The 2025 Santa Fe International Film Festival once again transformed the City Different into a vibrant crossroads of cinema, conversation, and creativity. Filmmakers, actors, journalists, and movie lovers gathered from across the globe to celebrate stories that challenge, inspire, and entertain. From legendary careers honored on stage to daring shorts that left lasting impressions, this year’s festival proved that bold storytelling is alive and thriving. Below is a refreshed look at the standout awards, unforgettable honorees, and audience favorites that defined the week.
15. Lifetime Achievement Award – Edward James Olmos
A highlight of the festival was the tribute to Edward James Olmos, whose decades-long career has left an undeniable mark on film and television. Known for powerful performances in Stand and Deliver, Battlestar Galactica, and Miami Vice, Olmos has consistently portrayed characters with depth, dignity, and grit. His presence alone brought a sense of history and gravitas to the celebration.
Beyond the screen, Olmos has long been an advocate for Latino representation in Hollywood, opening doors for future generations. His Lifetime Achievement Award felt less like a formal recognition and more like a heartfelt thank-you from an industry he has helped reshape. The standing ovation he received was one of the festival’s most emotional moments.
14. Icon Award – Amy Goodman
Journalist Amy Goodman, best known as the host of Democracy Now!, was honored with the festival’s Icon Award. For decades, she has reported stories often overlooked by mainstream outlets, amplifying marginalized voices and holding power to account. Her work has influenced not only journalism but also documentary storytelling.
When she took the stage, Goodman delivered a passionate speech about the media’s responsibility in a rapidly changing world. She encouraged filmmakers and reporters alike to remain fearless in their pursuit of truth. Her recognition underscored how closely cinema and journalism intersect in shaping public awareness.
13. Best Narrative Feature Jury Award – Nika and Madison (dir. Eva Thomas)
Nika and Madison captured the jury’s attention with their emotionally layered storytelling and nuanced performances. Director Eva Thomas crafted a narrative that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable, inviting viewers into the inner lives of its characters with remarkable sensitivity.
Thomas demonstrates careful control over tone and pacing, allowing the story to unfold naturally while building emotional weight. The jury’s unanimous decision reflects the film’s resonance and artistic strength, making it a standout likely to continue earning acclaim on the festival circuit.
12. Best Documentary Feature Jury Award – Free Leonard Peltier (dir. Jesse Short Bull and David France)
Free Leonard Peltier examines the long and controversial imprisonment of Native American activist Leonard Peltier with clarity and urgency. Directors Jesse Short Bull and David France weave archival footage with present-day interviews to build a compelling and balanced narrative.
The film doesn’t simplify its subject. Instead, it encourages viewers to grapple with the complexities surrounding justice, activism, and systemic inequity. The result is a documentary that feels both informative and deeply human, earning its place as the festival’s top documentary feature.
11. Special Jury Award Documentary Feature – Steal This Story, Please! (dir. Tia Lessin and Carl Deal)
Breaking from conventional documentary form, Steal This Story, Please! stood out for its playful tone and inventive structure. Tia Lessin and Carl Deal approach serious themes with wit and creativity, proving that documentaries can be both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Audiences clearly agreed. In addition to the Special Jury Award, the film also won Audience Choice for Best Documentary Feature. Its dual recognition speaks to its ability to connect on both intellectual and emotional levels.
10. Special Jury Award Documentary Feature – The Stringer (dir. Bao Minh Nguyen)
The Stringer offers a gripping look at the life of a freelance journalist reporting from conflict zones. Bao Minh Nguyen places viewers directly in the chaos and uncertainty faced by reporters who risk their safety to document the truth.
At its core, the film is about moral choices under pressure. It humanizes the people behind the headlines, showing the emotional and ethical weight they carry. The jury’s recognition highlighted the film’s intensity and its timely relevance.
9. Academy Award Qualifying Best Narrative Short Jury Award – Nightfaces (dir. Martin Winter and Stefan Langthaler)
In a brief runtime, Nightfaces manages to create a haunting and memorable cinematic experience. Directors Martin Winter and Stefan Langthaler blend striking visuals with tightly controlled storytelling, proving that short films can leave a lasting impact.
By earning Academy Award–qualifying status, the film now moves onto a broader stage. Its recognition at Santa Fe signals that it has both artistic merit and universal appeal.
8. Academy Award Qualifying Best Documentary Short Jury Award – All the Empty Rooms (dir. Joshua Seftel)
Joshua Seftel’s All the Empty Rooms is intimate and quietly powerful. The documentary unfolds with patience, allowing its themes to resonate without forcing conclusions or sentimentality.
Its Academy-qualifying win affirms the strength of its storytelling. The film’s emotional honesty and thoughtful construction ensure it will continue to connect with audiences well beyond the festival.
7. Academy Award Qualifying Best Animated Short Jury Award – Snow Bear (dir. Aaron Blaise)
Animation lovers were captivated by Snow Bear, a visually rich and emotionally sincere short from veteran animator Aaron Blaise. The film’s artistry is evident in its textures, character expressions, and cinematic scope.
More than just beautiful imagery, the story carries genuine emotional weight. Its Academy-qualifying recognition suggests that this animated gem will continue to enchant viewers around the world.
6. Best Experimental Short Jury Award – Dieter (dir. Rolf Broennimann)
With Dieter, Rolf Broennimann pushes cinematic boundaries. The short plays with structure, perspective, and rhythm, inviting audiences to engage with film in unconventional ways.
Rather than following a traditional narrative arc, the film leans into abstraction and sensory experience. Its win reinforces the festival’s commitment to championing innovation and artistic risk-taking.
5. Best New Mexico Documentary Feature Jury Award – Dream Touch Believe (dir. Jenna Naranjo Winters)
Rooted deeply in its setting, Dream Touch Believe offers a loving portrait of New Mexico’s communities. Jenna Naranjo Winters approaches her subjects with care, highlighting resilience and creativity.
The documentary doubles as a tribute to place. By honoring it as Best New Mexico Documentary Feature, the festival emphasized its dedication to uplifting local voices and stories.
4. Best New Mexico Narrative Feature Jury Award – In Our Blood (dir. Pedro Kos)
Pedro Kos’ In Our Blood explores identity and belonging against the rich cultural landscape of New Mexico. The story weaves personal struggles with broader social themes, creating a layered narrative.
The film’s recognition underscores the vitality of regional storytelling. It stands as a reminder that local stories often carry universal meaning when told with authenticity and care.
3. Best New Mexico Short Jury Award – Legend of Fry-Roti: Rise of the Dough (dir. Sabrina Saleha)
Playful and imaginative, Legend of Fry-Roti: Rise of the Dough charmed audiences with its quirky humor and inventive spirit. Sabrina Saleha turns a culinary concept into a surprisingly heartfelt short.
Its win that celebrates the power of creativity in small packages. Even with a short runtime, the film proves that originality and warmth can leave a big impression.
2. Best Indigenous Short Film Jury Award – Tiger (dir. Loren Waters)
Tiger stands out for its authentic portrayal of Indigenous identity and resilience. Loren Waters approaches the subject with nuance and cultural respect, allowing the story to unfold organically.
The award recognizes both artistic excellence and cultural significance. Films like Tiger highlight the importance of representation and the power of cinema to foster deeper understanding.
1. Audience Choice Awards
Festivalgoers had their say as well. The President’s Cake (dir. Hasan Hadi) won Audience Choice for Best Narrative Feature, demonstrating its broad appeal and emotional impact.
Other audience favorites included Steal This Story, Please! for documentary feature, My Kind of People for narrative short, What the River Knows for documentary short, and Forevergreen for animated short. Together, these selections reflected the diverse tastes and enthusiastic spirit of Santa Fe’s film community.
The 2025 Santa Fe International Film Festival reaffirmed its reputation as a gathering place for daring artists and passionate audiences. By honoring legends, championing emerging voices, and celebrating stories from around the world, the festival once again showcased cinema’s remarkable ability to connect us. As the curtains closed on this year’s event, one thing was clear: the future of film is bold, inclusive, and deeply human.