Planet Israel: A Cautionary Tale – Gillian Mosely

Gillian Mosely (United Kingdom), Planet Israel: A Cautionary Tale, Doc Feature – BAFTA-winner Mosely sets out to understand what happens when unhealed collective trauma is weaponised by politicians and broadcast as truth. Her in-depth, deeply personal investigation explores why a majority of Jewish Israelis support the way the war is being fought in Gaza, taking us inside a nation grappling with history, fear, identity and morality while examining how inherited trauma, nationalism, political power and media narratives shape what people believe and how they see the world around them.

With deft direction, thorough candid interviews, guerrilla filming, archive footage and striking AI-generated animation, Mosely explores the roots of Israel’s moral crisis and the forces that have brought it into sharp focus. The film examines how internal media can create an echo chamber, reinforcing narratives and sustaining parallel realities, while revealing how trauma and fear can diminish empathy and make previously unthinkable actions seem necessary for survival. It offers a powerful warning about unhealed national trauma, and political power exploiting fear – not only in Israel, but wherever societies become vulnerable to narratives that shape what they believe and accept.

IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY
Susan Kucera

Susan Kucera (USA), IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY, Doc Feature – Oscar winner Jeff Bridges narrates this stunning journey following wolves as co-travelers through the sweeping story of America, revealing how their presence has shaped our history, mythology, landscapes and sense of nationhood. The animals are the guides to a deeper story  -one shaped by the uneasy relationship between the wild and the domesticated, between the desire to conquer the land and the need to live within it. What happened to wolves and the landscapes they inhabited reveals how profoundly human choices can alter the natural world – and how those choices continue to reverberate today.

Through breathtaking cinematography and a rich range of perspectives, Kucera weaves history, science, Indigenous knowledge and contemporary conservation into a compelling exploration of our changing relationship with the wild. As long-held ideas about wolves and the natural world give way to new understanding, the film reveals the enduring tension between progress and preservation — and the consequences of the choices that brought us here. More than a film about wolves, it becomes a powerful reflection on who we are as a nation and what kind of relationship we want with the natural world going forward.

Plant Life – Brett Marty and Josh Izenberg

Brett Marty and Josh Izenberg (USA), Plant Life, Doc Short – Biologist Joanne Chory has spent her life unlocking the secrets of plants. Now, facing advancing Parkinson’s disease, she is pushing forward with the most audacious research of her career: re-engineering crops to pull carbon from the atmosphere and lock it deep in the soil, with the potential to cut the pace of climate change in half.

With the planet racing toward ecological crisis and Chory racing against her own mortality, the stakes could not be higher. But this is more than a race against time. Through their artful, colorful direction and intimate observation, Marty and Izenberg bring us close to Chory’s fierce intelligence, irreverent humor, vulnerability and enormous heart. Her passion for science and profound connection to the natural world make the journey exhilarating and deeply moving, capturing the spirit of a remarkable woman determined to leave the world better than she found it. A Speculative Films and Oscar-nominated HHMI Tangled Bank Studios production. Executive produced by Emmy-winner Chad Cohen.

ABSOLUTIONS: War and Moral Injury – Scott Sinkler

Scott Sinkler (USA), ABSOLUTIONS: War and Moral Injury, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner Sinkler’s deft direction delivers an unflinching look at the psychological and spiritual aftermath of combat, told with rare intimacy and intensity. Through deeply personal testimony, it reveals the inner world of vets whose experiences of war have left wounds that are beyond PTSD. Their stories expose the devastating reality of Moral Injury — what happens when the experiences of war collide with deeply held beliefs about right and wrong. Insights from professionals deepen the picture, revealing a form of trauma that is often misunderstood and untreated.

With pitch-perfect interviews, tight editing and a restrained, reflective visual language, it offers a profound glimpse into the aftermath of war — one largely invisible to the civilians who send them there. At a time when more than 17 veterans die by suicide each day, the film brings moral injury into urgent focus, offering recognition, understanding and pathways toward healing.

Behind One Smile – Ena-Sanan Hdagha

Ena-Sanan Hdagha (Croatia / USA), Behind One Smile / ما وراء الإبتسامة, Doc Feature – To escape military recruitment and death, a fourteen-year-old boy flees war-torn Aleppo after his family makes the heartbreaking decision to send him away, hoping he can find safety. Khaled journeys unaccompanied along the dangerous Balkan route from Syria to Germany, hiding in ditches as gunfire erupts, witnessing people being trafficked and enduring brutal, inhumane conditions. In a Croatian transit camp, he finds protection with volunteer Ena-Sanan, who becomes a source of safety and support during an unimaginably difficult journey.

Deeply emotional and moving, the film takes us into the heartbreaking reality faced by thousands of children forced to make these journeys alone. Behind Khaled’s terrifying experiences is a sweet, loving boy who loves to sing — a child holding onto humanity, empathy, hope and dignity despite the unimaginable circumstances he faces. His story is also a window into the lives of millions of displaced families searching for safety, belonging and a future.

Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Skin Cancer USA, Doc Feature – Featuring Oscar-nominee Hugh Jackman, Emmy-winner Hill presents an eye-opening look at the $8.1 billion skin cancer epidemic in the USA – a disease that is preventable. Experts and patients reveal how climate change is intensifying UV risks, challenging viewers to rethink their relationship with the sun and live safely in a rapidly changing world.

Rick Rosenthal, Wild Logic LLC (USA), SUPERFISH: SALMON, Doc Feature – Pioneering biologist Emmy-winning Rosenthal’s  global journey to document the resilience, ecological necessity and threats facing wild salmon. Stunning cinematography and vital commentary drive a compelling narrative of human disruptions collapsing vital ecosystems while illuminating new behaviors and innate brilliance of the species.

Ed Scott-Clarke, Escapade Productions (United Kingdom), Infertile, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner Scott-Clarke’s exceptional investigation exposes how chemicals in daily life are driving a global fertility crisis. Intimate stories, leading scientists and shocking footage reveal links between endocrine-disrupting chemicals and declining fertility in humans and animals, and corporate and governmental failures behind the crisis.

Bob Segall and Ryan Thedwall (USA), BURNED ALIVE, Doc Feature – Exceptional investigative report from Emmy-Winners Segall and Thedwall exposes prison fires that killed inmates in locked cells, revealing patterns of missed inspections, inadequate training, falsified documents and institutional negligence. Through potent video, interviews and creative graphics their findings hold leaders accountable for these shocking fires.

David F. Zappone (USA), To The Journey: Star Trek Voyager, Doc Feature – Behind the beloved series is a fascinating story of ambition, risk and resilience. A female Captain, creative battles, personal sacrifices and controversies that shaped it. Intimate interviews reveal the passion behind its enduring legacy. Emmy-nominees Kate Mulgrew, Robert Picardo, Jeri Taylor, Brannon Braga, Rick Berman. Jeri Ryan and Ethan Phillips.

Andrew Holmes, Score G Productions Inc. (Canada), DOLPH: Unbreakable, Doc Feature – Dolph Lundgren embodies a man who pushes beyond his limits. Behind the action-hero lies a deeply human story of abuse, trauma, injury and life-threatening cancer, all met with remarkable resilience. Intimate, inspiring portrait of healing and strength in life’s greatest challenges. Emmy-Winner Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Don Hardy (USA), Unspoken Bond, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner Hardy’s touching doc explores the profound relationship between humans and animals and how those connections shape resilience and recovery. As three human stories unfold, his intimate storytelling reveals the reciprocal nature of those bonds and challenges viewers to reconsider the role animals play in our well-being and coexistence. Jackie Ducci creator.

Michel Garcia (France), Oreka, Doc Feature – The emotionally resonant journey of Maxime Cabanne – from a life-changing accident through, sporting achievements to an extraordinary Arctic crossing. Superb editing and a brilliant score enrich the film. Garcia’s sensitive direction and stunning cinematography bring intimacy and emotion to this powerful story of resilience, adventure and human connection.

Walter Johnson Jr. (USA), Colors & Curves, Doc Feature – A wildly creative doc about creativity  challenging the belief that being creative belongs only to artists and visionaries. Told through inventive editing, bold visual storytelling, colorful juxtapositions and a structure that mirrors the very creative process it explores. Intimate interviews with innovators reveal creativity as a force behind breakthrough, resilience and change.

Pollyanna Hardwicke-Brown (Canada), Bif Naked, Doc Feature – Uncovers the raw reality of a punk rock icon navigating the grueling highs and lows of fame, sexism, cancer and addiction. Guided by heartful, nuanced direction, the film honors her struggles, capturing a beloved artist whose humor, compassion and unquenchable fire reveal the true power of grit, identity, and staying true to yourself.

Aaron Smith (USA), Escaping The Odds of Recidivism, Documentary Feature

 

 

Aleš Urbanczik (Switzerland), Ida Rolf – Mother of Fascia, Documentary Feature

 

 

Andrew Holmes, Score G Productions Inc. (Canada), DOLPH: Unbreakable, Editing, Cinematography

 

 

Anna Klauzner (Australia), From Ukraine with Love, Documentary Short

 

 

Arantza Diez (Spain), THE POWER PLANT, Documentary Feature

 

 

Azadvir Singh and Sebastian Van Der Velde (United Kingdom), Bound For Britain – The Story of the First Sikh Settlers, Documentary Feature

 

 

Bob Segall and Ryan Thedwall (USA), BURNED ALIVE, News / Weather

 

 

Bruno de Champris (France), MOON DUST, Original Score, Editing

 

 

Chelsea Winstanley (New Zealand), TOITŪ VISUAL SOVEREIGNTY, Documentary Feature

 

 

Chris Charles Farina (USA), Death Becomes Us: And Hands Are With Us, Documentary Feature

 

 

Dana Nachman (USA), The Second Life of Freddie Nole, Documentary Short

 

 

Daniel Golding, J. Mitchell Johnson and Bob Elfstrom (USA), Coming Home: From Shadowland to Spiritworld, Documentary Feature

 

 

David Barnhart (USA), Evicting the American Dream, Documentary Feature

 

 

David F. Zappone (USA), To The Journey: Star Trek Voyager, Women Theme

 

 

Don Hardy (USA), Unspoken Bond, Cinematography (Robert Featherstone and Don Hardy), Direction, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Women Filmmakers

 

Ena-Sanan Hdagha (Croatia / USA), Behind One Smile / ما وراء الإبتسامة, Original Score (Tomislav Petrčić)

 

 

Eric Longabardi and Kern Konwizer (USA), Autumn Gold, Documentary Feature

 

 

Escapade Productions (United Kingdom), Infertile, Health / Medicine / Science

 

 

Grace Eggleston (USA), Forever in the Mountains, Documentary Short

 

 

Hilla Medalia (Israel), Children No More  “Were and are Gone”, Documentary Short

 

 

Imad Karam (United Kingdom), The Hardest Bridge, Documentary Feature

 

 

Jack Wade (USA), A Sheet From Naked, Cinematography

 

 

Jidi Guo (Thailand), A Rohingya Ramadan, Documentary Feature, Islamic Theme

 

 

Leslie Korn and Max Montalban (USA), BreakPoint: The Untold Story of the Constitution Express, Documentary Feature

 

 

Liz Plank (Canada / USA), Not So Special, Documentary Feature, Disability Issues, Women Filmmakers

 

 

Maria Bertrand (USA), Finding Happy, Documentary Feature

 

 

Michael D. Bruce and Chandra Clark (USA), Do Right: The Stallings Standard, Documentary Feature

 

 

Michael Hamilton, Score G Productions Inc. (Canada), Tootoo, Documentary Feature, Editing

 

 

Najia Khaan (Afghanistan), Bacha Bareesh, Shadows of Innocence, Documentary Short

 

 

Nina Johanna Pulkkis (Finland), Planet of the Microbes, Documentary Feature

 

 

Pierre-Dominique Godts (Belgium), Vincent Rousseau Sculptor, Documentary Short, Direction, Cinematography

 

 

Richard Sidney Orton (USA), Raise Your Head Up, Documentary Feature, African American Theme, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising

 

 

Rick Rosenthal, Wild Logic LLC (USA), SUPERFISH:SALMON, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

 

 

Ron James (USA), Accidental Truth Next – Beyond UFO Disclosure, Original Score (Alan Howarth)

 

 

Sabreen Media, Amy Sabreen and Challenge Aspen (USA), The Way Back Down, Documentary Short, Disability Issues, Nonprofit / Fundraising

 

 

Sean Eldridge (USA), CivicMen, Documentary Feature

 

 

The Film Collective at Utah State Correctional Facility (USA), BREAKING CHAINS – in our own voice, Documentary Feature 

 

 

TRIDENT ALP FILMS, Caroline Strasser (Austria), Trinomis – A Female Sailing Mission, Documentary Feature, Cinematography, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational

 

William McKeever (USA), The Last Ospreys, Documentary Short

 

 

Yula Gidron (USA), Find Me, Okay?, Documentary Feature

 

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