The International Jury of the Reggio Film Festival 2025, composed of Eleonora Giovanardi,
Nicola Bassano, Roberto Curti, Adrien Lhommedieu e Christophe Fustini awarded the
Award for Best Short Film on the theme of Forbidden to
I hate Helen by Katie Lambert (UK)
For the precision, tone, and simultaneously the lightheartedness with which the theme of the forbidden is treated, also from an inclusive perspective. For the excellent technical coherence from start to finish, particularly in the use of photography. For the unconventional narrative structure. For the performances of all the actresses: measured, comical, and realistic, generating natural empathy in the audience.
The People’s Jury Award, awarded by the audience during the evenings of the
short film screenings, went to
Hardcore by Francesco Barozzi (Italy)
The award SNCCI Emilia-Romagna was assigned by a jury, composed of Gianpiero Ariola, Giorgia Fassiano e Gianluca Stanzani, to
Jour de vent by Chailloux, Kim Crespin, Golfouse, Lab, Taillez e Truding (France)
A hymn to the dynamics of change, where the ascending lightness of movement acts as a metaphor for the possibility of new, unexpected rebirths. The short film is striking for its transformative power, extracting from simple gestures a joyful emotional reorganization in the form of a light and vibrant aerial dance. Through a lively and delicate style, rendered with splendid watercolor tones and pastel colors, the directors orchestrate the playful chaos of a windy day into a true symphony of lightness.
The jury also awarded a special mention to
Such a Lovely Day by Simon Woods (UK)
for its ability to demonstrate how appearances can be deceiving and how normality hides deep shadows. Thanks to thoughtful direction and performances of extraordinary finesse, the short film reveals with rare sensitivity the tension and fragility that lie beneath apparent serenity. The short film is striking for its stylistic restraint and emotional depth, amplified by the extraordinary performance of the young protagonist, who authentically conveys the wounded innocence that permeates the story.
The HERA Sustainability Award, given to the short film that stands out for its environmental themes, was presented to
Les écos-blasés by Laura Ghazal (France)
Best Cinematography Award, presented in collaboration with Blueshape.
Such a lovely day by Simon Woods (UK)
The Intercultural Visions Award, given to the short film that best narrates the dialogue between different worlds, and awarded thanks to the collaboration with the Mondinsieme Intercultural Center, went to Ashianeh by Sayed Ali Hashemi (Iran).
Through this short, the director sought to present a snapshot of a powerful societal theme: the resilience of immigrant women and migrants in general. He demonstrated how education can be a powerful bridge to integration, while also highlighting the challenges of adapting to a repulsive country and culture.
Special mention to
Black Scarf by Ali Reza Shah Hosseini (France)
We were struck by the force with which it reaffirms the importance of schooling for all, regardless of gender. The film shows how access to education opens the mind and allows one to dream of a future different from the one imposed by others, contrasting this surge of freedom with a society still deeply radicalized. Despite the barriers, Black Scarf reminds us that we must not stop trying: for some, redemption is possible, especially when there is support and help from those who believe in change.
The Laity Award, awarded in agreement with the Iniziativa Laica association to the short film that most effectively addresses the theme of secularism, went to
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent by Nebojša Slijepčević (Croatia-France)
Amid the indifference of some and the indifferent outrage of others, only one man has the courage to stand up to the violence of a paramilitary organization that checks train passengers’ documents and asks questions to determine, based on their last name or religious identity, which passengers can continue their journey and which are destined to die. In the short film, the director references a true event: in February 1993, in Štrpci, Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the border with Serbia, a train was stopped by Serbian paramilitaries intent on identifying passengers with Muslim names. Of those on board, only one man of Croatian nationality, Tomislav Buzov, a retired officer of the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), had the courage to sacrifice himself in opposing the kidnapping of the Bosniak passengers. Even though the reference is to a war that ended thirty years ago, Nebojša Slijepčević’s film has an eerily current ring and is an invitation to everyone to do their small part against injustice.
The Sound Award, given to the short film that stands out for its particularly original and expressive use of sound—be it music, speech, or noise—submitted in collaboration with RCF, went to
Jour de vent by Chailloux, Kim Crespin, Golfouse, Lab, Taillez, and Truding (France)
FEDIC Award to
Il mondo a parte by Mauro Vecchi
For the ability to address a sensitive and deeply important topic in a concise yet engaging manner.
The Alessandra Mizzi Award, awarded by the Italian Alzheimer’s Association, goes to
A casa Amarela by Adriel Nizer (Brazil)
We appreciated the beauty of this short film’s images and characters, portrayed realistically and humanly, but we especially appreciate the message it conveys:
It tells us that caring for a person with dementia can be more than just a private matter for their family, but, on the contrary, a concern for all members of a community. This short film speaks to us about the possibility of raising awareness and building a caring society, one that understands the disease and, when faced with it, is neither afraid nor ashamed; it can name it and know how to care for it, even for a short time, even if it’s just to help find its way home. A responsible community, made up of “temporary caregivers,” as we like to call them, can be a great support for families caring for a person with dementia, and this short film projects us into a future that we hope will one day become a reality.
It shows us how each of us can make a difference.
UNIMORE Award, awarded by a jury composed of students from the Department of
Communication and Economics of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia to
Don’t Leave Home by David Japaridze (Georgia)
The short film Don’t Leave Home strikes with its powerful emotional impact, thanks to the contrast between everyday calm and tragedy. The theme of the forbidden emerges when legal and geopolitical, but also familial and social, limits are imposed. In a situation of deprivation and injustice, a courageous gesture emerges to break down all boundaries.
Special mention to
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent by Nebojša Slijepčević (Croatia-France)
The short film The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent depicts the dynamics experienced under authoritarian governments. Based on a true story, its narrative, almost documentary-like, is clear and effective. It tells us that it is our duty to be courageous, because perhaps we ourselves may be the next ones in need of help.
The USAC Award, awarded by a jury composed of American students attending the USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium) program in Reggio Emilia, goes to
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent by Nebojša Slijepčević (Croatia-France)
The short movie is deserving of first place because it was engaging and suspenseful, while being evocative of powerful emotions. It is a striking film that uses cinematography and dialogue to provide a unique storytelling experience. The actors were very good at conveying their characters’ inner monologues and it helped build tension in the film. They used their facial expressions to portray fear, tension, relief, and many more emotions. It is interesting to note that the film was focused primarily on the man who DID remain silent while the one who decided to speak up was a silent background character for most of the film. This short touches on significantly important and personal matters in the world while serving the audience with suspenseful and riveting moments.
Mention of honor to
Love me, hold me, always di Hardly Speight (UK).
Chierici Prize, awarded by a jury composed of students from the Gaetano
Chierici State Art School to
Don’t Leave Home by David Japaridze (Georgia)
With honors for Jour de vent by Chailloux, Kim Crespin, Golfouse, Lab, Taillez, and Truding (France) and Storytelling by Nils Hedinger (Switzerland),
Leonardo Prize awarded by a jury composed of students from the Leonardo da Vinci Middle School of Reggio Emilia
Storytelling by Nils Hedinger (Switzerland)
It tells the history of the world in a few minutes. But the way history is told is entertaining, even with its falsehoods and biased points of view.
With honors for Jour de vent by Chailloux, Kim Crespin, Golfouse, Lab, Taillez, and Truding (France) and I hate Helen by Katie Lambert (UK).
The Aosta Prize, awarded by a jury composed of students from the “Amedeo Savoia Aosta” Secondary School in Reggio Emilia, went to:
I hate Helen by Katie Lambert (UK).
Short films entered in Forbidden?, a public competition open to young videomakers promoted
by the Educational Workshop Service – Youth Participation and Well-being Office of the Municipality of
Reggio Emilia.
The jury, composed of Claudia Mosconi, Alessandro Scillitani, Manila Ferrari, and Ilaria Ghirardini, awarded the following prizes:
First prize to
Something New by Riccardo Vasirani
For its original theme and its ability to address the issue of aging with an innovative and ironic approach.
Second Prize to
Fractured by Matteo Manicardi
For its technical quality and for addressing the theme of monotony and rebellion against routine and rules.
Third Prize to
La Pena by Collettivo Frame
For the quality of the writing, acting, and photography.
Special Mention to
Tabuita by Giorgia Fiorito and Francesco Marinelli
For the originality of the idea and execution.
The UNIMORE jury, after a critical review of the short films and review writing, presents the following prizes:
First Prize to
Proibito by Karen Ilardo
The short film reflects on a society that controls women’s bodies when they have no choice. But those who censor are actually just afraid.
Mention to
In Ten Photos by Riccardo Zanon
A sensitive short film that demonstrates how words don’t have to be meaningful, imagining the colors of life beyond prohibitions.
Awards given by the Family Shorts International Jury
Sunčana Brkulj, Monica Martinelli, Rosy Nardone
International Jury Family Shorts Award
Autokar by Sylwia Szkiłądź (Belgium, France).
Motivation: «Autokar is a work that explores the theme of child immigration through the eyes of Agata, a young Polish girl who moves to Belgium, transforming her experience into an imaginative and initiatory journey. With a delicate, original and never banal aesthetic, the film immerses us in Agata’s perspective — in her view of reality and in the emotions she navigates, expressed in countless shades and dimensions, where imagination plays a crucial role in turning the migratory experience into one of personal growth. The narrative choice to address such a timely and complex subject offers the audience a new perspective, presenting — brilliantly and effectively — a perfect blend of creative fantasy and raw realism».
Special Mentions
Marie by Jan B. Piskač (Czech Republic)
Le tunnel de la nuit by Annechien Strouven (Belgium, France, Netherlands)
Awards given by School Jury Family Shorts Award,
formed by pupils of the fifth grades of primary schools A. Negri, A. Bergonzi and G. Pascoli, of the Istituto Comprensivo Alessandro Manzoni of Reggio Emilia
School Jury Family Shorts Award
The Legend of the Hummingbird by Morgan Devos (France)
Motivation: «The animation is very beautiful, and the details during the characters’ actions have been highlighted. The animals’ expressions are clear and easy to read, and all of their characteristics have been respected. The colors used to depict the succession of events reflect the seriousness of the theme addressed. The topics are relevant today and made us reflect on respect for the environment, mutual help, overcoming differences in the face of need, and being willing to help others. The interpretation is suitable for all ages».
School Jury Family Shorts Special Award on Conscious Citizenship
Bobel’s Kitchen by Fiona Rolland (Belgium)
Motivation: “For the sweetness of the images, the understanding of the story in its simplicity and clarity, and for the theme of prejudice addressed in the short. The poisonous mushroom, yet kind and caring, makes himself available to the inhabitants of his village by transforming himself into a perfect chef, spreading joy and smiles through his sweets, demonstrating how prejudice and stereotypes are the true poison of our society. Thank you to the authors for showing us an important aspect of our conscious global citizenship.”
Audience Jury Family Shorts Award
Eyes by Nam Hyokyoung, Choi Yoojae (South Korea).
Staff Family Shorts Special Mention
Les Bottes de la nuit by Pierre-Luc Granjon (France).
