Celebrating award-winning storytelling

Each year, the American International Short Film Festival honors exceptional filmmakers whose work demonstrates craft, originality, and emotional impact. These artists represent the bold, diverse voices shaping the future of cinema.

2025 award winners

GABRIELA

Shawna Baca Award -- Best Director

Directed by Evelyn Lorena

RESONANCE

Best First Time Director

Directed by Dani Orlando

72

Best Drama

Directed by Marissa Chibás

STock Car: FAster Than Time

Best Documentary

Directed by Convado Ferrato

Hoy no ospero a nadie

Best Comedy

Directed by David Norris

Rocky Cubia

Directed by Adelaide Pilar Benavides

Best Music Video

Cheryl Umańa

Best Actress

for her performance in “72”

Joseph Perez Bertot

Best Actor

for his performance in “The Janitor”

Americano

Audience Choice Award

Directed by Yanelly Martinez

Heartthrob Medical

Best Script

Written by Melissa Balint

We congratulate our 10 winners of the 2025 festival, and want to give a heartfelt thank you to the 20 films that screened for the audience throughout.