Category: Best Music Video – 2026 ARFF Barcelona

(FINALIST)

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.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Psycho Killer No Mercy

Director’s Name: Bego Sánchez

Writer’s Name: Bego Sánchez

Producer: Bego Sánchez

Country of Origin: Spain

Country of Filming: Spain

Language: Spanish

Runtime: 4 minutes

Film Description:

(WINNER)

Original Film Title: Compassion (Karuna)

Director’s Name: Derek Doneen

Writer’s Name: Ricky Kej

Producer: Davis Guggenheim, Sarah Anthony, Ricky Kej

Country of Origin: India

Country of Filming: India

Language: English

Runtime: 3 minutes 36 seconds

Film Description:

Music video showcasing the life of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate – Kailash Satyarthi. This year, Kailash celebrates 10 years of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He is credited with having freed over 100,000 children from slavery. Kailash has marched across 103 countries and contributed to legislation in most of these nations with regard to child-rights. Satyarthi has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine.

The Music: A collaboration between 3 times GRAMMY AWARD winner Ricky Kej, GRAMMY and Brit Award nominee Tina Guo, GRAMMY AWARD winner Masa Takumi and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi – The cinematic masterpiece “Compassion (Karuna)” is a powerful tribute to Gandhi’s timeless principles. This epic piece combines sweeping orchestral arrangements with a poignant piano melody, evoking raw emotion and depth. Like a grand movie score, “Compassion” builds from intimate moments to grand, cinematic crescendos, inspiring reflection and hope.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: City Of God – Oceans

Director’s Name: Olivér Lehel, Nóra Sallai

Writer’s Name: Olivér Lehel, Nóra Sallai

Producer: Olivér Lehel, Nóra Sallai

Country of Origin: Hungary

Country of Filming: Hungary

Language: English

Runtime: 2 minutes 58 seconds

Film Description:

“Oceans” is the first song from the City Of God musical project’s debut EP “Between the Waves”. The piece is a 3-minute dimension leap and also a journey into a wavy, mystical world, where natural beauty, a sense of depth and a bittersweet atmosphere play the main role. Although the song is modern-experimental, only acoustic, classical instruments are heard in it. It is characterized by simple, easily remembered musical melodies and exceptionally airy, floating vocals.

The clip depicts a sad story, in which the main character is a young woman who has recently lost a close relative.
The story is about the process of grieving, which at the end releases both tragic and uplifting feelings. The sequences of images depict the thoughts and feelings of the main character, which play out in her soul.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Beautiful Day

Director’s Name: Miguel Hernandez

Writer’s Name: Stephanie Bettman

Producer: Stephanie Bettman, Miguel Hernandez, Piper Arpan

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 2 minutes 45 seconds

Film Description:

A joyful upbeat music video for the folk/pop song Beautiful Day, by award-winning singer-songwriter Stephanie Bettman.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: Oh! Pino

Director’s Name: Braulio Lora

Writer’s Name: Rafelito Mirabal

Producer: Pedro McDougal

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Country of Filming: Dominican Republic

Language:

Runtime: 4 minutes 24 seconds

Film Description:

Oh! Pino” is a vibrant and soulful composition by acclaimed Dominican musician Rafelito Mirabal, blending the rhythms of Bachata with the sophistication of jazz. The piece pays homage to Dominican heritage while exploring new musical dimensions with rich harmonies and bold improvisations.

Now brought to life visually, the newly released video stars Lorena Abreu, a dynamic Dominican-American performer known for her powerful presence and athletic artistry. Her role adds movement and narrative to the song’s already passionate soundscape, creating a multisensory experience that honors both tradition and innovation.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Monoplay – York

Director’s Name: Victor Lyapakhin, Alina Now

Writer’s Name: Victor Lyapakhin, Alina Now

Producer: Victor Lyapakhin, Alina Now

Country of Origin:

Country of Filming:

Language:

Runtime: 5 minutes 2 seconds

Film Description:

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: Hero

Director’s Name: Dídac Àvila Padró

Writer’s Name: Dídac Àvila Padró

Producer: Dídac Àvila Padró

Country of Origin: Spain

Country of Filming: Spain

Language: Catalan

Runtime: 3 minutes 28 seconds

Film Description:

A young man is riding the subway, trapped in the monotony of his routine, when suddenly the city is attacked by a giant monster. First, he must escape the train and gain perspective to understand and face the problem. Confused and scared, he doubts what to do, almost giving in to the chaos. However, something inside him changes, and he decides to fight the creature. As the battle intensifies, he discovers a harsh truth: the real enemy is not the monster, but himself.