‘Rhoda’ And Emma D’Arcy Lead Kraken Film Festival Winners

The Kraken International Film Festival is back with a splash, and the Summer 2025 season brought in an ocean of talent and unforgettable stories. Leading the tide of triumph is the UK short film Rhoda, directed by Alex Lawther and featuring a knockout performance from Emma D’Arcy, who takes the crown as Best Actress in a Short Film.

Rhoda is not just your run-of-the-mill short film — it’s a bold, evocative piece that captures raw emotion and delivers it with sharp precision. Emma D’Arcy, known widely for their electrifying role in House of the Dragon, brings a new depth and vulnerability to the screen, earning a well-deserved spotlight. 

From the USA to Italy, Armenia to Korea, the Kraken Film Festival’s 2025 winners list reads like a global treasure map of cinematic excellence. But it’s Rhoda and Emma D’Arcy who have become the talk of the town, reminding us all why we go to the movies — to feel, to be moved, and to be utterly blown away.

The festival’s winners included A Rare Grand Alignment (USA) directed by Cinqué Lee, which took home Best Feature Film alongside Best Producer (Spike Lee) and Best Supporting Actor (Kristofer Hivju). Breakup Season (USA) starring Chandler Riggs won Best Actor and Best Produced Screenplay. Australia’s Face The Music by Shannon N. Watts earned The Kraken Spirit Award and accolades for Best Produced Screenplay and Best Soundtrack. From Italy, The Girl of the Gardenias directed by Christian Olcese was named Best Italian Film. Animation fans celebrated White Hare from Republic of Korea’s Inkyu Jee and Armenia’s Stop at the Right Moment by Arthur. Other notable awards went to In the Name of Fire (India) by Abhilash Sharma for Best Director and Best Cinematography; Narcissus (Netherlands) by Marlena Stam for Best Cinematography and Production Design; and Water Weight (USA) by Leah O’Riordan, winner of Best Student Film and Best Young Filmmaker. Kraken’s Summer 2025 season once again proved why it’s a crucial platform for emerging talent and bold storytellers worldwide, capturing the spirit of fearless filmmaking and creative exploration across genres and borders.