The Filmfest DC 2025 Awards Went to...

Seven Days

Seven Days received the award for the passion of its storytelling, the effective cinematography, the strength of the entire cast, and its examination of a determined dedication to human rights that overpowers other sentiments, even love.

In Seven Days, the main character Maryam — a sister, spouse and mother of two — struggles to understand why her family cannot accept her decision to battle the tyranny of the Iranian government in her own way.

Seven Days offers the opportunity to examine the motivations, and debate the pros and cons, of individuals who take actions sharply contradictory to those established in the storyline. The viewer must justify or come to terms with the conclusion, creating an opportunity for substantial dialogue and conversation.

The Ted Pedas Award, the most important among those in Filmfest DC, aims to recognize a film that deserves increasing recognition and appreciation from a wider audience. The award honors Ted and Jim Pedas, founders of Washington's Circle Theatre, which set the standard for innovative quality film programming in the Nation's Capital.

Broken Keys

The Audience Award is sponsored by the American University School of Communication.

Bad Faith: Christian Nationalisms' Unholy War on Democracy

Jury Statement

Our panel unanimously selected "Bad Faith" as the winner of the 2024 Social Justice award. Bad Faith: Christian Nationalisms' Unholy War on Democracy unravels the forces behind the powerful movement of the Christian right.

The in-depth research that underlies this film reveals a cabàl of corporations and special interest groups whose portfolio includes the elimination of corporate taxes and defunding such public interests as the school systems and public health. A well-planned and well-funded initiative organized most especially by conservative strategist Paul Weyrich over several decades, took advantage of the expanding power of the Christian nationalist movement to deliver this message.

Well edited, with pertinent interviews from the Christian right and from activists such as Reverend William Barber, this is an important film that must be seen by everyone who is interested in social justice and the future of democracy in our country.

Rainbow Warrior

Jury Statement

The panel also wants to recognize a second film, the well-made documentary Rainbow Warrior, which investigates the bombing of the Greenpeace flagship vessel, the Rainbow Warrior. The jury recognizes this well-crafted and important film with an Honorary Mention.

Today I Will Only Come Home Tomorrow

Jury Statement

The Short Stories Award goes to director/animator Diego Lacerda for his animated celebration of Brazilian Carnival, Today I Will Only Come Home Tomorrow.

Our awards to short films aim to shine a light on work by emerging filmmakers which provides a rich, emotionally resonant experience that lingers and expands.

Make a Wish, Benóný!

Jury Statement

Our awards to short films aim to shine a light on work by emerging filmmakers which provides a rich, emotionally resonant experience that lingers and expands.

Honorable Mention goes to Iceland's Make a Wish, Benóný! by Katla Sólnes for her wry and perceptive comedy about a rolling stone absentee father who is suddenly confronted with the impact of his lifestyle choices.

Cherry-Colored Funk

Jury Statement

The winner for the MetroShorts Award goes to director Chelsie Pennello for her hilarious and relentlessly chaotic portrait of an entrepreneur in crisis, Cherry-Colored Funk.

Our awards to short films aim to shine a light on work by emerging filmmakers which provides a rich, emotionally resonant experience that lingers and expands.

build me through the image

Jury Statement

Our awards to short films aim to shine a light on work by emerging filmmakers which provides a rich, emotionally resonant experience that lingers and expands.

Honorable Mention goes to Paula Hung in recognition of her growth as an artist for her multilayered and personal commentary on diversity in build me through the image.

The Sixth Child

Jury Statement

Signis is an international lay Catholic media organization which seats juries in some forty international film festivals worldwide – including Cannes, Venice, and Berlin – celebrating films of exceptional artistic merit that also delve deep into the human spirit.

The Signis Award at Filmfest DC goes to the film judged by its jury to "best illuminate and celebrate what it means to be human in a diverse and challenging world."

The Filmfest DC Signis Prize goes to The Sixth Child.

Writer/director Leopold Legrand and his co-writer, Catherine Paille, deftly tell the story of two couples from opposite ends of the economic/cultural spectrum who share a desperation: on one side to have a child, on the other side to avoid having an unaffordable sixth baby. The resulting clash of legal realities and human yearning leads to excruciating decisions and a moving exploration of the meaning of love. It is a film that brilliantly illuminates the human condition in these difficult times, earning it the Filmfest DC Signis Prize 2023.

One Careful Owner

Jury Statement

In this Spanish comedy two disgruntled women struggling with meaning in their lives overcome their mutual hostilities and transform one another through laughter to embrace the joy of life.