top of page
Cinema of the World International Film Festival
CWIFF x KIFF 2025
If it can be written or thought, it can be filmed. ~ Stanley Kubrick
CWIFF SEASON 11 AWARD GOES TO...
Best Film (Feature)
UNDISPUTED WINNERS
THROUGHOUT GENRES & CATEGORIES
Recepient of 'CWIFF BEST FILM AWARD' Certificate
The Wheat Will Be Golden
Best Motion Picture (Short)
An old farmer has been abandoned by the society in a ‘corner’. This only corner that makes his life meaningful is facing being taken over. Stubborn and insignificant as he is, he will not surrender and will hold up his weapon to fight against the torrent of times.
An old farmer has been abandoned by the society in a ‘corner’. This only corner that makes his life meaningful is facing being taken over. Stubborn and insignificant as he is, he will not surrender and will hold up his weapon to fight against the torrent of times.
Dancing Girl
Best Motion Picture (Short)
Gouri, a village girl who feels like dancing in unusual places. When in the middle of a funeral, she feels the urge to dance, her performance causes the unravelling of many truths & leads to further chaos.
Gouri, a village girl who feels like dancing in unusual places. When in the middle of a funeral, she feels the urge to dance, her performance causes the unravelling of many truths & leads to further chaos.
Study
Best Documentary
A documentary exploring the issues & reasons behind an education system which is working against the professional growth of a child, in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, India.
Numerous disciplines have emerged in the contemporary world. Yet, since the last few decades, students from Andhra Pradesh & Telangana have majorly chosen MPC (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) & BiPC (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) as their 11th & 12th study streams. Leading the students to only two professional career options which are Engineer & Doctor. The film finds all kinds of reasons existing for this scenario. While the outer image of the issue can throw it off towards marketing and the giants in the industry treating education as a business. The more you question, you get to know that the issue is way deeper. This film tries to do the part of a curious brain that wants to know why this is actually happening. It covers opinions from students, faculty at institutes & the parents of the children.
The film is controlled by a mix of observational & journalistic documentary approach to know the realities existing around this issue.
A documentary exploring the issues & reasons behind an education system which is working against the professional growth of a child, in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, India.
Numerous disciplines have emerged in the contemporary world. Yet, since the last few decades, students from Andhra Pradesh & Telangana have majorly chosen MPC (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) & BiPC (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) as their 11th & 12th study streams. Leading the students to only two professional career options which are Engineer & Doctor. The film finds all kinds of reasons existing for this scenario. While the outer image of the issue can throw it off towards marketing and the giants in the industry treating education as a business. The more you question, you get to know that the issue is way deeper. This film tries to do the part of a curious brain that wants to know why this is actually happening. It covers opinions from students, faculty at institutes & the parents of the children.
The film is controlled by a mix of observational & journalistic documentary approach to know the realities existing around this issue.
Kolahalam (The Commotion)
Best Motion Picture (Feature)
Kolahalam is an Australian Malayalam dramedy feature film. (Australian Producers created the film in Kerala, India)
A heartfelt story unfolds in a small home, in just 16 hours, between an old man’s passing away and his funeral. As the old man's life ebbs away, an unexpected thief breaks in, sparking a chain of events. Amidst thief’s panic actions and to the thief’s disappointment, his accidental stumble startles the household. Fearing discovery, he hides, setting the stage for a mix of funny moments from then onwards.
Word soon spreads about the old man's passing, and the house gradually fills with mourning family and friends as preparations for his funeral take shape. In contrast to the usual sombre atmosphere of a household in mourning, the audience is taken on a journey through a series of uproarious events that play against the solemn backdrop. Amidst a group of people earnestly engaged in funeral arrangements, the thief's attempts to escape are consistently foiled in increasingly amusing ways, injecting a light-hearted element into an otherwise serious situation.
After several twists and turns in the story, the audience is left in disbelief at certain acts of the thief.
In a world marked by divisions of religion, caste, and creed, the film, amidst these comedic events, emerges as an enlightening emotional social message as the eye-opener. It skilfully portrays an enduring, universal truth.
Kolahalam is an Australian Malayalam dramedy feature film. (Australian Producers created the film in Kerala, India)
A heartfelt story unfolds in a small home, in just 16 hours, between an old man’s passing away and his funeral. As the old man's life ebbs away, an unexpected thief breaks in, sparking a chain of events. Amidst thief’s panic actions and to the thief’s disappointment, his accidental stumble startles the household. Fearing discovery, he hides, setting the stage for a mix of funny moments from then onwards.
Word soon spreads about the old man's passing, and the house gradually fills with mourning family and friends as preparations for his funeral take shape. In contrast to the usual sombre atmosphere of a household in mourning, the audience is taken on a journey through a series of uproarious events that play against the solemn backdrop. Amidst a group of people earnestly engaged in funeral arrangements, the thief's attempts to escape are consistently foiled in increasingly amusing ways, injecting a light-hearted element into an otherwise serious situation.
After several twists and turns in the story, the audience is left in disbelief at certain acts of the thief.
In a world marked by divisions of religion, caste, and creed, the film, amidst these comedic events, emerges as an enlightening emotional social message as the eye-opener. It skilfully portrays an enduring, universal truth.
Best Film (Feature)
WINNERS
BY GENRES & CATEGORIES
Recepient of 'JURY AWARD FOR THE BEST...' Certificate
The Finish Line Saga
Best Short (Drama/Sports)
"The Finish Line Saga" is a heartfelt drama about Karam, a talented runner from a Punjab village, facing family struggles and financial hurdles. With the help of Coach Kamran, Karam trains hard for the national finals. Despite setbacks, including his grandfather's health issues, Karam learns about sacrifice and the importance of family. The film ends with Karam finding peace in continuing his journey, inspired by his grandfather's legacy.
"The Finish Line Saga" is a heartfelt drama about Karam, a talented runner from a Punjab village, facing family struggles and financial hurdles. With the help of Coach Kamran, Karam trains hard for the national finals. Despite setbacks, including his grandfather's health issues, Karam learns about sacrifice and the importance of family. The film ends with Karam finding peace in continuing his journey, inspired by his grandfather's legacy.
The Guru
Best Documentary (Feature/Inspirational)
Follow the extraordinary journey of George Farah as he transcends the boundaries of adversity. Shot, yet undeterred, he defies the odds to conquer the Mr. Olympia stage. When faced with the daunting diagnosis of stage four cancer, Farah's indomitable spirit propels him through an inspiring tale of survival.
Follow the extraordinary journey of George Farah as he transcends the boundaries of adversity. Shot, yet undeterred, he defies the odds to conquer the Mr. Olympia stage. When faced with the daunting diagnosis of stage four cancer, Farah's indomitable spirit propels him through an inspiring tale of survival.
The Woman from Bar Blue
Best Short (Drama/Family)
The first encounter between a Palestine bourgeoisie family to their son's girlfriend takes an unexpected turn.
The first encounter between a Palestine bourgeoisie family to their son's girlfriend takes an unexpected turn.
Khiew Ranei
Best Documentary (Student Category)
Through the eyes of 9-year-old La-ini Pyrtoh, a member of a family of Black Clay Pottery artisans from Meghalaya, we explore the captivating world of this ancient craft.
Through the eyes of 9-year-old La-ini Pyrtoh, a member of a family of Black Clay Pottery artisans from Meghalaya, we explore the captivating world of this ancient craft.
Two Coconuts
Best Storytelling
The journey of two coconuts is documented in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India.
The journey of two coconuts is documented in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India.
Light
Best Documentary (Short/Inspirational)
“Light” takes us on a journey, in a classic land rover defender, with a passionate team, into the last mile region of Northern Kenya. There we discover the impact that portable solar light has on students who live without electricity access. At the same time learning the challenges these students face in getting an education. An adventurous story of inspiration and determination, as well the bond women share in making the program a success.
“Light” takes us on a journey, in a classic land rover defender, with a passionate team, into the last mile region of Northern Kenya. There we discover the impact that portable solar light has on students who live without electricity access. At the same time learning the challenges these students face in getting an education. An adventurous story of inspiration and determination, as well the bond women share in making the program a success.
Depression, Anxiety and Dementia Secrets
Best Documentary (Feature/Educational)
The story of a formerly suicidal patient who completely recovered from his life-long depression and how he did it.
The scary truth about antidepressants doctors cannot say on national television.
The self-assessed questionnaire that helps you discover if you have neurotransmitter deficiencies.
How to heal naturally from anxiety and depression by naturally supplementing your serotonin, dopamine, opioids, or GABA neurotransmitters.
Which commonly overlooked diseases cause anxiety and depression, and how to heal the root cause of anxiety and depression?
The story of a formerly suicidal patient who completely recovered from his life-long depression and how he did it.
The scary truth about antidepressants doctors cannot say on national television.
The self-assessed questionnaire that helps you discover if you have neurotransmitter deficiencies.
How to heal naturally from anxiety and depression by naturally supplementing your serotonin, dopamine, opioids, or GABA neurotransmitters.
Which commonly overlooked diseases cause anxiety and depression, and how to heal the root cause of anxiety and depression?
Best Film (Short)
CWIFF
DIRECTOR'S CHOICE
Recepient of 'DIRECTOR'S CHOICE AWARD' Certificate
Dancing Girl
What a sensible dramedy...so so good. Lifts up my mood every time I watch it. Everything about it is loveable and enjoyable. From it's out of the box beginning to its end titles, everything is good. I wish more filmmakers rise up to express cinema outside of what we have seen so far. Feature Filmmaiking has limitations, boundaries but shorts filmmakers should go as wild as possible.
Synopsis:
Gouri, a village girl who feels like dancing in unusual places. When in the middle of a funeral, she feels the urge to dance, her performance causes the unravelling of many truths & leads to further chaos.
Synopsis:
Gouri, a village girl who feels like dancing in unusual places. When in the middle of a funeral, she feels the urge to dance, her performance causes the unravelling of many truths & leads to further chaos.
Flashes
One moment you're here and another somewhere else... I am blessed to be the director of this festival; for if not here then where would I get to watch 'life', gems like these. Cinematography, Performance, Choreography, Costumes and Make up...everything is well thought of.
Synopsis:
Moscow, November 6, 1941. Soldiers march along the corridors of the cultural center, there are barricades instead of windows, and instead of rehearsals and music, explosions are heard. Among all this, in the frozen foyer, Anastasia meets her lover, most likely for the last time...
Synopsis:
Moscow, November 6, 1941. Soldiers march along the corridors of the cultural center, there are barricades instead of windows, and instead of rehearsals and music, explosions are heard. Among all this, in the frozen foyer, Anastasia meets her lover, most likely for the last time...
Song of Songs
Most Filmmakers fear filming the 'raw' of romance fearing it may lead to something else.
But not only the maker filmed but filmed so gracefully that it earned my respect. It's beautiful. Relationships are beyond our understanding of right and wrongs. They are pure and right in every sense when hearts are involved.
Synopsis:
The story of Gerard and Marta, which good promise relationship will be put to the test. Their problems are joined by Julia - Gerard's close friend and Krzysiek - new Marta's pal who hides dark secrets
But not only the maker filmed but filmed so gracefully that it earned my respect. It's beautiful. Relationships are beyond our understanding of right and wrongs. They are pure and right in every sense when hearts are involved.
Synopsis:
The story of Gerard and Marta, which good promise relationship will be put to the test. Their problems are joined by Julia - Gerard's close friend and Krzysiek - new Marta's pal who hides dark secrets
Yunhi Khamakhan
It could have been just another film if it weren't for the audacity of the Director/Producer in telling the story as is. The style, the 'lehja', the tonality, the silence...everything about is poetic. And I am in love with the characters. Great work.
Synopsis:
Inspired by the book 'Badshahat Ka Khatma' by Saadat Hasan Manto, this story tells you about a struggling writer/poet. An writer who is battling in his life to arrange bread n butter and a house to live, also known as the emperor for his voice gets complete authority of the office owned by his lawyer friend for a week. This new week brings a new opportunity for this budding writer.
but as it is said that life is never simple
when things come easily on your plate.
One day how a phone call changed this writer's life is quite surprising.
Watch this film to find out If he is able to expand his territory or he will lose his Kingship
Synopsis:
Inspired by the book 'Badshahat Ka Khatma' by Saadat Hasan Manto, this story tells you about a struggling writer/poet. An writer who is battling in his life to arrange bread n butter and a house to live, also known as the emperor for his voice gets complete authority of the office owned by his lawyer friend for a week. This new week brings a new opportunity for this budding writer.
but as it is said that life is never simple
when things come easily on your plate.
One day how a phone call changed this writer's life is quite surprising.
Watch this film to find out If he is able to expand his territory or he will lose his Kingship
Study
a film that takes you deep into the system of systems and successfully brings to us the answer of the very fundamental question 'how did it first come into existence'.
Synopsis:
A documentary exploring the issues & reasons behind an education system which is working against the professional growth of a child, in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, India.
Numerous disciplines have emerged in the contemporary world. Yet, since the last few decades, students from Andhra Pradesh & Telangana have majorly chosen MPC (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) & BiPC (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) as their 11th & 12th study streams. Leading the students to only two professional career options which are Engineer & Doctor. The film finds all kinds of reasons existing for this scenario. While the outer image of the issue can throw it off towards marketing and the giants in the industry treating education as a business. The more you question, you get to know that the issue is way deeper. This film tries to do the part of a curious brain that wants to know why this is actually happening. It covers opinions from students, faculty at institutes & the parents of the children.
The film is controlled by a mix of observational & journalistic documentary approach to know the realities existing around this issue.
Synopsis:
A documentary exploring the issues & reasons behind an education system which is working against the professional growth of a child, in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, India.
Numerous disciplines have emerged in the contemporary world. Yet, since the last few decades, students from Andhra Pradesh & Telangana have majorly chosen MPC (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) & BiPC (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) as their 11th & 12th study streams. Leading the students to only two professional career options which are Engineer & Doctor. The film finds all kinds of reasons existing for this scenario. While the outer image of the issue can throw it off towards marketing and the giants in the industry treating education as a business. The more you question, you get to know that the issue is way deeper. This film tries to do the part of a curious brain that wants to know why this is actually happening. It covers opinions from students, faculty at institutes & the parents of the children.
The film is controlled by a mix of observational & journalistic documentary approach to know the realities existing around this issue.
Ash
Very few filmmakers care to deliver a wholesome experience these days. But this is not so with this film. Everything about this film is brilliant. It makes you forget about everything else and leaves a long lasting impact on you: putting you in a coma of thoughts whether or not you're keeping your family above all means and supply. I'm touched by the efforts of this filmmaker who, regardless of the differences of location, culture, and language made me 'think'.
Synopsis:
A funeral journey of reconciliation for Shan Xin, who is unhappy with his life for an inheritance
Synopsis:
A funeral journey of reconciliation for Shan Xin, who is unhappy with his life for an inheritance
INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
Best Producer: Study
Best Director: Kolahalam (Feature), Two Coconuts (Experimental Short), Study (Documentary), The Woman from Bar Blue (Short)
Best Animator: Opal
Best Screenplay: Kolahalam
Best Cinematography: Celestina & Lawrence (Feature), Flashes (Short), Burial (Short)
Best Costume Design: Child Machine
Best Production Design: Burial
Best Editing: Kolahalam
Best Drama/Fiction/Comedy: Kolahalam
Best Experimental: Child Machine
Best Performance: Pingxiang Gong, Venevieva Novitskaya, Alexander Yurin, Davinder Purba, Olga Navarro, Snehasree Balakrishnan, Sarah Durga, Gautam Naresh, Khushi Chandrashekar, Ankita Kerketta, Salib Minj, Dominika Walo, Krystian Pesta and the cast ,
Best Film (Short)
SPECIAL MENTION
Recepient of 'Honorable Mention' Certificate
The Real Land of Opportunity
In 30 years of living in Russia an American farmer Justus Walker has gone from a meme to a successful entrepreneur. All these years he has been working to achieve his "American dream" in Siberia. Former bandits became his loyal mates, while kind villagers plot against him and try to drive the foreigner away. On one winter day, Justus takes his family and drives into the unknown direction in pursuit of his cherished dream leaving his house and household behind. This film is a tragicomedy about the life of "The Merry Milkman".
Black Box
Items magically appear in the black box to help its owner to make dreams come true. When hero loses this box, he realizes that he can fulfill his dreams on his own.
Status Quo
Interfaith couple who have been dating for a long time talks about the future of their relationship. What will happen next?
The Whale Song
The life of Mark the pharmacist is a B-class movie. When a beautiful girl with buccal herpes shows up at the pharmacy, our protagonist escapes into a fantasy world. He starts directing his life as if it was a great artistic movie, in which he appears as an omnipotent creator. However, the line between reality and fiction begins to blur dangerously. Will Marek manage to extricate himself from his existential vacuum?
JourneyTV
Inspired by the life events of everyday heroes who have encountered and overcome great adversity and turned their pain into passion and purpose. These purposeful and relatable stories are told to bring more hope and healing to this world.
Aaha Nanna Maduve Ante!
Are you a young woman who is currently unemployed? Have you tried getting married off?
Sinchana, a 20-something in Bangalore, does not have life figured out. Her father is mean, getting permission to step out of the house is a chore, her love life is weird, and her best friend is always pushing her to be… better.
With her father continuing to push marriage down her throat, Sinchana heads out in the city one day and finds out that there really are only two options. One, do something. Two, have life do something to you. Which one will she choose?
Sinchana, a 20-something in Bangalore, does not have life figured out. Her father is mean, getting permission to step out of the house is a chore, her love life is weird, and her best friend is always pushing her to be… better.
With her father continuing to push marriage down her throat, Sinchana heads out in the city one day and finds out that there really are only two options. One, do something. Two, have life do something to you. Which one will she choose?
Fantasy Blues of "Gua Ling"
On a summer afternoon，two companions who accidentally entered the ancient village, guided by a mysterious old woman's secret language. They broke into the fantasy moments combined with realism and a sense of magic, and witnessed the dreamlike village “GuaLing” at its sunset illusion with a unique praising “Blues” .
Kachra
Kota is home to phenomenal scenic views, groundbreaking educational infrastructure, hardcore development, and also to a distressed waste management system. Discover the real, unfiltered truth about waste management as we conduct insightful interviews with the people on the front lines.
"Kachra" is an exploration of the intricate facets of waste management in India. It not only highlights the challenges stemming from governmental and municipal shortcomings but also shares the unheard narratives of individuals whose lives are inextricably linked with the realm of waste. Our documentary endeavors to engage the audience in critical and sometimes uncomfortable conversations, leaving them with a profound sense of reflection and a renewed commitment to addressing global issues.
"Kachra" is an exploration of the intricate facets of waste management in India. It not only highlights the challenges stemming from governmental and municipal shortcomings but also shares the unheard narratives of individuals whose lives are inextricably linked with the realm of waste. Our documentary endeavors to engage the audience in critical and sometimes uncomfortable conversations, leaving them with a profound sense of reflection and a renewed commitment to addressing global issues.
Un bacio di troppo (A kiss too many)
Right after marrying Maria, Ciro discovers his wife could have been unfaithful during her bachelorette party. Ciro starts questioning his life choices and even his own identity. But when Maria shows up in the middle of the night, someone else is hiding in Ciro's bedroom...
Panchayati
A village wife’s decision to migrate to the city in pursuit of the comforts that an urban life offers leads to friction with her husband, who insists on staying back in the village. The village Pradhan and his team of four panchayat members try to resolve the couple's conflict by addressing all the factors that led to differences. The story dynamics completely change when Pradhan’s close family members confess their similar differences with Pradhan and how the Panchayat’s resolution helped them to reflect on themselves.
BIZARRE FISH FROM THE ABYSSAL ZONE
A woman with weird superpowers, a turtle with obsessive-compulsive disorder and a cloud with rain incontinence on an unusual journey to the depths of the ocean.
Brothers
Dozens of migrants from Asia and Africa drown every year in the rivers between Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Only a few of them get identified. An even smaller number get returned to their families in their countries of origin.
Most of them were buried in local cemeteries, without taking a sample for DNA analysis. This actually means that their families will never know what happened to them or where their graves are. If one day they appear in the Balkans looking for their relatives, due to the lack of records, the institutions will not know which grave to exhume. These are neglected graves, in remote parts of local cemeteries. They are often overgrown with grass and littered with garbage. Even the dead are not treated with respect here.
Thanks to the efforts of activists, several cases were resolved and the families got the conclusion they needed. While the procedures for identifying and returning bodies are very complicated and financially out of reach for families, institutions do not want to participate. Hope is provided by individuals in the system who knowingly violate legal procedures to help families.
This is the story of the young man Nasim, a refugee from Afghanistan whose brother disappeared in the Sava river, in an attempt to reach the countries of the European Union where they wanted to continue their lives in peace. The desire for a better life was replaced by sadness and tragedy. Since then, Nasim has been painstakingly trying for months to transfer his brother's body from a neighboring country. In order to bury him with dignity and find his own peace.
This documentary was filmed in 18 locations in three countries. It premiered on December 9 at the "Days of Srdjan Aleksic" festival in Banja Luka.
Most of them were buried in local cemeteries, without taking a sample for DNA analysis. This actually means that their families will never know what happened to them or where their graves are. If one day they appear in the Balkans looking for their relatives, due to the lack of records, the institutions will not know which grave to exhume. These are neglected graves, in remote parts of local cemeteries. They are often overgrown with grass and littered with garbage. Even the dead are not treated with respect here.
Thanks to the efforts of activists, several cases were resolved and the families got the conclusion they needed. While the procedures for identifying and returning bodies are very complicated and financially out of reach for families, institutions do not want to participate. Hope is provided by individuals in the system who knowingly violate legal procedures to help families.
This is the story of the young man Nasim, a refugee from Afghanistan whose brother disappeared in the Sava river, in an attempt to reach the countries of the European Union where they wanted to continue their lives in peace. The desire for a better life was replaced by sadness and tragedy. Since then, Nasim has been painstakingly trying for months to transfer his brother's body from a neighboring country. In order to bury him with dignity and find his own peace.
This documentary was filmed in 18 locations in three countries. It premiered on December 9 at the "Days of Srdjan Aleksic" festival in Banja Luka.
Daisy
"Daisy," inspired by the real-life tale of our writer's great-grandparents in 1930s Australia, unfolds the courageous journey of a young woman who defies societal expectations and risks losing everything as she embarks on a forbidden love affair, challenging the boundaries of family, faith, and the pursuit of true happiness.
Misu Misu
MISU MISU is a heartwarming short animated film that follows the journey of a cat named Misu Misu, who grows up alongside her owner, Alana. The film not only portrays the enduring bond between a pet and its owner but also captures the unique experience of Misu Misu as she witnesses Alana's life journey, from her early adulthood to becoming a parent.
.png)
.png)
.png)
RESULTS AWAITING
Best Writer
bottom of page