Mid-Length（Longer than 30 min, under 60 min）
The judging results for the mid-length film competition held in Niseko (Kutchan Town) are as follows.
Best Mid-Length Film Award（Golden Owl Award）
MALENKIJ
Dir: István János Pekár | Hungary
Synopsis – In May 1945, Ferenc Ling secretly takes his brother’s place in forced labor, but his sacrifice leaves deep wounds in his struggling family as Soviet authorities spread terror throughout the community.
Reason for Award – The chain of sorrowful yet beautiful imagery left a profound impression. Through this film, the director’s passion to spread historical facts for posterity and ensure humanity never repeats the same mistakes came through.
審査員特別賞
Lost Children
Dir:Takaho Iwamoto | Japan
Synopsis – During summer vacation, they visit their grandmother’s house. Meeting local children and drawn by rumors of a haunted house, that summer quietly leaves lasting traces on both of their hearts.
Reason for Award – The meticulous portrayal of a group of children and the chilling yet refreshing style earned high praise. The high level of completion, unimaginable for a film shot during summer vacation on a low budget with ordinary children acting, truly shone.
倶知安賞
ChaariKaandha (The Four Shoulders)
Dir: Biswanath Rath｜India
Synopsis – Baidyanath, an elderly man living alone, wonders whether there will be “four shoulders” to carry his coffin after his death.A quiet reflection on aging, loneliness, and human connection.
Reason for Award – Set against the backdrop of Indian culture and religious views, the skilled direction depicted an elderly man’s post-death concerns with a light touch. It was a heartwarming yet thought-provoking work with a weighty message.
観客賞
Chair
Dir: Kensuke Tsutsumi | Japan
Synopsis – Twin furniture makers Yuu and Shou. Living in his brother’s shadow, Shou slips into the life Yuu built—until a visitor quietly unsettles the lie.
Reason for Award – It earned the highest average audience rating of 8.5 out of 10. In addition to the story and direction, the performances of Naoki Hosaka who played dual roles, and Yaka Kumagai, received high praise from the judges.
The competition was exceptionally high-level and closely contested. Some works that missed out on awards were individually ranked first by specific judges. This meaningful competition highlighted the potential of the “mid-length” category, a range that often gets overlooked between feature-length and short films.
