2025 ConnectHER Film Fest Winners
We are so thrilled to announce the winners of the 12th Annual ConnectHER Film Festival! We had such an amazing weekend gathering with filmmakers, talented performers and our ConnectHER community to celebrate the power of film.
Out of 150 submissions from 23 countries, there were 35 finalist films representing 11 countries that competed for 12 awards totaling $32,500. In a surprise announcement, all three finalist films in the Global Impact category each won awards of $2500 to further their work thanks to JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation.
We absolutely loved meeting each filmmaker, watching their films and getting to introduce their stories to a wider audience. Thank you so much to every person that attended, our volunteers, every sponsor that made the event possible and to every filmmaker who took the time to submit to the 2025 ConnectHER Film Festival. We could not do it without each of you.
Congratulations to each winner and finalist – it was so difficult to judge this year’s films because they were all so exceptional. See you very soon for next year’s announcement!
Judges’ Choice Award
Maram Eleyan, Mohammed Eid, Deema Zohod, Zahra Alqassas - Palestine
Rama, a girl from Gaza, survived a childhood fire accident and narrates the challenges she faced afterward. Despite the hardships, she turned the accident into a miracle through her resilience, which she now uses to face the challenges of the war on Gaza and continue her path to success.
First Runner Up
Aiko Lozar - USA
When the only woman in a writer's room learns that she's just the "diversity hire" she must cement her spot as a valuable employee through her writing talent alone.
Best Documentary Award
Huda Lulu, Ahmed Younis - Palestine
Maram, a mother and journalist, she was forced to be displaced from her city. Just like what happened to her ancestors seventy-five years ago. Maram defies war displacement, targeting journalists, also being away from her children for long hours, so she conveys the truth, even if it costs her life.
Best Narrative Award
Xin Tse Teoh - Malaysia
Through Lily's struggle with societal expectations, it explores themes of gender norms, self-sacrifice, and personal identity, challenging the notion that women must choose between professional fulfillment and motherhood.
Best Animation Award
Naurah Fakhira, Muhammad Nizar, Arundaya Maulana, Chyntia Budi - Indonesia
Ariani Nisma Putri is a woman who was born prematurely. In the midst of her limitations, she began to discover her talent in the field of music. Her success also attracted the attention of international musicians such as Alan Walker, who invited Putri to collaborate on a song entitled "WHO I AM".
JP’s Peace Love & Happiness Foundation’s Global Impact Award
Adinda Qirana Zahra, Rahma Attaya Syakira, Azkiya Zhahira, Faizah Fadhilatur Rokhmah - Indonesia
Our planet is aging, and the waste crisis is becoming a serious issue. It's our responsibility to manage this problem. "Bank Sampah Wani" a group of committed mothers, sets a great example by turning waste into valuable recycled products, helping to protect the environment and promote sustainability.
Stand Up Men Award
Samar Lulu - Palestine
After 18 years of marriage, Hana resumes her academic journey, paused due to life’s challenges. Her companion and husband Khalil, stands by her with love and faith in her dreams. They face obstacles until Hana earns her degree and opens her law practice, proving how love turns dreams into reality.
Gems’ Women & Work Award
Asil Majed AlWadiya - Palestine
Dreams in Gaza are being shattered just like homes, with only a moment separating us from death.One blade threatens everyone, and one hand reaches out to save the family.Between beauty and flames, art and destruction.The short documentary 'in a MOMENT' by Asil Majed AlWadiya portrays Khawla's life.
Women Serve’s Educating Girls Award
Nandita Hasan Nandini - Bangladesh
This is the story of a poor hand loo worker named Akbar Ali, who has been promoting education in his local area completely free for the last 12 years. . As part of his voluntary service; he has special teaching programs for adult women who are very much neglected in the society in all aspects.
Simone Thomas Rowe - USA
After an unwanted sexual interaction with her abusive boyfriend, 16-year-old Hailey Thatcher finds out she is pregnant. She finds herself in a Crisis Pregnancy Center, where she is greeted by the main doctor, Dr. Moro. Although Hailey thinks she is getting an abortion, Dr. Moro has other plans.
The Winner of Invest In Her Foundation’s Women & Health Awards Award: A tie!
Kyla Holmes - USA
THE PAD HUSTLE is a story about a headstrong highschooler who unexpectedly gets her period during class – (what girl hasn’t?!) - and as a result of the school having no resources, embarks on a side HUSTLE to help her classmates get the menstrual products they desperately need.
The Winner of Women & The Environment Award
Ahmed Masood - Pakistan
This documentary follows Dr. Mehr Nigar, as she tackles the solid waste management crisis in Pakistan. She is empowering women and children from vulnerable communities to drive sustainable change, by educating them on environmental issues, waste management, and climate change.
The WInner of People’s Choice Award Award
Noora Ahmed - USA
Razia: a Journey of a Uyghur Woman is a short film addressing the current Uyghur crisis while simultaneously shedding light on the difficulties Uyghur refugees face when trying to access proper maternal healthcare treatment.
