Real to Reel International Film Festival

Best of Fest - "My Friend Sam" directed by Daniel Ryan

Synopsis: Singer-songwriter Regina Spektor’s life changed forever when, as a child, she was taken under the wings of musicians Sonia Vargas and Samuel Marder. Now Marder, a widower and Holocaust survivor, is speaking out about his painful past, with Spektor at his side. Grounded in their profound intergenerational friendship, this inspirational tale shows how music can help us in the worst of times.

Best Amateur Feature - "Can I Have This Dance?" directed by Santiago Cuen

Synopsis: After the loss of his girlfriend, a boy comes across a music box that allows him to revisit their final hours together. However, this opportunity allows him to change more than he should.

A tribute to Dany Ordaz.

Best Amateur Short - "CHECK PLEASE" directed by Shane Chung

Synopsis: Two headstrong Koreans can't agree on who's treating who to dinner, causing their casual restaurant outing to spiral into a martial arts deathmatch.

Best Amateur Documentary - "Tree of Fire: A Story of Love and Resilience" directed by Margaret Magnus & Ben Hoffman

Synopsis: Tree of Fire is a heartfelt story of loss, survival, and spiritual connection. After a devastating fire, a once-thriving oak – blessed by Avatar Meher Baba – rises from the ashes to offer love and solace. The tree’s survival becomes a living symbol of resilience and Divine love. Through personal testimonies and breathtaking imagery, the film invites viewers to rediscover their own capacity for healing, transformation, and spiritual awakening.

Best Pro Short - "Cucumber" directed by Harald Furuholmen

Synopsis: Shintaro receives a homegrown cucumber from the older lady next door and his crippling anxiety convinces him that he has to reciprocate the gesture.

Best Pro Animation - "Dobrina" directed by Hannes Rall

Synopsis: Lotte Reiniger meets Sergio Leone in this animated short,

where desire burns as bright as the desert sun. A brand-new animated short that premiered in June 2025, successfully touring the festival circuit now.

Best Pro Documentary - "My Friend Sam" directed by Daniel Ryan

Synopsis: Singer-songwriter Regina Spektor’s life changed forever when, as a child, she was taken under the wings of musicians Sonia Vargas and Samuel Marder. Now Marder, a widower and Holocaust survivor, is speaking out about his painful past, with Spektor at his side. Grounded in their profound intergenerational friendship, this inspirational tale shows how music can help us in the worst of times.

Carolina Choice Award - "The Potato Eaters" directed by Edwin Lowrey Dennis

Synopsis: In this black and white silent film, a group of women struggle to identify and overcome the forces that rob them of their food and power. Ultimately, with the help of a dog, they are able to fight their oppressors and find liberation.

Festival Director's Choice Award - "Can I Have This Dance?" directed by Santiago Cuen