Celebrating stories of courage, creativity and connection
On Saturday 13 September, the Depot cinema in Lewes buzzed with excitement as we celebrated filmmakers and scriptwriters in-person at our Annual Awards Ceremony.
With over 330 submissions from across the globe, this year’s winning films and scripts stood out for their creativity, boldness and heart.
All our award winners reflect the spirit of WOFFF: fun, fearless and real stories told with craft and care.
WOFFF Shedunnit Short Script Award 2025
Rafta, Rafta (Slowly, Slowly) by Misha Hassan – Winner
Mehr, a divorced single mother and first-generation Pakistani Muslim immigrant, embarks on a hesitant return to love. The script follows her faltering steps into dating, self-sabotage, and ultimately, the chance of connection.
Judges praised it as “a heart-warming romantic dramedy with natural dialogue, relatable characters and a poignant message about giving love a chance.”
| Position | Title | Writer |
| Winner | Rafta, Rafta (Slowly, Slowly) | Misha Hassan |
| 2nd Place | Success | Michelle Clemens |
| 3rd Place | Blaggers | Helen Daugherty |
| Commended | Matryoshka | Karla S. Bryant |
WOFFF Student Film Award 2025
Chai-Coffi by Sanjoli Malani – Winner
Grieving widow Lata’s journey for solace leads to an unexpected friendship with 12-year-old Mira. Their bond becomes a catalyst for self-discovery.
Judges celebrated the film’s “stunning cinematography and empathetic storytelling… Lata’s journey and intergenerational bond captivate, with perseverance and humour shining through.”
| Position | Title | Director/s |
| Winner | Chai-Coffi | Sanjoli Malani |
| 2nd Place | The Tale of Mari | Anya Vaughn |
| 3rd Place | Holding Stone | Evie Bulloch |
| 3rd Place | Two Travelling Aunties | Christine Seow |
| Commended | Passageways | Geneviève Tremblay, Milla Cummings |
WOFFF Animation Award 2025
The Illustrated Woman by Isabel Hergura – Winner
During an animation workshop in Ahmedabad, temporary tattoo artists share their dreams. Dreams of flying, political change, travel and independence. The result is a lyrical, collective portrait of imagination and aspiration.
Judges called it “a lovely mix of styles and diverse stories… elegantly connected by cut-outs and henna-style drawings.”
| Position | Title | Director/s |
| Winner | The Illustrated Woman | Isabel Hergura |
| 2nd Place | Gossip/Clecs | Harri Shanahan |
| 3rd Place | Of All The Things | Steff Lee |
| Commended | The Paper Bag | Roshi Nasehi, Al Orange |
WOFFF Documentary Award 2025
RISA by Kate Weare & Jack Flame Sorokin – Winner
In her New York apartment, dancer and teacher Risa Steinberg moves from room to room, reflecting on her extraordinary career.
The judges described it as “a vivid portrait, brimming with energy and detail – funny, articulate, strong yet vulnerable. Inspiring and unforgettable.”
| Position | Title | Director/s |
| Winner | RISA | Kate Weare, Jack Flame Sorokin |
| 2nd Place | Visible Mending | Samantha Moore |
| 3rd Place | Journey Back to Alcedo | Gianna Haro Vallazza |
| 3rd Place | My Dad, Guyana & Me | Noella Mingo |
| Commended | Holding On | Emma Croft |
| Commended | Old Girl in a Tutu: Susan Rennie Disrupts Art History | Cheri Gaulke |
| Commended | Pegs & Bacon | Sarah Mason |
| Commended | Remar | Adán Aguilar |
WOFFF X Festival Formula Drama Award 2025
The Pearl Comb by Ali Cook – Winner
Set in 1893 Cornwall, this drama follows fisherman’s wife Betty Lutey, whose claim of curing tuberculosis draws the attention of a sceptical doctor.
Judges praised its atmosphere and performances: “Superb acting and production values create an eerie yet beautiful film, with intelligent female characters that linger long after the film has finished.”
| Position | Title | Director/s |
| Winner | The Pearl Comb | Ali Cook |
| 2nd Place | Bird Woman | Tokio Oohara |
| 3rd Place | A Burning Turret | Humberto Flores |
| Commended | Looking for Alan | Gareth McCann |
| Commended | Nana | Katia Crivellari |
| Commended | Olga’s Eyes | Sarah Carlot Jaber |
| Commended | Under the Surface | Jake Mark |
| Commended | We’re All Black Down Here | James William Mellors |
WOFFF Experimental Award 2025
Somber Tides by Chantal Caron – Winner
Inspired by the St. Lawrence River, this dance film evokes the desperate struggle of two creatures in a frozen landscape.
Judges found it “a poetic, urgent warning on extinction… striking visuals, music and camerawork create an epic, mesmerising film. Our standout winner.”
| Position | Title | Director/s |
| Winner | Somber Tides | Chantal Caron |
| 2nd Place | The Architect of the Liminal | Deb Ethier |
| 3rd Place | Ode to Age | Kati Kallio |
| Commended | A Year of Hands | Cally Trench |
| Commended | Villanelle for Elizabeth not Ophelia | Sarah Tremlett |
Watch all these films online until 6 October
