Best Short (awarded by Jack O'Mahoney) - 'Ben in Bloom'

"Documentaries succeed or fail insofar as their subjects are able to captivate their audiences. The titular Ben of Ben in Bloom possesses so much natural charisma and exuberance that the micro-documentary, clocking in at just fifteen minutes, effortlessly punches well above its weight."

Lucie's Choice - 'We Are Faheem and Karun'

It's SO hard to pick a favourite, as I really appreciated every film I watched, and they were all so different! However, I think it might have to go to We Are Faheem and Karun - the story behind how the film was made, and the feeling of love that just radiated off it has really stuck with me.

Juana's Choice - 'Departures'

While Departures was definitely my favourite piece I got to see at Flare with its humor, relatability, and authenticity, I already covered it in my video review and don't wanna sound too repetitive.

I’d love to highlight Summer’s Camera as well—a film that beautifully captures the magic of first crushes while also exploring grief and loss. It tells a heartfelt story about losing someone important and, in an unexpected way, finding a sense of closeness to them again. Its delicate storytelling and stunning cinematography brought back those fleeting, heart-fluttering emotions of early love, it was beautiful to watch.

Celeste's Choice, 'The World According To Allee Willis'

"This documentary truly highlights the artist’s spirit fighting for its existence, most poignantly with the words by fellow composer and friend Andrae Alexander: ”She always wanted to document her life in such a way that it invited other people in, to know their own brilliance and creativity. [...] “The World According To Allee Willis” achieves just that."

Umnia's Choice, 'New Wave (Onda Nova)'

"This restored queer cult classic is now making the rounds in 2025, and my best description would be that the film is like if Hairspray (the movie, not the musical) drank some 'Bend it like Beckham' vodka and put on the oversized outfits of 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown'. It's camp, filled with truly fantastic sex scenes, and has queerness laced throughout."

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