Stony Brook University

07/28/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/28/2025 13:45

A Landmark Year of Talent: Winners of the 30th Annual Stony Brook Film Festival

Celebrating three decades of bold, independent storytelling, the 30th Annual Stony Brook Film Festival was one of the most well-attended in its 30-year history. This year's festival, which concluded on July 26, showcased 36 original films from 19 countries - including world and U.S. premieres, award contenders and exclusive in-person events. Out of the 36 films, 10 took home prizes.

"It was incredible to see the theater full and back to pre-COVID attendance," said Stony Brook Film Festival Director Alan Inkles. "We had filmmakers from around the world for many U.S. premiere screenings. I am so grateful to all of them, including our terrific U.S. filmmakers, for having such an impact on our audience this year. Most screenings included tremendous applause, with some films receiving standing ovations. I'm so grateful for the support from our members, patrons, and donors who made our 30th Anniversary quite memorable."

2025 Stony Brook Film Festival Winners

2025 Jury Award for Best Feature: Mistura
A film from the U.S. and Peru, written and directed by Ricardo de Montreuil

2025 Jury Award for Best Short: My Name is Dania
An Israeli film by Lev Brodinsky

2025 Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award: Mad Bills to Pay
A New York premiere, written and directed by Joel Alfonso Vargas

Westhampton photo by Amber Lewis

2025 Jury Award for Directing: Westhampton
A U.S. film, written and directed by Christian Nilsson

2025 Audience Award for Best Feature: Nawi
A film from Germany and Kenya, directed by Toby Schmutzler, Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine and Vallentine Chelluget

2025 Audience Award for Best Short: A Guest in My Country
A U.S. film by John Gray

2025 Opening Night Short: Hearts of Stone
A New York premiere out of Belgium and Croatia by Tom Van Avermaet

The Ties That Bind

2025 Opening Night Feature: The Ties That Bind
An East Coast premiere out of France, directed by Carine Tardieu

2025 Closing Night Short: Place Under the Sun
A U.S. premiere out of Moldova by Vlad Bolgarin

2025 Closing Night Feature: Remnants of You
A U.S. premiere from Spain, written and directed by Gala Gracia

See all winners

Read festival news and press

View photo gallery

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Staller Center Stony Brook Film Festival
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