International Film & Short Film Festival - SAFAL FEST 2025

7th SAFAL International Film Festival SHORT FILM AWARDS

 1. Best Short film Award

Voices of South Asia Award (Best Short Film)

Presented with the Voices of Asia Award for Best Short Film in recognition of outstanding storytelling and artistic excellence in South Asian cinema

Winner: “The Pocket Watch” (India/Australia) Directed by Sreejith Jayadevan

2. Best Short Documentary film Award

Reflections of South Asia Award

Presented with the Reflections of South Asia Award for Best Documentary Short Film in recognition of outstanding storytelling, artistic merit, and contribution to South Asian cinema.

Winner: “NAAZ “ (Pakistan/Canada) Directed by Bakhtawar Tagar

3. Best AI Generated Short film Award

AI Visionary Award

Awarded the AI Visionary Award for an outstanding short film that showcases the imaginative potential of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of cinema.

Winner: “Prompted” (India) Directed by Harishankar Thiyagarajan

4. Best Music or Musical Related short Film

Rhythm of South Asia Award

Awarded the Rhythm of South Asia Award for a remarkable film that masterfully weaves music and storytelling, capturing the cultural spirit of South Asia

Winner: Bhoom Shankara (India) Directed by Mahesh Raj

5. Best Short film outside the South Asian Region

Beyond Borders Jury Award

Presented with the Beyond Borders Jury Award in recognition of an outstanding short film that exemplifies artistic excellence and contributes to the global language of cinema beyond the South Asian region.

Winner: “Shepherd” (Iran) Directed by Alborz Poursayad

6. Jury’s Encouragement Award

New Horizons Jury Award

Presented with the New Horizons Jury Award in recognition of a promising film that reflects emerging talent and potential in South Asian cinema.

Winner : The Empty Robe (Sri Lanka) Directed by Praharsha Induwara

7th SAFAL International Film Festival FULL LENGTH FEATURE FILM AWARDS

 1. Best Film

Golden Lotus Award

Presented to the Best South Asian Film, honoring cinematic purity, beauty, and storytelling excellence rooted in the cultural spirit of South Asia.

Winner: My Red Comrade (Sri Lanka) Directed by Sudath Mahadivulweva

2. 1st Runner-up

Breaking Boundaries Award

It honours films that challenge conventions and reflect the evolving cultural patterns of the new generation.

Winner: Lets Go Below The Rainbow (India/Australia) Directed by Julian Karikalan)

3. 2nd runner-up

Special Jury Recognition Award

Presented with the Special Jury Recognition Award in honour of an outstanding film that demonstrates exceptional artistic merit and cinematic vision.

Winner : Mog Asum (India) Directed by Radheshyam Pipalwa, Agnelo Angelo Braganza

International Film & Short Film Screening

⁠Select feature film, short and ad films will be screened with Meet & Greet of film talent or crew on 30 August 2025 (AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time) 5:00 PM to 8:45 PM

PURCHASE TICKET

Ticket prices $15

The event is from 5pm for 5.30pm to 8.45pm

Agenda:

5.30 pm Competition short film screening

6pm Competition Feature film - Let's Go Below the Rainbow

8.15pm Competition short film screening

Synopsis

A mid-20s woman fresh out of conversion therapy pretends to be converted until a passionate love affair blossoms and forces her to choose between living a lie or staying true to herself and being disowned by her family forever

Producer/Director/Screenplay:

Julian Karikalan:

Starring:

Emma Monk

Phillyda Murphy

Rod Power

Allison Bow

Komal Khubani

Rushi Dave

Shikha Arora

* LGBTQI Film

International Film & Short Film Festival

International Film & Short Film Festival 30th August 2025

Competition closed on 22 August 2025 (AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time)

⁠Select feature film, short and ad films will be screened with Meet & Greet of film talent or crew on 30 August 2025 (AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time) 5:00 PM to 8:45 PM. After which Winners will receive trophies, global recognition, and screening opportunities.

Venue: Event Cinemas, Top Ryde, Sydney