The Winners of the 2026 Manhattan Short Film Festival

19 hours ago

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BY THE REDLANDS CINEMA CLASSIC AT HARKINS MOUNTAIN GROVE 16

September 30 & October 1, 2026

‘LIFE GOES ON’ from the United Kingdom wins GOLD MEDAL for Best Film.

A drama /comedy about a man in a hospice waiting for the sweet release of death who is unfortunately stuck in a time loop which causes each day to restart the second his heart stops resonated with viewers around the world attending the festival in venues around the world.

Written and directed by husband and wife team Kat Butterfield & Daniel Audritt

‘WHEN THE SEA WAS CALM’ from the country Of GEORGIA wins the SILVER MEDAL.

Animated by Mamuka Tkeshelashvili and produced by Vladimer Katcharava, won the Silver Medal. A silent, hand-crafted animated short that transforms memories of pre-war Sokhumi into a poetic story of childhood, first love, exile, and the dream of return.

‘NEVER GIVE UP’ from MEXICO wins the BRONZE MEDAL

written and directed by Tamás Yvan Topolánszky (Hungary & Mexico), a story of a young boy's attempts to cross the U.S.–Mexico border guided only by his mother's final words: "never give up." An unexpected source of hope leads him toward a twist that redefines survival.

BEST ACTOR AWARD

The Best Actor Award goes to David Bradley for his sensational performance as Bill in Life Goes On. After reading the script, Bradley stated that "the script hit him right between the eyes" and that he "had to do it." The Global Audience has voted. Congratulations to all the winners!

HOW REDLANDS VOTED

Best Film

1. ‘NEVER GIVE UP’, MEXICO