Winners of the Sixth Life Beyond Life Film Festival

The sixth edition of the Life Beyond Life Film Festival (LBLFF) recently concluded in Turin, showcasing a diverse array of films that explore themes of existence beyond life. The festival kicked off with a stunning piano concert by Carmelo Spoto at the Educatorio della Provvidenza, before moving to various venues including the Auditorium of Pino Torinese, the Auditorio of Avigliana, and the Cinema-Teatro Magnetto of Almese. The event culminated at the Cinema Centrale Arthouse with an awards ceremony, featuring a public medium demonstration by Clara Busto and screenings of some of the winning films.

Among the standout entries, the Chinese film "The Answer to Forever" by Zheng Yunchang received accolades, along with the Mexican documentary "Sweet Death" directed by Analeine Cal y Mayor Martínez del Cerro. Other notable winners included the Franco-American short film "Arundel’s Lighthouse" by Julie Fackler, the English short documentary "The Light that Lingers" by Joe Preston, the New Zealand art movie "Perfect Storm" by Morag Brownlie, the Korean animation "The New Years" directed by River Minho Kim, and the Italian short "Eh!" by Simone Coppo.

The International Jury for the Documentary section, led by documentarian and university professor Ricard Mamblona Agüera, awarded the Best Documentary prize to "Sweet Death" for its courageous and lucid exploration of the controversial topic of euthanasia. A special mention was given to the Ecuadorian film "Mama" by Ana Cristina Benítez for its intimate portrayal of illness as a cinematic gesture that intertwines memory, identity, and reconciliation.

In the Short Film category, the jury, chaired by director and screenwriter Lucio Toma, honored "Arundel’s Lighthouse" as the Best Short Film. The film's dreamlike style and sensitive narrative successfully transformed the theme of death into a poetic and universal parable. The Best Direction award was presented to Egor Koreshkov for the Russian short "Pit," recognized for its coherent visual style that immerses viewers in the protagonist's isolation.

Annie Watkins received the Best Actress award for her role in "Love And Near-Death" (USA), praised for her ability to balance drama and subtle irony. The Best Actor award went to Emile Salvador for his performance in "Nana" (France), noted for its delicate portrayal of a complex familial relationship.

The Short Film Jury also awarded three Special Mentions. The first went to "My Garage!" by Vladimir Sukhov for its mystical realism that transforms a mundane conflict into a universal reflection on memory and moral choices. The second mention was awarded to Florent Agostini's French film "Godcasting" for its credible and personal depiction of artificial intelligence as a technological deity. The third mention recognized Michele D’anca's Italian film "Distress Call" for its powerful representation of irregular migrants at sea, delivering a poignant reminder of empathy transcending boundaries.

The Documentary Short Jury, chaired by Sabastian F. Schwarz, named "The Light that Lingers" by Joe Preston as the Best Short Documentary for its nostalgic portrayal of memory through objects. A special mention was awarded to Paolo Carrino's "The Rosary Connection" for its honest exploration of the universal power of the rosary, weaving together diverse personal testimonies into a coherent narrative.

The Art Movies Jury, led by Lisa Martelli, recognized "Musikill" by Martha Goddard as the Best Art Movie for its luminous vision of the afterlife, emphasizing personal freedom and joy. The film's depth is revealed in its contrast with earthly connections, ultimately returning the protagonist to a reality rich in relationships and responsibilities.

The Best Director award in this category was given to Morag Brownlie for "Perfect Storm," which effectively contrasts the powerful forces of nature with the essential presence of its characters. A special mention was awarded to Gabriel Tropia's "Organising Principles of Experience" for its immersive narrative and evocative use of voice.

For the 2026 edition, the festival's internal commission awarded the title of Best Feature Film to "The Answer to Forever" for its sensitive depiction of love, death, and survival against the backdrop of the Sichuan earthquake. The Best Animation award went to "The New Years" for its emotional intensity and reflections on life cycles. Additionally, Simone Coppo's "Eh!" was recognized as the Best Italian Afterlife film for its intimate storytelling and visual depth.