The Academy Award®-Nominated filmmaker, Sam Davis, wins both the Oscar®-Qualifying Narrative Grand Prize and Narrative Audience Choice Awards for "The Singers." "The Last Observers" by Maja K Mikkelsen was named the Academy Award®-Qualifying Documentary Grand Prize winner, and "Éiru" by Giovanna Ferrari received the Academy Award®-Qualifying Animated Grand Prize winner.
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(JULY 28, 2025) INDIANAPOLIS - The 2025 Indy Shorts International Film Festival (Indy Shorts) presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. concluded on Sunday, July 27, with a record number of attendees, World Premieres (42), filmmakers in attendance (300) and short film programs (39). In 2023 and 2024, MovieMaker Magazine named Indy Shorts on its list of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World. The 8th edition of the festival embraced a construction theme by inviting attendees to dig into 253 groundbreaking short films from July 22 through 27 at Living Room Theaters and Newfields.
On Saturday, July 26, at VisionLoft Mass Ave, the Indy Shorts International Film Festival awarded $35,000 in cash prizes at the Award Presentation. The three Grand Prize-winning films, "The Singers" (Sam Davis, United States), "The Last Observers" (Maja K Mikkelsen, United States and Sweden), and "Éiru" (Giovanna Ferrari, Ireland) received their qualification for the 2026 Academy Awards® in their respective categories and $5,000 in cash awards.
The Audience Choice Award winners were announced on Monday, July 28. Four films that received awards from the Indy Shorts jury members also won over attendees and took home an Audience Choice Award. The Oscar®-qualifying short, "The Singers," returned for an encore by receiving the Narrative Audience Choice Award and $500 cash prize.
"Indy Shorts is thrilled to unveil the 2025 class of award winners," said Artistic Director Greg Sorvig. "Juries and audiences were both won over by dual awards for 'The Singers,' 'A Friend of Dorothy,' 'The 17%' and 'Lisa Dahl: Blessed by Grace'! This was the most electric year yet for Indy Shorts, and we are honored that a record number of filmmakers were here to experience our Hoosier hospitality and camaraderie. It's truly an honor to be a cheerleader for the art of short film and the filmmaking teams behind this year's class of 253 titles; we truly appreciate you all!"
Additional photos from the Indy Shorts International Film Festival can be downloaded here.
The Overall Audience Choice Award and $1,000 cash prize were awarded to "A Friend of Dorothy" (Lee Knight, United Kingdom), which had its U.S. Premiere at Indy Shorts. The short starring Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry was director Lee Knight's first film. Knight accepted the Indy Shorts Directorial Debut Award and $1,000 cash prize at Saturday's Awards Presentation.
Director Aaron Johnson of "The 17%" (United States), accepted the Lens of Hope Award, presented by TDB Family Foundation. This award included a cash prize of $2,500 for the filmmaking team, and another $2,500 cash prize was awarded to the corresponding nonprofit, Collettey's Leadership Program. "The 17%" also won the Documentary Audience Choice Award, along with a $500 cash prize.
Indy Shorts featured 19 films with ties to Indiana in three Indiana Spotlight programs. The Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award, along with a $1,000 cash prize, was awarded to director Devin O'Connell for the film "Patient Zero." This narrative had its World Premiere screening at Indy Shorts. Additionally, renowned chef Lisa Dahl accepted the Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Award and a $1,000 cash prize for the film "Lisa Dahl: Blessed by Grace," directed by Eric Wolfinger. This documentary also received the Indiana Spotlight Audience Choice Award and $500 cash prize.
Indy Shorts' esteemed juries and award partners helped to select the 2025 award winners among the festival's extensive prize categories. Read the Indy Shorts jury member bios here.
- Narrative Grand Prize Jury: Cindy Lee, Joey Moser and Jens Kevin Georg
- Documentary Grand Prize Jury: Jenifer McShane, Julio Palacio and Nicolas Ma
- Animated Grand Prize Jury: Sheila Bolda, Rebecca Martin Fagerholm and Jamie-James Medina
- Indiana Spotlight Jury: Deonna Weatherly, Alicia Kozma and Sam Mirpoorian
- High School Film Competition Jury: Gunnar Sizemore, Mark Cabus and Grace Hanna
The complete list of award winners, including the winners of the Audience Choice Award, is provided below. All of the award-winning films will be available to watch in three virtual programs, Award Winners 1, Award Winners 2 and Audience Choice Winners. Even though the festival ended on Sunday, July 27, there is an extended viewing period, making them available to stream until Saturday, August 2 at 11:59 PM. The Award Winners 1 Program includes the three Oscar®-qualifying short films.
The 34th Heartland International Film Festival presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square, is scheduled for October 9-19, 2025. Screenings will take place at theaters around the Indianapolis area and virtually. The film schedule and tickets will be available on September 18. More details on the Heartland International Film Festival and other Heartland Film programs can be found at www.HeartlandFilm.org.
ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Narrative Short
Narrative Grand Prize | $5,000
"The Singers" by Sam Davis (United States)
A short film adaptation of a 19th century short story written by Ivan Turgenev, in which a lowly pub full of downtrodden patrons connect unexpectedly through an impromptu sing-off.
Jury statement: Set in a dark, smokey bar, this year's winner speaks to anyone who wishes they had a few more bucks in their pocket and a little more luck on their side. As these tired, older men sing and compete for a six pack of beer and cash prize, the director doesn't shy away from the wrinkles on their faces or the stale beer on their breath. We imagine what it would be like to saddle up to the bar, order a drink, and maybe have the courage to sing in front of strangers. The 2025 Narrative Grand Prize winner uses charming humor as it honors the ache of the Everyman before the last call.
ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Documentary Short
Documentary Grand Prize | $5,000
"The Last Observers" by Maja K Mikkelsen (United States, Sweden)
The heartwarming story of a Swedish couple's decades-long commitment to watching the skies.
Jury statement: For the beautiful way the film captures the quiet erosion of tradition, and for characters whose love for each other truly transcends the screen, guiding us into a moving and tender love story. For showing the quiet beauty of following your passion for a lifetime, not for money or recognition, but simply for the love of it. At its heart, this is a story about loving life as it comes.
ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Animated Short
Animated Grand Prize | $5,000
"Éiru" by Giovanna Ferrari (Ireland)
When the water mysteriously disappears from the well in a warrior clan’s village, an intrepid child descends into the belly of the Earth to retrieve it.
Jury statement: As judges, we were taken with many aspects of this year’s winner, foremost its bold, layered animation and striking color choices. Additionally, the film’s sound design and musical composition is both striking and evocative, making it a beautiful listening experience. But on top of being a joyful watch, the film also underscores a profound message: that water is life and we are all united in that shared necessity. This emotionally compelling film is what the world needs right now. At a time when so many women's voices have been stifled, witnessing a film where the actions of young women can unite individuals in peace and bring them together to achieve a shared environmental goal, is truly powerful.
Pioneering Spirit Award | Doug Blush
The Pioneering Spirit Award celebrates an individual in the prime of their career who embodies Heartland Film's mission – someone whose work has inspired conversation, ignited imagination and shifted perspectives. Past recipients include, Emmy award-winning and Oscar®-nominated actor, Colman Domingo (2022), two-time Oscar®-winning director, Ben Proudfoot (2023) and Festival Formula founders, Katie and Ian Bignell (2024).
Doug Blush is an award-winning director, producer, editor, writer and cinematographer whose work includes over 200 feature and television projects, many of which have been featured at Indy Shorts and the Heartland International Film Festival. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the American Cinema Editors (ACE) and the Television Academy (Emmys). Credits include, as Executive Producer, the Critic’s Choice and Peabody Award-winning "MR. SOUL!" (2020) which was also a Heartland Film Festival Opening Night film, as well as several Academy Award-winning documentaries: "The Elephant Whisperers" (2023), "Period. End of Sentence" (2019), "Icarus" (2018), and, as supervising editor, "20 Feet from Stardom" (2013).
Doug Blush has also been teaching film production, editing and storytelling across the US and throughout the world for over 25 years. From Brazil to New Zealand to Nigeria to China, Doug is an in-demand seminar leader, special event speaker and seasoned educator, whose guidance and experience have inspired numerous filmmakers to solve their projects’ issues, gain acceptance to film festivals and find distribution.
"Doug is such a passionate storyteller, collaborator, and educator who has helped so many people achieve great things," said Artistic Director Greg Sorvig. "Doug has an insane list of films featured at Heartland and Indy Shorts over the years, and it’s an honor to finally honor you here at Indy Shorts!"
The Spotlight: Oscar® Winner Doug Blush program at Indy Shorts celebrate the 2025 Pioneering Spirit Award honoree with a collection of his newly produced short documentaries. This program can be viewed virtually here.
Directorial Debut Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"A Friend of Dorothy" by Lee Knight (United Kingdom)
A lonely widow's quiet life is upended when a teenage boy accidentally kicks his football into her garden.
Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award | $2,000 Cash Prize
"Patient Zero" by Devin O'Connell (United States)
A man obsessed with becoming patient zero for the next major pandemic discovers that he may be running out of chances.
Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace" by Eric Wolfinger (United States)
"Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace" is a moving portrait of a mother’s resilience and the healing power of food. After the tragic loss of her son Justin, chef Lisa Dahl found solace and purpose in Sedona, Arizona—where the stunning red rocks, long revered for their spiritual energy, became the backdrop for her transformation. What began as a tribute to their shared love of cooking has grown into a legacy of six beloved restaurants that helped shape the region’s culinary identity. This heartfelt film explores how one woman’s faith, strength, and devotion turned unimaginable loss into lasting beauty—and how every dish she creates and every guest she serves keeps her son's spirit alive.
Children’s Resilience Short Film Prize, presented by Shine Global | $2,500 Cash Prize
"Rise" by Jessica J. Rowlands (Zimbabwe)
A charismatic young boy who lives on a rubbish dump in Zimbabwe must convince a reclusive boxing coach to teach him to fight to find safety and strength in a world that has left him behind.
Shine Global Statement: “Rise is a powerful and beautifully crafted film that showcases the incredible talent of eight-year-old first-time actor Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, whose performance is truly unforgettable,” said Shine Global co-CEO and Creative Director Alexandra Blaney. “While boxing is the backdrop, the story is really about two people, Rise and Coach, searching for belonging and connection. It’s a moving reminder of how, with even a small amount of support, children can rise above their circumstances and find the strength to pursue their dreams.”
Lens of Hope Award, presented by TDB Family Foundation | $5,000 Total Cash Prize
"The 17%" by Aaron Johnson (United States)
A young woman with Down Syndrome was rejected from every job she applied to because of her disability. She now has her own company, hires other people with disabilities and changes the world, one cookie at a time.
A cash prize of $2,500 was awarded to the filmmaking team and another $2,500 cash prize was awarded to corresponding nonprofit, Collettey's Leadership Program.
Richard D. Propes Social Impact Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"Hoops, Hopes & Dreams" by Glenn Kaino (United States)
The untold story about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and an all-star team of civil rights activists took to basketball courts to connect with young voters, and how their strategy echoed in contemporary politics through President Obama’s historic campaign.
Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award | $1,800 Cash Prize
"Courage" by Eric Michael Hernandez (United States)
A young boy, burdened by self-doubt, finds unexpected strength when his uncle introduces him to a traditional dance that awakens his identity and resilience.
About the Award: The Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award honors longtime Heartland Film friend Jenni Berebitsky, who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in March 2009 and passed away in August of 2019.
Regarding the award, Jenni remarked, "It is no easy task to create a piece of art that is both meaningful and entertaining. I am honored to play a role alongside Heartland Film in this award that encourages filmmakers to follow a dream and inspire audiences around the world."
High School Film Competition Summer White Lynch Memorial Grand Prize Winner | $2,500 Cash Prize
"Brothers" by Adrian Wong (China)
Two boys living in Shanghai explore and discover themselves in the city.
About the Award: Indy Shorts runs the High School Film Competition, presented by founding sponsors Robert and Alison Spoonmore. Launched in 2010, the High School Film Competition encourages tomorrow's filmmakers to follow their passion and create short films that push their talents, creativity and art to the next level.
Shorts made by talented high school students from around the world compete for the $2,500 Summer White Lynch Memorial Award underwritten by Gary D. and Marlene Cohen.
High School Film Competition Indiana Spotlight Winner | $1,500 Cash Prize
"The Audition" by Isaiah Henderson (United States)
Alex prepares to audition for Hamlet with the help of his friend, Max, but his script mysteriously disappears.
Comedy Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"Retirement Plan" by John Kelly (Ireland)
In the throes of his overstimulated, energy poor midlife, Ray (Domhnall Gleeson) fantasizes about everything he’d love to do in retirement, once he finally has the “time.”
Horror Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"The Littles" by Andrew Duplessie (United States)
When 11-year-old Juliet stubs her toe on a loose floorboard, she unwittingly sets off a series of mysterious events. A faint noise and an unusual glow seeping through the cracks capture her curiosity. But as she investigates, Juliet finds herself pulled into a chilling, otherworldly encounter—one that will unravel the secrets of her home and alter her reality forever.
Overall Audience Choice Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"A Friend of Dorothy" by Lee Knight (United Kingdom)
A lonely widow's quiet life is upended when a teenage boy accidentally kicks his football into her garden.
Narrative Audience Choice Award | $500 Cash Prize
"The Singers" by Sam Davis (United States)
A short film adaptation of a 19th century short story written by Ivan Turgenev, in which a lowly pub full of downtrodden patrons connect unexpectedly through an impromptu sing-off.
Documentary Audience Choice Award | $500 Cash Prize
"The 17%" by Aaron Johnson (United States)
A young woman with Down Syndrome was rejected from every job she applied to because of her disability. She now has her own company, hires other people with disabilities and changes the world, one cookie at a time.
Animated Audience Choice Award | $500 Cash Prize
"Forevergreen" by Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears (United States)
An orphaned bear cub finds a home with a fatherly evergreen tree, until his hunger for trash leads him to danger.
Indiana Spotlight Audience Choice Award | $500 Cash Prize
"Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace" by Eric Wolfinger (United States)
"Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace" is a moving portrait of a mother’s resilience and the healing power of food. After the tragic loss of her son Justin, chef Lisa Dahl found solace and purpose in Sedona, Arizona—where the stunning red rocks, long revered for their spiritual energy, became the backdrop for her transformation. What began as a tribute to their shared love of cooking has grown into a legacy of six beloved restaurants that helped shape the region’s culinary identity. This heartfelt film explores how one woman’s faith, strength, and devotion turned unimaginable loss into lasting beauty—and how every dish she creates and every guest she serves keeps her son's spirit alive.
Comedy Audience Choice Award | $500 Cash Prize
"She Raised Me" by Ben Lewis (United States, Canada)
When a struggling writer discovers he’s dating the son of his favorite actress, he’ll do anything to make (and keep) a meaningful connection.
Horror Audience Choice Award | $500 Cash Prize
"The Pearl Comb" by Ali Cook (United Kingdom)
In 1893, an endearing Cornish fisherman’s wife captures the attention of the medical profession as the first person to ever cure someone of Tuberculosis. A doctor, hell bent on proving a woman’s place is in the home and not practicing medicine, is sent to investigate her miraculous claim - only to discover the source of her unearthly power.
High School Film Competition Audience Choice Award | $500 Cash Prize
"Why Can't We Just Be Ghosts?" by Patrick Jang (United States)
A depressed ghost and his friend contemplate what it means to be alive in this thought-provoking satire.
About Heartland Film, Inc.
Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Truly Moving Picture Award and other year-round programs. Based in Indianapolis, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films. Over the years, Heartland Film has presented $3.5 million in cash prizes – the largest total amount awarded by any film festival in North America – presented 200+ studio films with the Truly Moving Picture Award, and showcased more than 2,000 feature and short films, including 10 Oscar®-winning short film titles. MovieMaker Magazine named both the Indy Shorts and Heartland International Film Festival on the top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World list for 2023 and 2024. The 8th Annual Indy Shorts International Film Festival is running July 22-27, 2025 and the 34th Heartland International Film Festival will run October 9-19, 2025. For more information, www.HeartlandFilm.org.
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