HollyShorts Dubai announces award winners at inaugural closing ceremony, reveals dates for next edition

HollyShorts Dubai, the prestigious Oscar® and BAFTA-qualifying short film festival, successfully concluded its first edition at a vibrant Closing Awards Ceremony. The event’s Awards ceremony, held at Firdaus Studio in Expo City, Dubai, celebrated the winning film submissions, with the four inaugural winners sharing trophies and prize packages valued at nearly $8,000 in total. Sponsors contributing to the prize pool and event management included Future Art Broadcast Trading, Aperture, Firdaus Studio, Delano Dubia, Urban Films, IMGN, and Berg & Bark, among other key supporters.
Heralded as a major success by the local and international film community, the organization announced its highly anticipated return for the second annual edition, scheduled for January 14-17, 2027. Submissions for entries of the next edition of the Festival will open this week. To better align with the local UAE film landscape and capitalize on its momentum as the definitive short-form festival in the Middle East, HollyShorts Dubai also unveiled a brand refresh, including a new logo, powered by branding experts at the xx Agency in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Theo Dumont, Founder of HollyShorts, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled with the reception from the local film community in Dubai, which welcomed us with open arms. Their support was unbelievable and provided a strong foundation for us to continue in the direction of providing a valuable film festival, stressing educational initiatives and key networking opportunities. There is a definite need for HollyShorts to not only continue but thrive.”

The ceremony was highlighted by a keynote address from BAFTA winner Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer, who screened his latest short film, Rock, Paper, Scissors. Mr. Hoozeer offered valuable tips on overcoming the numerous challenges in film production and brought his iconic BAFTA trophy for attendees to see and hold up close.

The 2025 HollyShorts Dubai Award Winners are:

Winner – Best of Fest: Karayr by Neo Apelian

The Best of Fest Award winner receives an automatic entry into the competition at the Oscar®-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles in August 2026. The prize package also includes a $1,000 valued Future Art Prize package, a $500 cash prize from IMGN, and high-end skincare products from CotriniSkincare. The winner also takes home a unique, pearl-adorned champagne glass created by The Èlliance, inspired by Dubai’s luxury and glamour.

Winner – Best International: Largo by Max Burgoyne-Moore & Salvatore Scarpa

The Best International winner receives a $1,000 valued Future Art Prize package, and high-end skincare products from CotriniSkincare, the luxury brand renowned for its innovative Salmon DNA technology, favored by icons such as Naomi Campbell and Bella Thorne.

Winner – Best Drama: Kareem by Abdul Majid Abbasi

The Best Drama winner receives a $1,000 valued Future Art Prize package, and high-end skincare products from CotriniSkincare.

Winner – Best Director: Lov U Dead by Nitesh Marwaha

The Best Director receives a $1,000 valued Future Art Prize package, a $500 cash prize from IMGN, and high-end skincare products from Cotrini Skincare.
At the Opening Ceremony at the Coterie, an Audience Award competition was held, and The Keyboard was awarded the Audience Award as best film.

HollyShorts Dubai thanks its official sponsors and partners for helping make this first edition a tremendous success: Future Art Broadcast Trading, Aperture, Delano, Urban Films, Film Society, IMGN, Alta Global Media, Dumont Realty, Priority PR, Osan Sunglasses, xx Agency , Middlesex University, SAE University and College, Firdaus Studio, Frontrunner Technologies, Elliance, Miller Insurance, and Cotrini Skin.

About HollyShorts Dubai:
HollyShorts Dubai is an Oscar® and BAFTA-qualifying annual short film festival dedicated to showcasing the best and brightest short films from around the globe, with a focus on fostering emerging talent and creating networking opportunities within the Middle Eastern film community.