Category: BEST DIRECTOR – ARFF PARIS 2026

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: Colada

Director’s Name: Carly Jibson

Writer’s Name: Adrianna Matamoros, Alexandra LeMosle

Producer: Charlie’s Door Films, Alexandra LeMosle, Adrianna Matamoros

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 9 minutes

Film Description:

Two estranged sisters are trapped in a bedroom on the day of their father’s fourth wedding, forcing them to confront old wounds and each other in a chaotic, heartfelt comedy.

(Audience Award Winner)

Original Film Title: IMAN – ZARIF AL TOUL

Director’s Name: Dan Haddad

Writer’s Name: Dan Haddad

Producer: Dan Haddad

Country of Origin: Lebanon

Country of Filming: Lebanon

Language: Arabic

Runtime: 4 minutes 30 seconds

Film Description:

Zarif at Tul reimagines one of the Levant’s oldest folkloric songs through a modern cinematic lens, drawing inspiration from the Canaanite myth of Adon-Baal and Anat. The film follows Iman, representing Anat, a spiritual figure who descends from the sky to revive her people from the sleep of ignorance. Guided by the divine drum of the heavens, she awakens the Canaanite community, who return to life dancing the ancient dabkeh – embodying resilience and cultural rebirth.

Among her rejuvenated people, Anat meets her beloved Baal, known as “Zarif at Tul,” and together they unite their community through dabkeh steps. But when enemies imprison Anat beneath the earth, she summons her strength and her cry reveals the star of Ashtray – symbol of survival- calling Baal to free her. Reborn and victorious, Anat returns crowned with the Canaanite Shatweh, celebrating identity, heritage, and the enduring spirit of her people.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: Disconnected

Director’s Name: Christian Justad Tønsvoll

Writer’s Name: Christian Justad Tønsvoll, Sander Torneus

Producer: Sander Torneus, Leif Are Angelsen, Linn Beate Jektvoll, Christian Justad Tønsvoll

Country of Origin: Norway

Country of Filming: Norway

Language: Norwegian

Runtime: 6 minutes 30 seconds

Film Description:

Disconnected is a reflective portrait of youth in a modern arctic society that appears prosperous on the surface, yet quietly struggles with loneliness and disconnection. Through intimate glimpses into young lives, the film explores the many forms of social isolation—both visible and unseen—that shape everyday experiences growing up today.

Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s richest and happiest countries, the story raises a pressing question: how can so many young people feel alone in a place that seems to offer everything? Moving between moments of closeness and distance, presence and absence, Disconnected captures the subtle tensions between digital connection and emotional isolation.

At its core, the film is an honest exploration of what it means to search for belonging in a time where connection is constant, yet often fragile.

(WINNER)

Original Film Title: Die Wendezeit

Director’s Name: Boris Wolffgardt

Writer’s Name: Heike Wener von Niessen

Producer: Heike Wener von Niessen

Country of Origin: Germany

Country of Filming: Germany

Language: German

Runtime: 15 minutes 22 seconds

Film Description:

After the end of the Third World War, women have taken control and now steer the course of the world. In this era of matriarchy, two men are put on trial for violating the new system of values. They must answer before three female judges who embody the principles of their time: feminism, equality, and female leadership.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Battle Of Mole Hill

Director’s Name: Joey Brooks

Writer’s Name: Joey Brooks, Zachary Grant

Producer: Danielle Wright, Mitchka Saberi

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 23 minutes

Film Description:

Amidst their existential impotence, two friends find themselves on a surreal journey of self-actualization and confront their insecurities, guided by a mysterious woman and a giant stuffed bear, ultimately finding momentary liberation within the glaring uncertainties they face.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: The Good Samaritan

Director’s Name: Takashi MIYATANI

Writer’s Name: Takashi MIYATANI

Producer: Takashi MIYATANI

Country of Origin: Japan

Country of Filming: Japan

Language: Japanese

Runtime: 27 minutes 58 seconds

Film Description:

Struggling actor Nakanishi works part-time at a funeral planner. One day, he is strangely fascinated by a dull, new employee called Otani, consoling the weak and hurt. He follows Otani home, where he witnesses Otani serve food to a crowd of homeless people. There, Otani shares his secret to Nakanishi.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Original Film Title: CYCLES

Director’s Name: Martins Imhangbe

Writer’s Name: Martins Imhangbe

Producer: Martins Imhangbe, Andre Wooz

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Country of Filming: United Kingdom

Language: English

Runtime: 19 minutes 50 seconds

Film Description:

After a teenage trainer reseller is robbed in a newly gentrified south London, he and his father are forced to confront the cycles of violence and masculinity that shape their lives. As they wrestle with the question of where choice truly begins, the family must decide whether to break the cycle or let it define them.

(FINALIST)

Original Film Title: Hushaby, O-Hushaby

Director’s Name: Yunqing

Writer’s Name: Yunqing

Producer: Yunqing

Country of Origin:

Country of Filming:

Language: English

Runtime: 8 minutes

Film Description:

Lin Nian learned that the criminal who kidnapped and sold his child

After being acquitted for mental problems, he experienced

Overnight, he finally decided to kill the prisoner himself.