Best Local Director of 2025

BURIED

Nicole Agostino / United States / 08:25

A woman emerges from a period of grief, and slowly finds her way to the other side.

CEREAL

Lala Halsema / United States / 14:13

A mother and son share a special bond that carries them through a difficult diagnosis. As the family sets off on a grand adventure together, they realize what the best memories are made of.

DALE

Catherine Dyer / United States / 15:47

A man is interviewed about the reasons he committed a brutal murder three decades earlier. Dark secrets don't stay secret forever and not all sins can be forgiven.

THE FOURTH STAR

Carrie Anne Hunt / United States / 14:47

An estranged couple comes to terms with their daughter's death on the eve of her birthday. Pulled apart by what they love most, Carolyn and Bruce are forced into a situation where they must face what was left unspoken in order to reconcile.

THE OVERNIGHT

Brody Wellmaker / United States / 10:57

After a long day on set, rising actress Scarlett heads to dinner with Roman, the arrogant director she’s been seeing. But when they accidentally run over a crew member in the parking lot, Roman’s panic turns violent - until the “victim” reveals himself as a zombie. Abandoned to fend for herself, Scarlett must fight to survive.

THERE WILL BE WOMANLY WILES

Nicole Higgins / United States / 05:59

In this contemporary exploration of intimacy and technology, a woman's private evening takes an unexpected turn when her partner stumbles upon her virtual escapade. What unfolds is a candid journey into the dynamics of modern relationships.