Kumar Rajendran

Producer: Nithyapriya Selvaraj

Country of Origin: India

Country of Filming : India

Language: Tamil

Runtime: 57 minutes 28 seconds

Film Description:

“Closed Gates” is a touching film that follows Raju, a young autistic boy in India, and his mother, Sana, as they strive for acceptance and inclusive education amidst societal biases. The film highlights their struggles against bullying and discrimination, showcasing themes of resilience and the necessity for inclusivity.

Sana advocates for Raju’s right to learn alongside peers, despite facing challenges from other parents and school administration. A pivotal moment occurs when she discovers Raju’s talent for athletics and encourages him to participate in sports day. With her support, Raju faces skepticism but ultimately finds unexpected kindness from a fellow athlete during the race.

The film emphasizes the importance of empathy and challenges viewers to reconsider their biases regarding diversity and inclusion. “Closed Gates” serves as a hopeful reminder of the power of compassion in creating a more inclusive society through Raju and Sana’s journey.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: MIRARI

Director’s Name: Jérémie Brunel

Writer’s Name: Jérémie Brunel

Producer: Olivier Bernaert

Country of Origin: France

Country of Filming : France

Language: French

Runtime: 1 hour 22 minutes 49 seconds

Film Description:

Arthur, Anne Marie Le Gal’s son, is a school dropout. A teenager
standards of a typical teenager, he isolates himself in his room
and spends most of his days taking photos.
photographs. Each snapshot he takes takes him into other spheres, allowing him to escape.
escape. Unwilling to conform to his parents’ imposed
by his parents, Arthur decides to run away. Anne Marie and Pierre Le Gal
are worried by his sudden disappearance. They decide to set off in search
even though Pierre is reluctant and even thinks that running away will
will allow Arthur to emancipate himself. In reality, Arthur finds refuge
in the old store of his maternal grandfather, Georges, recently
where he pursues his quest and his work through frescoes,
books and perfumes. He decides to defend this unique heritage
that his parents want to get rid of. So Arthur takes the time
to immortalize what time will inevitably turn to dust.
But isn’t life itself just a mirage (Mirari in Latin)? What
Are we really to each other? Anne Marie and Pierre Le
Gal eventually find their child, but isn’t it already too late?

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: We Are Forever

Director’s Name: Meng Xia

Writer’s Name: Meng Xia

Producer: Xueli Rao, Chi Zhang

Country of Origin: China

Country of Filming : China

Language: Chinese

Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes 12 seconds

Film Description:

Bad-lucky sisters hilarious prank on an ex-lover, touching friendship cured the heat this summer.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: Meet The Local Hero – Glenn Johnstone

Director’s Name: Dragos Teglas

Writer’s Name: Ana Turcanu

Producer: Dragos Mostenescu, Nicoleta Iliescu, Luminita Mostenescu

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Country of Filming : United Kingdom

Language: English

Runtime: 20 minutes

Film Description:

“Meet The Local Hero – Glenn Johnstone” is a short documentary showcasing Glenn’s inspiring journey from a bone tumor diagnosis to amputation. With a custom prosthetic leg, he reclaims his passion for biking, celebrating resilience, family, and the triumph of the human spirit.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: I am Kanaka

Director’s Name: Genevieve Sulway

Writer’s Name: Genevieve Sulway

Producer: Genevieve Sulway

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Country of Filming : United Kingdom

Language: English

Runtime: 15 minutes

Film Description:

A local Hawaiian hero fights to save his culture by teaching traditions, sustainability and life skills to disadvantaged indigenous kids.