After an extraordinary week of screenings, panels, and filmmaker discussions, the Washington DC Independent Film Festival (DCIFF) 2025 has officially wrapped, and we are thrilled to announce this year’s award winners! This year’s lineup showcased bold storytelling, thought-provoking documentaries, and groundbreaking animation from around the world. We are honored to celebrate the talented filmmakers who brought these incredible stories to life.

🏆 DCIFF 2025 Award Winners:

🎥 Best Feature Documentary – Dissidents, directed by Yi Chen
🎥 Best Short Documentary – On Beyond Fences directed by Lara Jacqueline Hartzenbusch, Tom Donohue, Jack Kudas, Wes Smith, Silvia Sonntag
🎥 Best Feature – Paper Marriage, directed by Jeff Man
🎥 Best Short – Memory Project directed by Timothy Parsons 
🎥 Best Animation – A Bird Hit My Window and Now I’m a Lesbian directed by Carmela Marie Murphy and AJ Dubler 
🎥 Best Web Series – From Buckingham Palace, directed by Randy Carter
🎥 Best International Film – Don’t Be Late Myra directed by Afia Nathaniel
🎥 Best DC Metro Film – The Other You, directed by Shoshana Rosenbaum
🎥 Impact Award – Shared by North Putnam, directed by Joel Fendelman, and Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, directed by Anthony Hand
🎥 Best of Fest – Diminished Returns: The Black Wealth Gap in Washington, D.C., directed by Sabiyha Prince

Photos by: Nancy Breslin

This year’s Best of Fest winner, Diminished Returns, provides a compelling exploration of economic inequality, receiving praise from both the audience and the jury. The Impact Award was jointly awarded to North Putnam, an evocative feature film that addresses themes of justice and community, and Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, a vibrant animated film that celebrates identity and resilience.

Throughout the festival, audiences were treated to a diverse selection of films, including thought-provoking documentaries, compelling narratives, and innovative animations. Engaging panel discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and special events such as On the Hill—our panel at Congress on tax incentives and support for independent theaters—made DCIFF 2025 a truly dynamic experience.

Thank You for an Incredible Festival!

As we wrap up another successful year, we extend our deepest gratitude to the filmmakers, industry professionals, volunteers, and audiences who made DCIFF 2025 an unforgettable celebration of independent film.

Stay tuned for filmmaker interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and announcements for DCIFF 2026!

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