/press release 2025

Boston Short Film Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Sold-Out Edition and Announces 2025 Award Winners

The Boston Short Film Festival has officially wrapped its landmark 10th edition, celebrating a decade of cinematic excellence with packed screenings, vibrant Q&As, and a standout selection of short films from across the globe. What began in 2015 as an intimate gathering of film lovers and creators has now grown into one of the most respected short film festivals in the United States.

“This festival was built on the belief that short films deserve just as much recognition and celebration as features,” said Festival Director Kris De Meester. “A decade later, we're proud to see that belief echoed by filmmakers and audiences alike. The work submitted this year was bold, diverse, and full of vision—we’re simply honored to be the platform that brings these stories to the big screen.”

Festival Manager Maarten Cornelis added: “This year’s Boston Short Film Festival was an overwhelming success. Every screening sold out, and the energy in the room was incredible. The conversations between filmmakers and audiences were some of the most engaging we’ve seen. It truly felt like a celebration of independent cinema at its best.”

The 2025 edition featured a carefully curated lineup of 34 short films, representing a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives. In addition to the in-person screenings, the festival’s online Streaming Selection remains available for viewing through July 25. (More info: https://www.bostonshortfilmfestival.com/streaming)

After much deliberation, the jury has selected the following standout films and performances for this year’s awards:

Best Narrative Short Film
Dissolution (United States) by Anthony Saxe

Best Documentary Short Film
More Than Brothers (United States) by Andrea von Siebenthal

Best Animated Short Film
Confetti (United States) by Amanda Therese Bonaiuto

Best Underground Short Film
The Weight of Sight (Norway) by Truls Krane Meby

Best Experimental Short Film
Aka 赤 (Mexico) by Abinadi Meza

Best Boston Film
Get You Better (United States) by Danica Jensen

Best Actor (F/M/X)
Cláudia Jardim in A Mother Goes To The Beach (Portugal) by Pedro Hasrouny

Congratulations to all the selected filmmakers and winners! And to our audiences—thank you for showing up, selling out every night, and sharing your love for independent cinema. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable edition next year.