Arabian Post Staff -Dubai
The Xposure International Film Awards 2025, held during the 9th International Photography Festival in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, have recognised outstanding achievements in global filmmaking. This year’s event saw a significant increase in participation, with 834 submissions from filmmakers worldwide, surpassing the previous year’s entries.
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau , the awards ceremony honoured winners across four categories: Short Film, Animation, Cinematic Arts, and Documentary Feature. The event underscored the festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse and innovative storytelling in the visual arts.
In the Short Film category, Iranian filmmaker Payam Mahmoudi Kurdistani received the top accolade for “Nietzschean Suicide,” a film that captivated audiences with its profound narrative. Italian director Andrea Devicenzi was recognised as the runner-up for “Crossing The North,” an impactful portrayal of personal journey and resilience.
The Animation category highlighted dynamic visual storytelling, awarding first place to Spain’s Andres Aguilar for “The Strange Case Of The Human Cannonball.” Turkish animator Mustafa Keskin secured the runner-up position with “Ari-6427,” showcasing creativity and technical prowess.
Iranian filmmaker Mehrshad Karkhani triumphed in the Cinematic Arts category with “Bruise-Lips Tulip,” a film noted for its artistic depth and compelling visuals. Finnish filmmakers Markku Hakala and Mari Kaki earned the runner-up spot for “Giants Kettle,” a work that impressed with its unique perspective and storytelling.
The Documentary Feature category honoured Belgian directors Jurgen Buedts and Sahim Omar Kalifa for “Iraq’s Invisible Beauty,” a documentary that offers a poignant exploration of unseen narratives. Portuguese filmmaker Diogo Andrade was named runner-up for “Sikat Subar – A Hidden Colourful Feather,” a documentary that sheds light on overlooked cultural stories.
Beyond the competitive categories, the festival paid tribute to ten luminaries whose contributions have significantly impacted the filmmaking industry. Honourees included Academy Award winners and changemakers such as Brent Homann, Franklin Leonard, Glenn Gainor, Jerome Pink, Maitha Alawadi, Martin Desmond Roe, Pippa Erlich, Roger Horrocks, Siraj Jhaveri, and Travon Free. Each was presented with tokens of appreciation for their invaluable efforts in advancing the art of cinema.
