Project Description
New York, NY — October 14, 2025 — The 2025 SOHO International Film Festival (SIFFNYC), presented by the Soho Creative Lab Foundation, concluded its 16th edition in grand style at the Helen Mills Theater in New York City with its SIFFNYC Awards Night Gala, celebrating excellence in independent filmmaking from around the globe.
Under the direction of Executive Director and Head of Programming Sibyl Reymundo-Santiago and Founder and President Jorge Ballos, the festival once again underscored its mission to give a global platform to bold and diverse cinematic voices. The 16th edition featured a week of sold-out screenings, creative panels, and inspiring conversations at Regal Union Square, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from more than 20 countries.
A distinguished jury of industry leaders including actor Dallas Roberts (“Insatiable,” “Tulsa King”), Cynthia Lopez (Executive Director, New York Women in Film & Television), Marci Phillips (VP, Talent & Casting, 20th Studios/Disney Entertainment), Max Geschwind (Media Finance, Creative Artists Agency), and Brian Nemes (Head of Film & TV Strategy, Goldhouse) deliberated over more than 100 films representing a remarkable range of international stories.
Presented in partnership with Sitting Cat Productions, Regal Union Square, MongoMedia, and Madame World, the evening’s festivities featured signature cocktails by Tito’s Vodka, Vera Wang Prosecco courtesy of Royal Wine Corp, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres by Tagpuan, as the global film community toasted an unforgettable year in independent cinema.
“This year’s lineup truly embodied what SOHO stands for bold voices, fearless artistry, and stories that bridge cultures,” said Sibyl Reymundo-Santiago, Executive Director and Head of Programming. “We’re deeply proud to see how our filmmakers continue to expand the boundaries of independent cinema. Every nominee and winner tonight represents the heart of storytelling today.”
Among the most celebrated wins of the night:
Tricia Helfer Best Acting Performance in a Leading Role – US Feature for Hello Beautiful
Naum Shopov Best Acting Performance in a Leading Role – World Feature for Wingless (Bulgaria), which also won Best World Showcase Feature Film
Lauren Larkin Best Acting Performance in a Leading Role – World Short for One More Round (Ireland)
Sotto Voce Best Acting Ensemble
Heitor Dhalia’s The Ballad of a Hustler Best US Showcase Feature Film
Regina Aquino’s Faith Healers Audience Award for Feature Film
Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s Brooklyn Minnesota Audience Award for Exhibition Films
Other major winners included The Singers (Best US Showcase Short Film), Under the Northern Skies (Best World Showcase Short Film), Dewey Days (Best Long Form Series Pilot), Disc (Best Short Form Series Pilot), The High King’s Daughter (Best Showcase Animated Film), Left Behind (Best Showcase Documentary Feature), Samland (Best Showcase Documentary Short), and Double Happiness (Audience Award for Short Film or Series Pilot).
FULL LIST OF 2025 SIFFNYC WINNERS & NOMINEES
A complete list of categories, nominees, and winners is available in the official release appendix.
CELEBRATING ARTISTRY & COMMUNITY
This year’s SOHO International Film Festival once again affirmed its standing as one of New York City’s most vital celebrations of independent and international cinema, a bridge between cultures and a beacon for storytelling that inspires and unites.
Lorraine Bracco attending the screening of “The Mother, The Menacer and Me” at the 2025 SOHO Int’l Film Festival. Photo credit: Champion Hamilton
Press & Media Contact
Sibyl Reymundo-Santiago
Email: sibyl@sohofilmfest.com
Phone: +1 (646) 406-9797
info@sohofilmfest.com | www.sohofilmfest.com
Follow @sohofilmfest on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube
Presented by: Soho Creative Lab Foundation
Festival Partners: Sitting Cat Productions, Regal Union Square, MongoMedia, Tagpuan, Vaisty, Royal Wine, Tito’s Vodka, Madame World
