Category: AUDIENCE AWARDS – 2026 WSXA Barcelona

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Petra

Director’s Name: Zeina Barhoum

Writer’s Name: Zeina Barhoum

Producer: Zeina Barhoum, Seungsik Shin

Country of Origin: Jordan

Country of Filming: Jordan

Language: English

Runtime: 12 minutes 32 seconds

Film Description:

Princess Petra and Prince Malecus are summoned by the Royal Messenger to warn them of potential battle with the Romans, as he races on his horse to the Treasury where the largest Royal wedding matrimony is being held to wed Queen Shaqyla and King Aretas to take reign of the kingdom of Nabatea. They all go on a mission to not only save the kingdom from battle but to free the king and queen from the gates that imprisoned them in the treasury with a magical stone tablet they have to find. ُThe King and queen can only be freed if the stone tablet’s inscription is read by someone who is truly in love.

(AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER)

Original Film Title: Opting In

Director’s Name: Susan Dynner

Writer’s Name: Susan Dynner

Producer: Susan Dynner, Kira Leinonen, Shauna Grace

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 13 minutes 45 seconds

Film Description:

Burned out on dating apps, a hopeful romantic woman gives love one last shot—only to find her latest match might be perfect in all the wrong ways. A darkly comedic tale of modern love and digital obsession

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: The Invisible Wings

Director’s Name: Marco Trionfante

Writer’s Name: Marco Trionfante, Giulio Troli

Producer: Associazione Culturale Teatrale, Gli O’Scenici, APS

Country of Origin: Italy

Country of Filming: Italy

Language: Italian

Runtime: 17 minutes

Film Description:

“The Invisible Wings” is an intense and engaging short film that addresses the theme of autism with an authentic and moving perspective. The story follows the journey of Niccolò Scarnato, a young man with autism who plays himself, bringing to the screen all the strength, sensitivity, and truth of his personal experience. Niccolò becomes the beating heart of the narrative, offering a glimpse of real life far removed from any stereotype.

Enriching the cast is the extraordinary participation of Lorenzo Flaherty, a nationally renowned actor and a well-known face of Italian cinema and television. Completing the artistic team are Marco Trionfante and Cristiano Corradetti, the latter being the composer of the original score, which amplifies the emotional intensity of the story. An additional touch of prestige use of a song by Gianna Nannini, which lends power and emotional depth to the film.

The film is presented not only as a cinematic work but also as an invitation to look beyond appearances, to discover and value the essence of those who live with a special condition with extraordinary strength and humanity. “Invisible Wings” is a journey of growth and awareness that blends art, truth, and inclusion, with the aim of raising public awareness and encouraging reflection on the theme of autism.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Transference

Director’s Name: Zeph E Daniel

Writer’s Name: Zeph E Daniel, Rick Fry

Producer: Loris Curci

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes

Film Description:

Over the edge is just the beginning. Katherine, a beautiful heiress recovering from a mental breakdown and her nurse, Luisa, develop a special friendship as they open up to one another. But as their closeness–and attraction–grows, Luisa’s sadistic ex-husband Sonny re-enters her life with a scheme to get back at Luisa, and take over Katherine’s fortune. As his manipulative plan unfolds, a lurid tale of seduction is exposed that breaks all the rules, and ends…in murder.