Hamptons International Film Festival Announces 2025 Award Winners

The 33rd Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF), presented by Artemis Rising Foundation, has announced the winners of its 2025 awards, honoring outstanding achievements in narrative and documentary filmmaking across features and shorts. The festival ran from October 3 to 13 with screenings at theaters in East Hampton, Southampton and Sag Harbor.

Top Jury Prizes

The HIFF Award for Best Narrative Feature was presented to “The President’s Cake,” directed by Hasan Hadi. The film received a $2,500 cash prize and an in-kind production package valued at $92,500.

“To the West, in Zapata,” directed by David Bim, won Best Documentary Feature, receiving a $2,500 cash prize and an in-kind production package valued at $50,000.

In the shorts categories, “Sammi, Who Can Detach His Body Parts,” by Rein Maychaelson was named Best Narrative Short Film, while “Correct Me If I’m Wrong,” by Hao Zhou received Best Documentary Short Film. Each was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and became eligible for Academy Awards® consideration.

Jury Special Mentions

Performance: Special recognition was given to Baneen Ahmad Nayyef (“The President’s Cake”), Molly Belle Wright (“Omaha”) and Hanna Heckt (“Sound of Falling”) for their standout performances.

Screenwriting: “Hysteria,” written by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, received a jury citation for its “intellectually stimulating” script.

Directing: “The Curfew,” directed by Shehrezad Maher, was honored for “subverting expectations with a short that proves communication transcends language.”

Documentary Special Mention: “André Is an Idiot,” directed by Tony Benna, was praised for its impactful storytelling. “Hoops, Hopes & Dreams,” by Glenn Kaino was also recognized for its innovative use of animation and social commentary.

Audience Awards

Festival audiences selected the following winners:

Narrative Feature: “Sentimental Value,” directed by Joachim Trier

Documentary Feature: “The Eyes of Ghana,” directed by Ben Proudfoot

Narrative Short Film: “Lightning Bug,” directed by Zane Pais

Documentary Short Film: “Island Willing,” directed by Cece King

Additional Special Awards

Subject Matter Award ($25,000 grant): “All the Empty Rooms,” directed by Joshua Seftel

Artemis Rising Foundation Award for Social Impact ($10,000): “The Cycle of Love,” directed by Orlando von Einsiedel

Peter Macgregor-Scott Memorial Award ($10,000): “Punter,” directed by Jason Adam Maselle

Sherzum Award ($5,000): “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” directed by Bill Condon

Films of Conflict and Resolution Award ($5,000 each): “Holding Liat,” directed by Brandon Kramer;“The Voice of Hind Rajab,” directed by Kaouther Ben Hania

Suffolk County Next Exposure Grant ($3,000): “Let’s Not Suffer at the End of the World,” directed by MC Harvey

Zelda Penzel “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” Award ($2,500): “Trade Secret,” directed by Abraham Joffe

Victor Rabinowitz & Joanne Grant Award for Social Justice ($2,000): “The Librarians,” directed by Kim A. Snyder

New York Women in Film & Television Awards ($1,000 each + NYWIFT membership): “All That’s Left of You,” directed by Cherien Dabis (Narrative), “Natchez,” directed by Suzannah Herbert (Documentary)

University Short Film Awards

Five emerging filmmakers each received a $500 prize:

“Breastmilk,” by Ifeyinwa Arinze (NYU); “Crazy for You,” by Greta Díaz Moreau (Columbia University); “Mother and Ulysses,” by Mushi Cai (London Film School); “Our Own Shadow,” by Agustina Sánchez Gavier (Academy of Media Arts Cologne); “Punter,” by Jason Adam Maselle (NYU)

Previously Announced Awards

Achievement in Acting Award: Sydney Sweeney (“Christy”)

UBS Breakthrough Performer Award: Tonatiuh (“Kiss of the Spider Woman”)

UBS Breakthrough Director Award: Eva Victor (“Sorry, Baby”)

Achievement in Casting Award: Bernard Telsey (“Kiss of the Spider Woman”)

Festival Highlights

The 2025 festival featured 89 features and 57 shorts, including 12 world premieres and numerous regional debuts. Jurors included industry veterans such as Jody Arlington, Matt Donnelly, Brian Burns, Monica Castillo, Agnes Chu, and Loren Hammonds.

Over $246,500 in cash and in-kind prizes were awarded this year, with more than $5 million distributed over HIFF’s 33-year history. For more information, visit hamptonsfilmfest.org.