The Academy Award®-Qualifying Narrative Grand Prize went to "La barrière" by Christophe Deram. "Stalin Boys" by Bianca Giaever and Ora DeKornfeld was named the Academy Award®-Qualifying Documentary Grand Prize winner and "9 Million Colors" by Bára Anna Stejskalová received the Academy Award®-Qualifying Animated Grand Prize.
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(JULY 25, 2025) INDIANAPOLIS - The 2026 Indy Shorts Film Festival (Indy Shorts), presented by TQL Wealth Management, awarded over $35,000 in cash prizes at the Awards Brunch on Saturday, July 25, at Tinker House Events. The three Grand Prize-winning films, U.S. Premiere "La barrière" by Christophe Deram (France), "Stalin Boys" by Bianca Giaever and Ora DeKornfeld (United States) and "9 Million Colors" by Bára Anna Stejskalová (Czech Republic, Norway, Germany), received their qualification for the 2027 Academy Awards® in their respective categories and $5,000 in cash awards.
For the last three years in a row, the Indy Shorts Film Festival has been named on MovieMaker Magazine's list of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World. The Shorts & Sweets theme encouraged attendees to unwrap 266 short films this July 21-26 at the Indy Art Center, Living Room Theaters, Newfields and virtually. A record number of 350 filmmakers attended the festival to participate in Q&As after their film screenings.
"Festivals are about discovery, community and celebration, and it's been a thrill to see those come together this week at Indy Shorts" said Artistic Director Greg Sorvig. "Congratulations to year's newly-minted slate of juried award winners and to Pioneering Spirit Award Winner Sam Davis who returned to Indy to share an encore of Live Action Short Oscar® Winner 'The Singers' which qualified at Indy Shorts as our 2025 Narrative Grand Prize Winner!"
All of the award-winning films will be available to watch in two virtual programs, Award Winners 1 and Award Winners 2. The festival ends on Sunday, July 26, but there is an extended viewing period for the Award Winners programs, making them available to stream through Sunday, August 2 at 11:59 PM EDT. These virtual programs include the three Oscar®-qualifying short films.
Voting for the Audience Choice Awards closes on Sunday, July 26 at 11:59 PM EDT, and the winners will be announced on Monday, July 27. Following the announcement, the Audience Choice Award-winning short films will be available to stream in a virtual program through Saturday, August 1 at 11:59 PM EDT. This program can be pre-purchased here.
Photos from the Indy Shorts Film Festival can be downloaded here.
There were 21 films with Hoosier connections showcased in three Indiana Spotlight programs. The Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award and the $1,000 cash prize were presented to director Bella Ray Rosales for the film, "Lottie Baby." The Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award and the $1,000 cash prize were awarded to director Jason Whalen for the film, "Finding A Way: Revitalizing Nature in America's Heartland."
Oscar®-winning director Sam Davis was honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award. His short, "The Singers," won the 2025 Indy Shorts Narrative Grand Prize, earning its Academy Award® qualification. The short was acquired by Netflix and won the Oscar® for Best Live Action Short. Davis was also attached to three films at the 2026 Indy Shorts Film Festival, "He's Out There," "Callback," and "One Twenty-Six."
The 2023 Pioneering Spirit Award winner, Ben Proudfoot, presented the award to Sam Davis. Ben Proudfoot is a two-time Oscar®-winning director for "The Queen of Basketball" and "The Last Repair Shop." The Indy Shorts alumnus returned to the festival with "The Baddest Speechwriter of All," which won the Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award and a $1,800 cash prize. The film was acquired by Netflix and will be released later this year.
Indy Shorts' esteemed juries and award partners helped to select the 2026 award winners among the festival's extensive prize categories. Read the Indy Shorts jury member bios here.
- Narrative Jury | Oscar® Nominee Lee Knight ("A Friend of Dorothy"), Joey Moser and Oscar® Nominee Krushan Naik ("Anuja")
- Documentary Jury | Oscar® Winner Doug Blush ("The Elephant Whisperers"), Oscar® Winner Joshua Seftel ("All the Empty Rooms") and Oscar® Shortlisted Eden Wurmfeld ("Classroom 4")
- Animated Jury | Oscar® Nominee Aaron Blaise ("Brother Bear"), Sheila Bolda and Oscar® Nominee Nathan Engelhardt ("Forevergreen")
- Comedy Jury | Ballard C. Boyd, Gracie Canaan and Akbar Hamid
- Episodic Jury | Abbesi Akhamie, Asher Grodman and Erin Brown Thomas
- Horror Jury | Coye Lloyd, Andrew Duplessie and Michael Gabriele
- High School Film Competition Jury | Oscar® Winner Sam Davis ("The Singers"), Deonna Weatherly and Adrian Wong
- Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Documentary Jury | Chad Richards, Abby Specht and Megan Telligman
- Indiana Spotlight Narrative Jury | Andie Redwine, Manón Voice and Will Wertz
The full list of the 2026 Indy Shorts Film Festival Award Winners can be found below. The 9th Annual Indy Shorts Festival continues through Sunday, July 26. The film schedule and tickets can be purchased at www.IndyShorts.org.
ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Narrative Short
Narrative Grand Prize | $5,000
"La barrière" by Christophe Deram (France)
Géraldine, a young stage manager, is blocking a deserted road for a film shoot near Calais. Not many people pass through, apart from Amar, a Syrian refugee.
Jury statement: "This year's winner is a remarkable short film that achieves an extraordinary emotional impact through its simplicity, precision, and creative vision. Although migration has been explored extensively in cinema, this story offers a perspective that feels both timely and profoundly human. It accomplishes so much with such economy, leaving a lasting impression through its emotional depth, authentic performances, captivating dialogue, and skillful direction."
ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Documentary Short
Documentary Grand Prize | $5,000
"Stalin Boys" by Bianca Giaever and Ora DeKornfeld (United States)
Four middle school boys in a Texas border town have developed an unusual obsession: Joseph Stalin. As the boys write and rehearse their play about Stalin for the Texas State History Fair, they are forced to confront their own relationships with power and control.
Jury statement: “This year’s winning film leads us into its world with a quirky young teen who at first alarmingly seems to worship Josef Stalin as he preps a school play about the brutal dictator. But as we become part of this small Texas town far from the tides of history, we’re given a both an entertaining and beautifully crafted high school competition story, and a layered allegory of the dangers of hero worship and charismatic leaders. It's also a hopeful tale of a young man beginning to see beyond the seduction of fame and power, and perhaps becoming a wiser future leader. Artfully shot and edited, this short is a vital and relevant story for our times, funny one moment and profound the next.”
Jury Special Mention: Documentary Short
"Panther Pat" by Ashley Brandon (United States)
In 1970, a schoolteacher crashes into the brutal world of professional football, shattering its gender barrier.
Jury statement: "The jury is delighted to award 'Panther Pat' a Jury Special Mention. Through a creative and seamless blend of stop-motion animation, archival footage, and contemporary interview, the film tells a story that is funny, moving, and historically illuminating. In a concise runtime, it packs a powerful punch, balancing intimate human moments with the broader legacy of women's rights and the lasting impact of Title IX. We were especially struck by the inspired use of Barbie dolls in the stop-motion sequences, reclaiming the familiar notion that "girls should play with dolls" and transforming it into a visual metaphor of empowerment. Inventive, emotionally resonant, and humorous, 'Panther Pat' is an exceptional short film that we hope reaches a wide audience."
ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Animated Short
Animated Grand Prize | $5,000
"9 Million Colors" by Bára Anna Stejskalová (Czech Republic, Norway, Germany)
The ocean is paradise for Fran the shrimp. Her deadly claws take whatever they desire. For the blind fish Milva, it's a daily fight to survive. Fran sees her as beautiful and wants her to see the ocean in the same way. Can they overcome their differences?
Jury statement: "An absolute delight, this year’s winning film is immediately captivating with its strikingly beautiful, exquisite visuals, and an incredible blend of stop motion and CGI animation. The film transcends language barriers through emotionally engaging and wildly charming aquatic characters, especially the dynamic and hilarious Mantis Shrimp. Enhanced by the unique and percussive score and exceptional sound design, the winning film creates a fascinating and nuanced global story of love and acceptance. The jury fell in love with this truly stunning and marvelously incandescent work of masterful storytelling through animation."
Pioneering Spirit Award | Sam Davis
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), Festival Formula founders, Katie and Ian Bignell (2024) and Oscar®-winning producer/director/editor, Doug Blush (2025).
Sam Davis is an Oscar®-winning multi-hyphenate filmmaker with a foundation in cinematography. His career began with the 2018 Indy Shorts Official Selection and 2019 Academy Award®-winning doc short “Period. End of Sentence.”, which he shot, edited and produced. In 2023, Sam was nominated for an Emmy for his cinematography work on the SXSW-winning and Indy Shorts Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award-winning “Long Line of Ladies” which was distributed by The New York Times Op-Docs. He later produced and shot the Disney+ short “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó” which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2024 and was also featured at Indy Shorts. Sam collaborated with fellow Indy Shorts alumnus Sean Wang as the cinematographer on the 2024 Sundance Film Festival breakout, “Dìdi”, which was recognized with Heartland Film’s Truly Moving Picture Award. Most recently he directed the Oscar-winning Live Action Short film "The Singers" which was acquired by Netflix and Oscar-qualified right here at Indy Shorts one year ago.
Directorial Debut Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"Uncle Artoo" by Zoë Whittaker (United Kingdom)
In his later years, Nosferatu (Daniel Weyman) has become a foster carer for children. That seems like a good idea.
Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"Lottie Baby" by Bella Ray Rosales (United States)
A passionate actress prepares for her last high school performance under the watchful eye of a new director while learning more about her late father.
Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"Finding A Way: Revitalizing Nature in America's Heartland" by Jason Whalen (United States)
The Midwest has a rich natural heritage. Beautiful forests, sprawling prairies and clear and clean lakes and rivers. The vast human footprint across America's heartland has clashed with the natural heritage for several decades. Restoration of our most sensitive habitats is how humans can find a way to help biodiversity to persist within this working landscape.
Children’s Resilience Short Film Prize, presented by Shine Global | $2,500 Cash Prize
"Jason" by Gabriella Canal (United States)
A young boy in Miami carries on with his days while the voice of his mother, recently deported, travels through the phone to try to reach him. JASON is about what happens after deportation, the felt absence, the connection that struggles to survive it and the power of a mother's love.
Shine Global Statement: “'Jason' moved us with its intimacy, restraint, and deep humanity. Through the perspective of a five-year-old boy, it reveals what happens after a parent is deported, not as an abstract political issue, but as a daily reality experienced by a child,” said Shine Global Co-CEO and Creative Director Alexandra Blaney. “We see him playing and laughing, but also crying and missing his mother. Across the distance between them, their phone calls become a lifeline and a moving testament to the power of love. The film honors its young subject without defining him only by his hardship, allowing us to witness his joy, vulnerability, courage, and extraordinary resilience.”
Lens of Hope Award, presented by TDB Family Foundation | $5,000 Total Cash Prize
"Paving The Way" by Keelan Williams (United States)
Set against the sweeping landscapes of the Flathead Indian Reservation, Indigenous youth transform new skateparks into sanctuaries of hope, resilience, and joy - one drop-in 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, presented by Lisa & Jeffery Breall
"The Second Life of Freddie Nole" by Dana Nachman (United States)
When Freddie Nole drives to meet a man walking out of prison, he’s not just offering a ride, he’s offering hope, dignity, and a path to permanent freedom. As this vérité road trip unfolds, we come to learn the remarkable story behind Freddie’s mission, a staggering mistake that cost him 50 years of freedom but ultimately brings him right back to the prison door.
Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award | $1,800 Cash Prize
"The Baddest Speechwriter of All" by Ben Proudfoot, Stephen Curry (United States)
Now 95, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s lawyer and speechwriter reflects on the personal cost and surprising truths of making history, offering an intimate insider's view of the Civil Rights Movement.
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 | $2,000 Cash Prize
"Ruth" by Sophie Lai (Australia)
A heartfelt profile of a local crossing supervisor, celebrating her impact on the community.
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 $2,000 Summer White Lynch Memorial Award underwritten by Gary D. and Marlene Cohen.
High School Film Competition Indiana Spotlight Winner | $1,000 Cash Prize
"The Ghost of the Embassy" by Matthew Green and Cash Robinson-Stewart (United States)
Paranormal Investigators Mike and Matt search for the infamous ghost of the Embassy Theatre.
Comedy Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"Daddy's Girl" by Josephine Lohoar Self (Ireland)
When her mum leaves for the weekend, a precocious 12-year-old plots to kill her well-meaning stepfather - but between bad dinners and worse conversation, something softer begins to stir.
Horror Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"The Taste of Your Scales" by Rafaël Beauchamp (Canada)
A teenager is horrified to discover the true face of his father's fish factory.
Episodic Award | $1,000 Cash Prize
"The Human, Will" by Edward Bursch (United States)
A depressed insurance claims adjuster vows to exercise free will after his pet goldfish Frodo is shot and killed.
About Heartland Film, Inc.
Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland Film Festival in October, the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts 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 from diverse perspectives. Over the years, Heartland Film has presented $4 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 13 Oscar®-winning short film titles. MovieMaker Magazine named both the Indy Shorts and Heartland Film Festival on the top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World list for 2023, 2024 and 2025. The Heartland Film Festival was ranked the #1 Best Film Festival by the USA TODAY 2026 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. The 9th Annual Indy Shorts Film Festival is scheduled for July 21-26, 2026 and the 35th Heartland Film Festival will run October 8-18, 2026. For more information visit, www.HeartlandFilm.org.
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