11th Annual Top Shorts 2025: The Winners

We're thrilled to unveil the triumphant selections of the 11th edition of Top Shorts, celebrating outstanding achievements in both filmmaking and screenwriting.

After careful deliberation and fierce competition, we proudly present the remarkable projects that have made it to the top.

Best of Fest

No Vacancy - Jay Sherer, Lukas Colombo

Best Narrative Film

The Possible Life - Burke Doeren

Best Indie Film

Voyeuress - Jan Fabris

Best Drama

Passage - Hank Devos

Best Comedy

Worst Date, Best Date - Cameron Thrower

Best Thriller

Bottom-Feeder - Brandon D. Hill

Best Horror

Jack Attack - Ben Warhit

Best Sci-Fi

Superior Subject - J.D. Henning

Best Experimental Film

Mute - Andrea Borbolla

Best Inspirational Film

Dare to Dream - Max Ornstil, Pedro Garcia

Best Web Series

Cause Celebre - David E Williams, Patrick John Donnelly

Best Documentary

Built Different - Constance Brenneman, Brad Hammer

Best Animation

My Turn! - Isabelle Maria Tumboimbela, Daisha Lin Sherman

Best Music Video

Jeff Hilliard - My Face - Jeff Hilliard

Best Student Film

Dahlia - Geovanna Escobar

Best Director

Stay At Home, Mom - Mary Zappulla

Best First Time Director

Rehearsal - Allan Shen

Best Actor

Everything That Rises - Nick Latimer

Best Actress

Worst Date, Best Date - Kim Perrin

Best Duo

Worst Date, Best Date - Kim Perrin & Patrick Hilgart

Best Cinematography

Reset Now - Jonathan Strauch

Best Editing

ELM - Jeff Mizushima

Best Score

Reset Now - Torsten Häufler

Best Original Story

Worst Date, Best Date - Cameron Thrower, Heather Turman

Best Screenplay

Tempting Fate - Terry Luke Podnar

Best Television Script

The Age of the Empath - Steve Brown

Special Jury Award - Film

The Space Between - Rhianna Morris, Chris McQuire

Special Jury Award - Screenplay

Phosphorous - Phillip McSween

Breakthrough Filmmaker of the Year

Standoff - Marlyn Bandiero

* The Best of Fest winner receives a free statuette. Other winners may order an official Top Shorts statuette.

* Winners may order a review - FilmFreeway Gold members get $50 off

No Vacancy - Trailer (dir. Jay Sherer, Lukas Colombo)

Watch more trailers: https://www.youtube.com/c/TopShorts