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
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
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
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