Instagram Story Save

Feature-length documentaries offer the space to explore real stories with depth and perspective.

Here are the nominees for Best Documentary Feature Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• Nothing to See Here: Watts directed by Michael Soenen (US)
• Spy Capital 2 directed by Boris Volodarsky (Austria)
• Connected directed by Vera Krichevskaya (United Kingdom)
• Follow the Silenced directed by Matthew Lynn Guthrie (US)

Each of these films presents a compelling look at real-world subjects, shaped through thoughtful and in-depth storytelling.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.

Documentary storytelling in short form requires clarity, focus, and a strong point of view.

Here are the nominees for Best Documentary Short Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• SET FREE – Fighting Human Trafficking in America directed by Kalley Beatrice (US)
• A New Voice directed by Michael K Davis & Debbie A Davis (US)
• Post Traumatic Growth: A Southwest Story directed by Michael Wm. Marks (US)
• A RETURN HOME directed by Jon Cox (US)

Each of these films delivers a meaningful story with impact, using the short format effectively.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.

🇸🇰 “The Flagbearer” has had a good run and now it’s yours to watch on YouTube! Thank you to everyone who showed their support and thank you to all the judges of all the film festivals and competitions that we’ve had the privilege of being a part of. Thank you for giving us a seat at the table. Thank you @itsmedrkt for letting me tell your story and for teaching me the importance of health, dedication and persistence. Something I will take with me as I move on to my next project. Thank you to @andykarkosiak and @johnny4kark whose award-winning score made this film even more resonant. It was the best collaboration you can ask for. Two pairs of siblings working together and honoring our shared heritage. Finally, thank you to my parents for their love, their sacrifice and undying support for me and my brother. There have been times when I felt like I had no tribe but my family has been with me every step of the way and they are the reason why I am still making movies to this day. I dedicate this film to them. My hope is for anyone who watches this documentary to be inspired to find the will and determination to carry out whatever struggles they may face. I think we can all relate to what it means to strive for something and if things don’t work out and the option to quit is always right there, somehow we have to remind ourselves to keep going. No matter how hard it is. So just keep going…

[LINK IN BIO]

.
.
.

#nycmarathon #marathontraining #marathonrunner #running #documentary

Animation is defined by the precision, movement, and detail that bring each frame to life.

Here are the nominees for Best Animation, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• Vita Nova directed by Dmytro Zavora (Ukraine)
• Pigasus: The Lost Paradise – Battle for Evermore directed by Sean Patrick O’Reilly (US)
• Castle Crisis directed by Gavin Richard Geffros & Chandler Garland (US)
• Cat-Tastrophe directed by Morgan Seigler (US)

Each of these films demonstrates strong technical execution, visual detail, and the craft behind animation.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.

Suspense builds and stakes rise in this category, where tension drives the story forward.

Here are the nominees for Best Thriller Feature Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• Do You See Her? directed by Matthew Villescas (US)
• Among The 8 directed by Erick Yahir Lozano (US)
• Partida directed by Luis Ayhllón (Mexico)
• Perpetual Love directed by Danny L Lee (US)

Each of these films delivers a compelling narrative, keeping audiences engaged through suspense and strong storytelling.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.

Tension, pacing, and suspense define this category, where every moment counts.

Here are the nominees for Best Thriller Short Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• Where The Shadows Wait directed by Riley Robbins (US)
• This Is Book Club directed by Robyn Okrant (US)
• Stop Taking Pictures directed by Arlin Godwin (US)
• Better Not Write directed by Tatyana Batalova (US)

Each of these films delivers a gripping experience, using short-form storytelling to keep audiences engaged from start to finish.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.

A strong director brings every element of a film together, shaping the story, performances, and overall vision.

Here are the nominees for Best Director Feature Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• Pascal Tessaud for Under My Skin (France)
• Luke Tedder for The Caretaker (United Kingdom)
• Yunus Şevik for Kulyas 2: Zikr-i Ayin (Turkey & US)
• Adam Jack for A Farewell To Youth (Canada)

Each of these directors demonstrates a clear vision and the ability to bring their story to life at a high level.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.

📣The countdown continues as we get closer to a night that brings filmmakers together from around the world. From powerful stories to standout performances, this year’s nominees represent an incredibly strong group.

In just 3 weeks, the winners will be announced live, and the crowns will be awarded.

Be there to experience it in the room.

Virtual screenings begin May 31, leading into the Crown Awards on June 7 at the Logan Theatre.

🎟Tickets available at cpiff.com.

Direction shapes every aspect of a film, bringing together story, performance, and visual style into a cohesive vision.

Here are the nominees for Best Director Short Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• Riley Robbins for Where The Shadows Wait (US)
• Dylan Gouze for Night of Resolutions (Canada)
• Raul Rosco Guerrero for Lucy's Last Song (US)
• Izah Neiva for Firmina (Brazil)

Each of these directors demonstrates strong creative control and the ability to deliver a compelling story in a short format.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.

Debut feature films often reveal bold vision and a strong creative voice from emerging directors.

Here are the nominees for Best 1st Time Director Feature Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• Greg Dale for Rules of Living (Japan)
• Gregory Pellerito for Moments of Youth (US)
• Mihaela Tudorof & Michael Eric for Family Hug (US)
• Danny L Lee for Perpetual Love (US)

Each of these directors demonstrates confidence in storytelling and a clear point of view in their first feature film.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.

👑 UNDER MY SKIN 👑
Directed by Pascal Tessaud (FRANCE)

#CPIFF Best of Fest Nominee

• Best Drama Feature Film
• Best Director Feature Film
• Best Editing Feature Film

Best of Fest screening information at cpiff.com

#CPIFF #BestOfFest #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #CultivateCreativity

New voices bring fresh perspective and creativity, shaping the future of filmmaking.

Here are the nominees for Best 1st Time Director Short Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:

• Davi Bendinelli Paiva Campos for Esfinge (Brazil)
• Silas James Rowland for Say His Name (US)
• Jonathan Andrew Nettleton for The Christmas Hitlist (US)
• Sofian Francis for Dante's Inferno - The Ascension (US)

Each of these directors demonstrates strong vision and storytelling, making a notable impact with their debut work.

Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.