A selection of 2026 Indy Shorts award-winning films, including the Oscar®-Qualifying Grand Prize winners! Titles include "The Second Life of Freddie Nole" (Richard D. Propes Social Impact Award, Documentary Audience Choice Award), "Paving the Way" (Lens of Hope Award Presented by TDB Family Foundation), "9 Million Colors" (Animated Grand Prize), "Stalin Boys" (Documentary Grand Prize) and "La barrière" (Narrative Grand Prize).

Indy Shorts Winners 1

A selection of 2026 Indy Shorts award-winning films, including the Oscar®-Qualifying Grand Prize winners!

Animated Grand Prize Award Winner The ocean is paradise for Fran the shrimp. Her deadly claws take whatever they desire. For the blind fish Milva, it's a daily fight to survive. Fran sees her as beautiful and wants her to see the ocean in the same way. Can they overcome their differences? Public ContactWasiamiguel.wasia@gmail.com

English

9 Million Colors

The ocean is paradise for Fran the shrimp. Her deadly claws take whatever they desire. For the blind fish Milva, it's a daily fight to survive. Fran sees her as beautiful and wants her to see the ocean in the same way. Can they overcome their differences?

Narrative Grand Prize Award Winner Géraldine, a young stage manager, is blocking a deserted road for a film shoot near Calais. Not many people pass through, apart from Amar, a Syrian refugee. Public ContactManifestfestivals@manifest.pictures

La barrière

Géraldine, a young stage manager, is blocking a deserted road for a film shoot near Calais. Not many people pass through, apart from Amar, a Syrian refugee.

Lens of Hope Award Winner Set against the sweeping landscapes of the Flathead Indian Reservation, Indigenous youth transform new skateparks into sanctuaries of hope, resilience, and joy - one drop-in at a time. Public ContactLucy Hendricksonlucy@williamsworks.com

Paving The Way

Set against the sweeping landscapes of the Flathead Indian Reservation, Indigenous youth transform new skateparks into sanctuaries of hope, resilience, and joy - one drop-in at a time.

Documentary Grand Prize Award Winner Four middle school boys in a Texas border town have developed an unusual obsession: Joseph Stalin. As the boys write and rehearse their play about Stalin for the Texas State History Fair, they are forced to confront their own relationships with power and control. Public ContactBianca Giaeverbianca.giaever@gmail.com

Stalin Boys

Four middle school boys in a Texas border town have developed an unusual obsession: Joseph Stalin. As the boys write and rehearse their play about Stalin for the Texas State History Fair, they are forced to confront their own relationships with power and control.

Richard D. Propes Social Impact Award Winner | Documentary Audience Choice Award Winner When Freddie Nole drives to meet a man walking out of prison, he’s not just offering a ride, he’s offering hope, dignity, and a path to permanent freedom. As this vérité road trip unfolds, we come to learn the remarkable story behind Freddie’s mission, a staggering mistake that cost him 50 years of freedom but ultimately brings him right back to the prison door. Public ContactChelsea Matter (Sweet World Films)chelsea@sweetworldfilms.com

The Second Life of Freddie Nole

When Freddie Nole drives to meet a man walking out of prison, he’s not just offering a ride, he’s offering hope, dignity, and a path to permanent freedom. As this vérité road trip unfolds, we come to learn the remarkable story behind Freddie’s mission, a staggering mistake that cost him 50 years of freedom but ultimately brings him right back to the prison door.

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Check out the database of festival films you can watch at home! Many, but not all, of the festival films are available to stream in the US, October 8-18.

Get lost in film and push play on 100+ of the best selections in independent film. Many, but not all, official selections will be available to watch virtually. Check out the full lineup!

Here's what Film Q&As and Panels are coming up. Can't make it? No sweat. Many Q&As and Panels will be available for on-demand viewing throughout the festival.