The seventh annual French Riviera Film Festival, celebrating short film and short-form content from around the globe, has unveiled the 2025 award winners. The event was highlighted by special award presentations to Filming In Italy founder Tiziana Rocca, who received the Industry Excellence Award; and to Mikhael Abbate and Massimo Zanetti, founders of Tre Colori Films, who received the Rising Star Award.
2025 competition winners are:
Drama – MY PAWS ARE SOFT, MY BONES ARE HEAVY, director Garry Christian
Documentary – TWISTED FATE, directors Mike Horelick, Jon Carnoy
Micro Short – MI FUEGO, director Quentin Feynie
Sci-Fi/Horror – SWIPE, director Patia Prouty
Animation – TO BEND THE EAR OF THE OUTER WORLD, director John Elefante
Music Video – CRESCENT HEIGHTS, director Yiannis Margetousakis
Student – CHASE JUPITER, director Linjie Huang
Artificial Intelligence | AI – DOMINANT, director Nik Kleverov
Comedy – PICKING A GUITAR, directors Eddie Brannigan, Felipe Candido de Brito
BEST ACTRESS – Eugenia Kuzmina, HOW CAN I LIVE WITHOUT KILLING?
BEST ACTOR – Zaya Fadhlillah, MY PAWS ARE SOFT, MY BONES ARE HEAVY
BEST DIRECTOR – Garry Christian, MY PAWS ARE SOFT, MY BONES ARE HEAVY
Special Awards were presented to:
RISING STAR AWARD – Tre Colori Films | Mickael Abbate & Massimo Zanetti
INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD – Tiziana Rocca, Filming in Italy
First launched in 2019, FRFF recognizes and celebrates short-form content created for film, television, web and all digital platforms. Scheduled during the time period of the Festival de Cannes, FRFF invites filmmakers from around the globe to participate in the two-day event that includes screenings, 8th annual Global Entertainment Showcase, VIP receptions, and closing gala awards ceremony.
Event partners include Eden Hotel and Spa, Bel-Air Fine Art, Entertainment Oxygen, Cardinal du Four, The Good Gin, VOGA Prosecco, Hive₂O, filmfestivals.com, Indie Entertainment Media, and Just Cinema Magazine. Gift bag partners include Calessia Jewelry, Glass Veil by Oksana, Hive₂O, Velvet Eyewear, and others.
Photos: Erick Seban-Meyer
Nicole Goesseringer Muj is the founder of Kultura PR International, a public relations company that specializes in international entertainment and cultural clients. Ms. Muj is also involved in booking A-list Western music artists and celebrities in Europe, Mexico, and Asia. Previously, she served as Associate Director, Worldwide Publicity, E! Networks and held senior-level positions at Los Angeles-based mPRm Public Relations and Comspan Communications. She is the co-founder of the French Riviera Film Festival and co-publisher of Indie Entertainment Media.
