Independent Awards

SIGNIS - World Catholic Association for Communication
Jury: Lidia Greco, Mario Marchioli, Teresa Teramo
Honorable Mention 
Cabaret Total by Roy Assaf
Jury Statement:
"For its ability to address, with sensitivity and acuity, universal themes such as freedom of expression, the cancel culture, and criticism of institutional power. For its narrative that combines elements of the traditional “Commedia dell'Arte” with a poetic discourse that invites the viewer to reflect on their role in the great comedy of the world. For the impeccable technical quality that stands out in photography and makeup, elements that visually enrich the plot. And for the symbolism that conveys, with boldness and subtlety, the idea that art is a transformative tool capable of expressing what cannot be said in any other way. This work not only stands out for its cinematic excellence, but also for its commitment to a deeply human message, capable of inspiring change and encouraging dialogue on the complex issues of today's society".

SIGNIS Award for Best Film of Official International Competition
Aïcha by Mehdi M. Barsaoui
Jury Statement: 
"For its impeccable technical quality, in which each shot, frame and detail are precisely articulated to enhance and strongly transmit the message of the story. For a script that, with depth and sensitivity, addresses the ethical dilemmas of the human heart, inviting us to reflect from different cultural perspectives on the old and new forms of slavery in the East and the West. For a solid narrative that, through the exploration of universal themes such as survival and identity, foregrounds essential values ​​such as freedom, justice, truth and friendship. For its poetics, in which each visual and sound element becomes a key piece of the story, accompanying the characters on their inner emotional journey as well as their real external journey: the journey of life. And for subtly questioning the systems of power and oppression and valuing the person above social structures. 
Final Comments: This work not only stands out as an excellent cinematic experience, but stands as a testament to the power of cinema to transform, inspire and promote dialogue from a deeply human perspective. The film suggests that although the truth may be painful, it is also the only path to true justice and lasting peace, and, specifically, peace of conscience. This philosophical depth makes Aïcha a relevant cinematic work for both Tunisian and international audiences. Fatma Sfar, the lead actress, is to be congratulated, as she transcends the screen to involve the viewer in her quest".


ACCA - Association of Film Writers of Argentina
Jury: Guillermo Colantonio, Mariano Casas Di Nardo, María del Carmen Tomsic
ACCA Award for Best Argentine Picture of all the competitions
Adulto by Mariano González
Jury Statement: 
"The jury unanimously awarded the story this prize for its honest portrayal of the characters and its meticulous construction, which does not neglect form nor narrative, exposing a theme as profound as the transition into adolescence, revealing the abandonment of adults. Formally correct and measured, the ACCA jury gives the Best Argentine Feature Film Award to Adulto by Mariano González".


RECAM - Expert Meeting of Film and Audiovisual Authorities of Mercosur
RECAM Jury
Honorable Mention
Compost by Augusto Sinay, Matías Sinay
Jury Statement: 
"For the beautiful animation technique inspired by an impressionist pictorial style that fits perfectly into a plot of enigma, which unfolds with a good dose of suspense while the disturbing -and unusual- story proposes an endless debate about death and the meaning of life".

RECAM Award for Best Mercosur Short Film in official competitions
El ascenso y caída de Zara Zilverstein by Brian Kazez
Jury Statement: 
"For its remarkable cinematography that takes advantage of the excellent art direction, with commensurate performances to give us a comedy of social criticism that is very well achieved thanks to its script, which wagers on a non-linear structure to add twists to the basic plot that work conveniently for the tone of the story. The ironic handling of instant (and undeserved) “fame” stands out in the midst of a journalism as yellow as it is focused on frivolous entertainment gossip and devoid of content".


FNA - National Fund for the Arts
Jury: Miguel Pereira
FNA Award for Best Short Film of Argentine Competition
Todos los futuros by Bárbara Cerro
Jury Statement: 
"The hypnotic beauty of animation transports us on an illusory journey in which everything is possible. From the infinite cosmos to cerebral connections, from a probable hidden past to an all imagined futures in which man walks in the company of the dog. Bárbara Cerro gives us a dazzling spectacle where imagination mixes in perfect harmony with music and color, and animation becomes art in movement. For all this, she deserves the Institutional Award of the Fondo Nacional de las artes".