2026 ConnectHER Film Festival Winners
Out of 184 submissions from 23 countries, there were 39 finalist films representing 11 countries that competed for 12 awards totaling $32,500.
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 — the presenters, the performers, the audience, our volunteers, every sponsor that made the event possible and to every filmmaker who took the time to submit to the 2026 ConnectHER Film Festival. Congratulations to each winner and finalist!
Judges' Choice Grand Prize
"Torn Homeland" by Khawla Al-Ashi and Mohammed Ghrab
How do women see a homeland soaked in wars? Torn Homeland is a lyrical search for meaning, told through a brave woman's voice. Her grandmother holds the past, her mother breathes the present, and in her eyes, the future quietly begins.
Best Narrative
"Dal-Roti" by Shreya Kalra, Sujoy Mallick, Vardan Pandit, and Arav Malik
Dal Roti is a powerful short film about a mother's quiet suffering in an Indian household and her daughter's courageous stand against her father and grandmother. It is a story of empowerment, awakening, and the transformative power of love and resistance within the home.
Best Animation
"Anybody" by Andi Liu, Ivy Shang, and Katherine Li
A teenage girl navigates the world of social media, while constantly comparing herself to other models she sees. She begins to isolate herself from her family and friends, while harmful thoughts control her mind. This animated short film aims to raise awareness about suicide in girls.
Global Impact Award
Made Possible by JP’s Peace Love & Happiness Family Foundation
"A Safe Haven" by Jasmine Fadia Idzni, Rizka Bilqis Khoirunnisa, Hafizh Wiryamanggala, and Azkiya Zhahira
In Indonesia, women with disabilities face many challenges but show great strength. Through HWDI (Indonesian Women with Disabilities), they support each other, learn, and grow, proving physical limits don’t define them. Their journey of resilience and empowerment breaks barriers and inspires change.
Stand Up Men Award
"Toxic Spaces" by Keamogetswe Motsoane
Slindile moves to Johannesburg in search of a better life, only to find herself trapped in a neighborhood ruled by fear, crime, and illegal dumping sites that have turned open fields into dangerous corners. She relocates to Diepkloof, where she meets Thabo, a young man who escorts women safely through the streets every day. Together, they mobilize their community to reclaim the dumping sites, discovering that as the garbage disappears, so does the violence.
Women & Work Award
Made Possible by the ConnectHER GEMS
"Reshma: A Struggle for Identity" by Suraiya Tasnin Sathi
Married off in 8th grade, Reshma was soon divorced from her gambling husband. With no identity through her father or husband, she fought to build her own, and today she is recognized at home and abroad by her own name.
Educating Girls Award
Made Possible by womenserve
"Requiem for School" by Anonymous
A Requiem for School follows the inner voice of an Afghan girl reflecting on the four years since the closure of schools for girls. Through poetic narration and symbolic imagery, the film captures her grief, resilience, and unbroken hope for education and freedom.
Please note: At the request of the filmmaker, we have removed the link to this film for safety reasons. The film was screened in full during the awards ceremony. We thank the filmmaker for their important work and trust in our platform.
Women & Health Award
Made Possible by invest in her foundation
"Loud Whispers" by Kyzzhibek Zhanibekova
Walking home after training, Ainur's mind plays a cruel game, imagining the dangers women face: harassment, stalking, kidnapping. Reaching home, her relief fades as violence echoes inside her house. In her books, she finds light education as her only escape from darkness.
Women & the Environment Award
"Seeds & Roots" by Woroud Al-Qassas and Ibrahim Al-Mashharawi
Walking home after training, Ainur's mind plays a cruel game, imagining the dangers women face: harassment, stalking, kidnapping. Reaching home, her relief fades as violence echoes inside her house. In her books, she finds light education as her only escape from darkness.
People's Choice Award
"Dafa" by Barea'a El-Whaidy, Farah Al-Moqayyad, and Roaa Alwhaidi
In a place where dreams struggle to breathe, Lamia nurtures light. Through laughter, learning, and tender moments with her students, she discovers her true purpose, to teach, to love, to remind us that every soul holds a story, and every story deserves to shine.
