Short Films
The results of the international short film competition held in Abashiri City from February 27 to March 1 are as follows.
Best Short Film Award (Golden Owl Award)
Papa’s Coding Day
Dir: Michael Pogoy｜Philippines
Synopsis – A father works tirelessly as a three-wheeled taxi driver. His son’s secret savings for him eventually create a small miracle.
Reason for Award – Based on the director’s real-life experiences, this film combines a compelling story, lighthearted direction, and the earnest performance of a child actor. It also tackles social issues such as child poverty and sexual diversity. The jury unanimously awarded it the Grand Prize.
Jury’s Special Award
Nyingma.. Through her eyes.
Dir: Liton Paul｜India
Synopsis – Nyingma, a young girl living in a small village high in the Himalayas, dreams of going to school.
Reason for Award – The film earned high praise for capturing, through the director’s signature documentary-style detachment, the inner conflict of a girl parting with livestock she considered family, set against beautiful scenery.
Super Cool Award (Abashiri Award)
To. You
Dir: Young min Kim｜South Korea
Synopsis – Sang-jo, a high school student, struggles with his first love, Hee-yeon. He finally gathers the courage to confess his feelings…
Reason for Award – The protagonist, who refines herself through a single-minded unrequited love, draws empathy from everyone. This story, which evokes bittersweet tears yet offers hope and courage, warmed the frigid city of Abashiri.
Nipone Award (Audience Award)
Children of the Bird
Dir: Julia Tudisco｜Hungary
Synopsis – A wild girl who has the power to create things,and a shy boy who has the power to destroy them. The two are innocent, god-like children with mysterious abilities.
Reason for Award – It achieved the highest average audience rating of 9.5 points (out of 10). Its expressive power, conveyed without dialogue and transcending nationality and culture, proved worthy of the name Nipone, Abashiri City’s mascot, making its award unquestionable.
The competition venue buzzed with energy as filmmakers from around the world gathered. The jury, who watched every film from morning till night alongside audiences and filmmakers, approached each film with sincerity despite their diverse backgrounds. While opinions were divided on some films, the final verdict was one that ultimately satisfied everyone.
Mid-Length Films（Longer than 30 min, under 60 min）
The judging results for the mid-length film competition held in Niseko (Kutchan Town) from February 13 to February 15 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.
Jury’s Special Award
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.
Kutchan Award
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.
Audience Award
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.
