OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Salomon Ligthelm’s MOEDER is a quietly devastating meditation on grief, loss, and the lingering aftermath of tragedy

MOEDER, the latest short film from South African director Salomon Ligthelm, is a quietly devastating meditation on grief, loss, and the lingering aftermath of tragedy. Set against the backdrop of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, the film takes a unique, ground-level approach to one of the most harrowing events of recent history: the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine in 2014. The narrative centers … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Salomon Ligthelm’s MOEDER is a quietly devastating meditation on grief, loss, and the lingering aftermath of tragedy

OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Rhys Chapman’s RYAN CAN’T READ is a heartfelt exploration of literacy struggles and human resilience

Rhys Chapman’s Ryan Can’t Read emerges as a powerful testament to the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This British drama, which has qualified for consideration at the 2025 Academy Awards, shines a much-needed spotlight on an issue affecting millions: adult literacy. The film centers on Ryan (Lewis Ian Bray), a young man whose struggles with reading have held him back … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Rhys Chapman’s RYAN CAN’T READ is a heartfelt exploration of literacy struggles and human resilience

OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: A GOOD DAY WILL COME – A heartbreaking call for courage

Amir Zargara’s A Good Day Will Come is a harrowing and beautifully crafted reflection on the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of political strife. The short film centers around Arash, a promising Iranian wrestler caught in the crossfire of his country’s unrest. Torn between silence and defiance, Arash must decide whether to use his platform to speak out against an oppressive regime or … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: A GOOD DAY WILL COME – A heartbreaking call for courage

OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: The Animation of TOMORROW

Tomorrow, the Oscar®-qualifying animated short from director and animator Aryasb Feiz, is a masterclass in storytelling and animation. Set in the 1970s streets of Shiraz, Iran, this heartfelt film follows a young boy’s struggle for survival whilst caring for his ill father and the unexpected bond he forms with a stray dog. Through this powerful relationship, the film explores themes of resilience, friendship, and hope, … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: The Animation of TOMORROW

OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Jacob Krupnick’s THEN COMES THE BODY shows the transformative power of dance

Directed by Jacob Krupnick, Then Comes the Body is an uplifting and beautifully shot documentary that tells the inspiring story of Leap of Dance Academy, the first classical ballet school in Nigeria, and its founder Daniel Owoseni Ajala. What begins as a humble endeavor in Ajala’s front yard in Lagos has blossomed into a globally recognized institution, providing underprivileged children with access to world-class dance … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Jacob Krupnick’s THEN COMES THE BODY shows the transformative power of dance