The Kraken International Film Festival is back with a splash, and its Summer 2025 season brought in an ocean of talent and unforgettable stories. Leading the tide is the U.K. short film ‘Rhoda,’ directed by Alex Lawther and featuring a knockout performance from Emma D’Arcy, who takes Best Actress in a Short Film.
‘Rhoda’ is a bold, evocative piece that captures raw emotion and delivers it with sharp precision. D’Arcy, known widely for their electrifying role in ‘House of the Dragon,’ brings new depth and vulnerability to the screen, earning a well-deserved spotlight.
From the USA to Italy, Armenia to Korea, the festival’s 2025 winners list reads like a global treasure map of cinematic excellence. ‘A Rare Grand Alignment’ (USA), directed by Cinqué Lee, took 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 along with honors 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 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 again proved why it’s a crucial platform for emerging talent and bold storytellers worldwide.
Learn more: Visit krakenfilmfest.com.
