Category: Best Student Film – 2026 ARFF Barcelona

(WINNER)

Original Film Title: Я

Director’s Name: Иван Степанов

Writer’s Name: Иван Степанов, Анна-Мария Свердлова

Producer: Анна Дубровская, Надежда Лобанова

Country of Origin: Cyprus

Country of Filming: Cyprus

Language: Russian

Runtime: 30 minutes

Film Description:

New Year’s Eve among friends. Not so much of a celebration, but more of a nostalgia for a bygone era and bygone youth.

A holiday devoid of joy, as in the morning, the men are leaving for another hot spot to rebuild a bridge that had been destroyed by war.

A sense of duty versus tranquility. Dedication versus harmony.
They’re leaving everything behind: love, family, comfort, and of course – a child from Plato’s allegory, who, little by little, is discovering the Sun to show the people that they are living in a world of shadows.

How can you live in this crazy world, how can you raise children, how can you be honest and loyal? How do you remain human? Following your own path is the only way!

Does God still talk to us? And do we hear him?

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: Stranger

Director’s Name: Solomon Fezer

Writer’s Name: Bea de Visser

Producer: Solomon Fezer

Country of Origin: Australia

Country of Filming: Australia

Language: English

Runtime: 3 minutes 6 seconds

Film Description:

Stranger is a psychological drama about James, a boy trapped in addiction. One night, a knock at the door shatters his isolation, forcing him into a confrontation that makes him question his reality, his choices, and whether he has any way out. A raw, tense exploration of self destruction and survival.