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2026 Kaohsiung Film Festival Announces Winners of International Short Film and XR Competitions at Awards Ceremony

2026-10-19

Iranian New Wave Pioneer Amir NADERI Presents the Golden Fireball Award, Praising KFF as a Festival for “the Creative Energy of the Future”

The 2026 Kaohsiung Film Festival International Short Film and XR Competition Awards Ceremony took place on the evening of October 18 at the Kaohsiung Main Public Library. This year’s short film competition received 2,715 submissions from 97 countries and regions, with 40 international short films and 20 Taiwanese short films selected as finalists. The XR competition featured 29 immersive works from 33 countries. More than 100 filmmakers and industry professionals from nominated teams attended the ceremony, making it Taiwan’s largest international short film competition and its only international XR competition event.

The ceremony was hosted by Wang Yu-hsuan, winner of Best Supporting Actress at the 58th Golden Horse Awards. A nominees’ reception was held at the Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung the evening before the ceremony, followed by an awards reception at Hotel Nikko Kaohsiung, providing filmmakers with opportunities to connect and celebrate their achievements.

This year’s International Short Film Competition jury was chaired by Amir NADERI, one of the leading figures of the Iranian New Wave of the 1970s. His early works frequently explored coming-of-age experiences, the lives of young people, and individuals living on the margins of society. His 1984 film The Runner was selected for the Venice Film Festival and won the top prize at the Nantes Three Continents Festival, helping to raise the international profile of Iranian cinema. His work has continued to receive widespread acclaim.

At the awards ceremony, NADERI presented the Golden Fireball Award in the International Section and praised Kaohsiung Film Festival for its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers. He remarked, “Kaohsiung Film Festival is very different from other festivals. It is a festival created for the filmmakers of the future. Many major festivals in other countries focus on grandeur and spectacle, but Kaohsiung puts filmmakers and audiences at the center. I have seen so many talented filmmakers here, and I believe this is the creative energy of Kaohsiung’s future. It is a wonderful festival!”

In addition to NADERI, the International Short Film Competition jury comprised Liu Tzu-chieh, winner of Best Adapted Screenplay at the Golden Horse Awards; Chong Keat Aun, winner of Best New Director at the Golden Horse Awards; Chieh Meng-ju, winner of Best Film Editing at the Golden Horse Awards; and Wang Yu-hsuan, winner of Best Supporting Actress at both the Golden Horse Awards and Taipei Film Awards.

The XR DREAMLAND International Competition jury featured Antoine CAYROL, co-founder of French immersive content development, production, and distribution company Atlas V; Anaïs EMERY, vice-president of Fondation pour la création numérique in Switzerland; and WU Dar-kuen , director of Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB).

Winners were announced across the International Section, Taiwan Section, and XR Section, with My brother Lyosha and I, Through the Dust of Time, and IF YOU SEE A CAT taking home the top honors in their respective categories.

International Section: My brother Lyosha and I Wins Golden Fireball Award

The Golden Fireball Award in the International Section went to My brother Lyosha and I, directed by Kazakh filmmaker Linat Tronina. The jury praised the film for capturing the emotional dynamics between a brother and sister growing up under the shadow of family troubles through natural, nuanced performances by its young cast. With understated storytelling and restrained emotional expression, the film reveals how domestic violence shapes children's development, finding genuine and moving power in the details of everyday life.

The Jury Award in the International Section went to the Vietnamese film Moonfish. The jury praised its poetic visual language and delicate portrayal of emotions that are difficult to articulate in the face of life and death. Outstanding performances intertwine with the recurring imagery of the ocean, presenting a distinctive East Asian understanding of life and death at the intersection of reality and the unknown. The film leaves a profound and lasting impression.

The Special Mention in the International Section was awarded to Fried Chicken & Strip Checkers, a French-Armenian production. Approaching political and institutional oppression through the perspective of a family, the film uses ingenious character design and metaphorical details to depict the circumstances faced by the families of incarcerated people. By weaving humor and unexpected turns into a weighty subject, it demonstrates a richly layered approach to storytelling.

Taiwan Section: Through the Dust of Time Takes Top Prize

The Golden Fireball Award in the Taiwan Section went to Through the Dust of Time, directed by Lin Wan-chen. Through restrained dialogue, nuanced cinematography, and natural performances by nonprofessional actors, the film captures the human connections and encounters with mortality rooted in Taiwanese life. Its poetic use of silence and color distills deeply moving emotions grounded in local culture.

The Jury Award in the Taiwan Section went to Neverland, directed by Sun Ming-yu and Liu Fang-wen. With precise cinematography and outstanding performances, the film builds a tense yet deeply affecting narrative. Its restrained, sensitive portrayal of domestic violence and parent-child relationships offers a distinctive perspective on familiar themes within Taiwanese family life.

The Special Mention in the Taiwan Section went to Praying Mantis, directed by Hsieh Wen-ming. Through bold, concise storytelling and a striking animation aesthetic, the film constructs a dark yet captivating world. Transforming Taiwanese cultural elements into imagery with a distinctive cult appeal, it demonstrates a unique female perspective and a powerful authorial voice.

The Taiwan Student Award went to A Touch of Love, directed by Cheng An-chun. With a distinctive Taiwanese cultural sensibility and a unique sense of humor, the film deftly balances lighthearted irreverence with serious subject matter. Its direct visual storytelling and inventive ending showcase the vitality and imagination of an emerging filmmaker. Blending the sensibilities of Edgar Allan Poe with the suspenseful storytelling of M. Night Shyamalan’s acclaimed thriller The Sixth Sense, the film is infused throughout with inventive Taiwanese cultural references.

Shared Awards: Besieged and Champ de Mars Recognize Powerful Stories of Resistance and Humanity

The Asian New Wave Award, open to films from both the International and Taiwan Sections, went to the Iranian film Besieged. Using the confined space of a car and precise camera movements, the film gradually reveals the oppression and anxiety experienced by women in Iran. Its tightly constructed dialogue and carefully arranged perspectives place viewers in the position of witnesses to reality, conveying powerful political force through restrained storytelling.

The Formosa Award for Human Rights went to the Dutch short film Champ de Mars, directed by Sergei Loznitsa, who grew up in Ukraine. Through a restrained yet authentic documentary perspective, the film observes everyday life amid war. Rather than relying on tearful sentimentality or dramatic close-ups, it conveys the pain and loss brought by war through fleeting moments in the lives of ordinary people, demonstrating profound humanistic concern.

Although Loznitsa was unable to attend the ceremony in person, he sent a message expressing his gratitude to the jury for recognizing his work. He stated:“For the people of Taiwan, democracy, freedom, and the right to determine their own future are of vital importance. The same is true for the people of Ukraine. We understand just how precious freedom and human dignity are, and we know how much must be sacrificed to defend them. This shared understanding makes me feel a particularly profound connection with all of you. I thank Kaohsiung Film Festival for giving Taiwanese audiences the opportunity to see my work, and I also thank you for expressing your support and solidarity through this precious recognition.”

XR Section: IF YOU SEE A CAT Wins XR Golden Fireball Award

The XR Golden Fireball Award went to IF YOU SEE A CAT. Addressing complex issues of mental health and psychiatric care with nuance and restraint, the director depicts a profound bond between a care recipient and a departed cat. The work seamlessly weaves its distinctive visual language into the narrative, using immersion at pivotal moments to shift the audience's perspective and deepen their understanding of the character's inner world. With its solid narrative structure and nuanced emotional pacing, the piece culminates in an emotionally powerful ending that deeply moved the jury. The work demonstrates a high level of artistic maturity and polish, reflecting the director's sensitive handling of complex themes and accomplished storytelling.

The XR Immersive Award went to First Virtual Suit, directed by Japanese creator YUHARA Kazuki . Navigating the heavy choices and responsibilities that accompany growing up, this piece captures youth's confusion and quest for identity within a creative and entertaining virtual world. Through versatile avatars and layered interactions, the main character gradually discovers a path toward self-definition. With a dynamic blend of bold colors, sound, and sensory immersion, the experience invites audience reflection on personal life journeys.

The jury applauds the work's fresh, well-structured artistic vision and exceptional execution, delivering a memorable experience that is both deeply striking and thought-provoking.

The VR360 Award went to Honeyboys, a Netherlands-Belgium co-production directed by Nemo Vos. This work exemplifies Nemo Vos's bold and distinctive aesthetic style, inviting audiences to explore the foundations of human society and the darker facets of human nature through an immersive sensory experience. Transitions between scenes and spaces flow seamlessly, with the narrative arc and visual presentation complementing each other within a cohesive, well-crafted structure. The jury highly praised the work for its aesthetic execution and production value, recognizing the artist's exceptional creative dedication and its powerful sensory impact.

The XR Special Mention went to Sweet Dreams, directed by Taiwanese creator CHANG Shan-ting . This work employs precise expressive techniques to address a highly thought-provoking issue in contemporary society, guiding the audience to gradually clarify reality from within a fog of uncertainty, and ultimately arriving at profound self-reflection and decision-making. Although the technical presentation is not entirely perfect, its merits remain undiminished by these shortcomings. The creative courage and experimental spirit continue to deserve high commendation.

Children’s Jury Awards: Low Tide and Notes From Planet Three Win Young Audiences’ Hearts

Kaohsiung Film Festival’s Children’s Jury Award enters its ninth year. For the final judging stage, children aged 9 to 12 form their own jury and select the winners through dedicated workshops and discussions. This year, 10 films from 10 countries were selected to compete for the top honor among young audiences.

The Children’s Jury Grand Award went to the French film Low Tide. The jury praised its sincere documentary approach to capturing deeply moving moments that touch the heart and bring viewers to tears. Through a delicate portrayal of how memories gradually fade with age, the director reminds audiences that every day, whether joyful or sorrowful, will eventually pass. By embracing the present and cherishing each day, we can make the most of every moment in life.

The Children’s Jury Special Award went to the British film Notes From Planet Three. The jury praised its engaging presentation of scientific knowledge and the lively conversations between a brother and sister, which make learning accessible and entertaining rather than dry or tedious. Its sweeping visual depictions of the universe further enhance the film’s appeal, allowing audiences to experience the excitement and wonder of scientific exploration.

Youth Art Exhibition: Creative Works Inspired by Award-Winning Shorts

The Art Inspired by Art: Grand Award, part of the Youth Art Exhibition held alongside the Kaohsiung Film Festival International Short Film Competition, went to Tseng Kai-jou for An Afternoon When My Lung Capacity Began to Improve. The artwork was inspired by You Blow Do, I Blow Si, a short film directed by Chuang Jung-tso. The award recipient shared that the film fostered a deep sense of connection, bringing back the familiar warmth of childhood.

The Art Inspired by Art: Audience’s Choice Award went to Chen Tzu-yu for A Snake Bloomed Among the Lilies, inspired by Hans’ Tail, directed by Huang Shih-jou and Chi Pei-hui. The award recipient expressed gratitude to the judges from the art program at Feng Hsin Senior High School, the creative team behind Hans’ Tail for producing an outstanding work, and the friends, family members, and online supporters who voted for the artwork.

The award-winning short films will be screened at the Kaohsiung Film Archive on October 25. Audiences are warmly invited to attend and experience this year’s outstanding works.

2026 Kaohsiung Film Festival International Short Film & XR Competition — Complete List of Winners

International Section