As we conclude the Early Bird Awards contest for the second season of the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF), we celebrate an incredible milestone. Not only have we successfully wrapped up six months of honoring exceptional filmmaking projects, but we also mark one year since the official launch of the festival. Over the past year, PAIFF has grown into a vibrant platform for filmmakers, celebrating excellence within their respective categories and acknowledging standout submissions based on early entries. Capped at 15 winners, with only five awards given per bi-monthly cycle (summer, fall, and winter), this season two early initiative showcased remarkable talent and set a high standard for the upcoming festival.
Importantly, while the Early Bird phase has concluded, all entries remain in contention for the prestigious annual awards as we continue the search for more excellent film projects. Submitted projects will continue to compete across multiple categories for up to 50+ coveted awards at our main event, scheduled for April 2-6, 2025. The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated during the Early Bird phase have set the stage for an unforgettable festival season.
We are still accepting submissions for the 2025 edition of PAIFF! Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their projects and join us in celebrating the art of storytelling on an international stage. Our regular annual deadline is slated for December 31st, 2024, but there will still be time to get your projects in with a late and final entry deadline of January 31st, 2025.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the talented winners who have already earned their place in the spotlight and eagerly anticipate the next chapter of PAIFF Season Two!
FALL EARLY BIRD WINNERS
BEST FEATURE: The Ninth Order (Australia) Directed by Nick John A'Hern, The Ninth Order follows Jada, a teenager whose life is turned upside down after her estranged father’s mysterious death reveals his ties to an ancient sect. As supernatural events unravel and her best friend goes missing, Jada must confront her family's legacy and embrace her destiny in this thrilling tale of redemption and self-discovery. A'Hern, a seasoned filmmaker with over 35 years of experience, brings his passion for immersive storytelling and meticulous cinematography to craft a visually stunning and emotionally gripping narrative. https://www.instagram.com/filmclasspicturesoz/
BEST DOCUMENTARY: The Graceless Age: The Ballad of John Murry (Ireland) Directed by Sarah Share, this poignant documentary chronicles the life of American singer-songwriter John Murry as he battles heroin addiction, PTSD, and personal trauma. Through music and raw honesty, John embarks on a journey of healing and redemption, offering an intimate look into the human spirit’s resilience. Share’s dedication to uncovering deeply personal stories shines through, with a focus on raw vulnerability and the transformative power of art. http://www.newdecade.ie/
BEST SHORT: Shrouded Destiny: A Star Wars Long Tale (Denmark) Directed by Shahbaz Sarwar and Erik Alejandro Gonzalez, this ambitious Star Wars fan production tells the story of a Rogue Jedi retrieval mission set 500 years before the Clone Wars. With incredible production value and an expansive vision, the project aims to capture the attention of Lucasfilm itself. Sarwar’s lifelong passion for the Star Wars universe and commitment to rallying a global team of volunteers bring this ambitious vision to life. https://www.facebook.com/sarwarsstarwars
BEST ANIMATION: Escape Room (Russia) Directed by Vladislav Kovtunovskii, this stop-motion claymation short explores the cyclical nature of the human mind as a man struggles to escape his inner fears and anxieties. The film offers a deeply reflective narrative on mental health and self-imprisonment. Kovtunovskii’s love for stop-motion animation and his drive to tell stories with psychological depth infuse every frame with meaning and creativity. https://www.instagram.com/claymen_world/
BEST SCREENPLAY: Monarch (USA) Written by Mauricio Herrera Manzur, Monarch is a psychological thriller set in a futuristic Mexico-Tenochtitlan. Twin siblings Atzin and Yaotl, alongside a journalist and a police detective, unravel a web of corruption and ritualistic killings, revealing profound truths about their society and themselves. Manzur, inspired by his Latino roots and the works of Guillermo del Toro, weaves a complex narrative exploring power, morality, and cultural identity.
WINTER EARLY BIRD WINNERS
BEST FEATURE: Sahara: End of Trip (Spain) Directed by Antonio Rodriguez Cabal, this nostalgic adventure film takes viewers on a journey through the Sahara Desert in the 1970s. Two young adventurers, Javier and Rafa, discover friendship, danger, and secrets guarded by the enigmatic Tuareg princess Tin-Hinan. Cabal’s deep respect for the desert’s untamed beauty and his lifelong passion for storytelling breathe authenticity and charm into this cinematic adventure. https://www.sahara.film/
BEST DOCUMENTARY: Capacity In Reserve (USA) Directed by Brandon Harrop, this inspiring documentary follows Rob Spencer, who overcomes complete amnesia after a life-changing accident. Rob’s story highlights resilience, purpose, and the incredible capacity of the human spirit. Harrop’s passion for capturing human perseverance and his love for the outdoors create a visually stunning and emotionally compelling narrative.https://www.nocea.us/films
BEST SHORT: The End Was Just The Beginning (Portugal) Directed by Antonio Aleixo, this contemplative short follows Catarina as she grapples with the responsibility of bringing a child into a chaotic world. The film delicately balances themes of fear, hope, and existential reflection. Aleixo’s sharp eye for rhythm and emotional nuance allows him to craft stories that linger long after the credits roll. https://www.antonioaleixo.net/
BEST ANIMATION: Illuminatus! (USA) Directed by Chris Kalis, this animated adventure takes audiences aboard a yellow submarine with a mad genius and his anarchist crew. With humor and intrigue, the film explores conspiracy theories and fantastical journeys. Kalis’s passion for blending music, art, and animation creates an immersive experience brimming with imagination.
BEST STUDENT FILM: Indefinitely (USA) Directed by Aloha Lee, this beautifully animated student film tells the story of an astronomer and a lighthouse keeper whose lives intersect on the night of a legendary comet and a devastating tsunami. It’s a tale of love, loss, and cosmic wonder. Lee’s dedication to empowering female storytellers and her passion for creating emotionally resonant stories shine brightly in this heartfelt project.
SUMMER WINNERS
BEST FEATURE:FEAR (India), Directed by Haritha Gogineni
BEST DOCUMENTARY:The Michoacan File (Mexico), Directed by Bernardo Arsuaga
BEST SHORT:The Fries Rebellion (USA), Directed by Dan Hertzog
BEST ANIMATION:Mortem Obire (Mexico), Directed by David Canton Kosberg
BEST EXPERIMENTAL:The Abyss (Argentina), Directed by Andres Aloi
Please visit our previously published Summer Early Bird blog announcement here for further details on these award-winning projects.
Calling All Filmmakers: Submit Your Projects to PAIFF 2025!
We encourage filmmakers from around the world to submit their projects to the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival. Whether you have a feature film, documentary, short, music video, animation, AI-based project, experimental film, or screenplay, PAIFF is the perfect platform to showcase your work.
Our festival is proud to be in partnership with IMDb, the International Movie Database, which recognizes our awards, and FilmFreeway, the world’s number one film festival submission hub. This partnership ensures that your work receives the visibility and recognition it deserves. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a festival that celebrates creativity, innovation, and cinematic excellence on a global scale.
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