NEW YORK, USA — The world’s most compelling stories take center stage as the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards proudly unveils its 2025 Shortlist, a vibrant tapestry of cinematic storytelling, powerful journalism, and innovative entertainment from across six continents.
From documentaries that challenge perspectives to high-impact primetime specials and immersive streaming content, this year’s lineup celebrates the best in creative excellence.
Among the entries making waves are A Capitol Fourth 2024, Becoming Madonna, Skywalkers, The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash, Welcome to the Forest – Mind the Gap, Europe, and The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2024, each a testament to the evolving pulse of global storytelling.
This year’s Shortlist is a striking cross-section of genres from cutting-edge documentaries, in-depth journalism, brand image films, streaming originals, sports features, and entertainment spectacles.
Leading the charge is Al Jazeera English, 2024’s Broadcaster of the Year, with a commanding presence on the shortlist. Works like Witness – A Vision of Justice, People & Power – The Battle for the Soul of Angkor Wat, and Fault Lines – Children of the Darien Gap showcase powerful narratives that illuminate untold stories.
The Nonfiction & Documentary category covers key and topical issues: from the introspective Jacqueline du Pré: Genius and Tragedy (Allegro Films), to the sweeping ecological tale of Orcas – Life in Black and White (Doclights GmbH), to the haunting truths in Spain: A Dictator’s Shadow (TRT World). Each project a masterclass in storytelling with purpose.
Feature Documentaries like Skywalkers (All Rise Films), Gaza (Al Jazeera Media Network), We Will Dance Again (Sipur Studios), and Firefly (GMA Network, Inc.) bring cinematic gravity to real-life stories that are bold, raw, and unforgettable.
Broadcast Journalism, too, delivers punchy, urgent narratives: Killer Floods (Antenna 3), Myanmar’s Gen Z Fighting for a Nation’s Future (Radio Free Asia), and The Gaza Man (Al Jazeera Digital) are among the standout entries tackling pressing global issues with fearless reporting.
Entertainment took on many forms, but the constant was cinematic excellence. Highlights include My Favourite Dead Person (thelowdownconcept), The Tattooist of Auschwitz (All3Media International), Four Years Later (Easy Tiger Productions), and Marabella (Movistar Plus International).
Shortlisted Telenovelas and Specials bring cultural celebration to screen, with entries like Samurai Detective Onihei: True Master (Nihon Eiga Broadcasting Co.) and Beyond Dancing (RTHK).
Meanwhile, sleek Promos and Corporate Films elevate brand storytelling to artform status. Projects like Empathy – A Poem for HSBC (Media Zoo Ltd.), The Bridge for Saudi Aramco (RD Content), and Behind the Smile for Tesco (DRPG) illustrate how brand films can move audiences just as deeply as narrative cinema.
From the poetic to the powerful, sports programming on the shortlist connects emotion and motion: The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2024 (Big Ten Network), Dare to Dream (CGTN), Black Heritage Football Club (TV Globo), and Shirley (FOX Sports) exemplify how sports can transcend the scoreboard.
In a nod to creators using their voices for impact, New York Festivals introduces two special honors this year: the JusticeAid Award, recognizing excellence in Social Justice storytelling, and the WaterBear Award, spotlighting the highest-scoring documentary in sustainability, environment, and nature.
Explore the full 2025 TV & Film Awards Shortlist here.
