'The Singers,' 'The Last Observers,' and 'Éiru' Earn Oscar Qualification at Indy

'The Singers,' 'The Last Observers,' and 'Éiru' Earn Oscar Qualification at Indy

      Sam Davis’ “The Singers,” Maja K Mikkelsen’s “The Last Observers,” and Giovanna Ferrari’s “Éiru” qualified for an Oscar on Saturday after winning the top honors at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival Awards in Indianapolis.

      The festival awarded more than $35,000 to 14 winners during a brisk, motivational breakfast event at VisionLoft Mass Ave in Indianapolis. The event featured a construction theme, complete with safety jackets and LEGO building projects, inspired by the festival's sponsor, F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co.

      Hosted by Indy Shorts Artistic Director Greg Sorvig, the event also honored director Doug Blush with the festival's Pioneering Spirit Award. Blush is an award-winning director, producer, editor, writer, and cinematographer known for his over 200 credits, including Academy Award-winning documentaries like “The Elephant Whisperers” (2023), “Period. End of Sentence” (2019), “Icarus” (2018), and “20 Feet from Stardom” (2013).

      The 8th edition of Indy Shorts—recognized by MovieMaker as one of the 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee and one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World—showcased 253 short films and 280 filmmakers at Living Room Theaters and Newfields.

      Winning the Narrative Short category, “The Singers” is a film adaptation of a 19th-century short story by Ivan Turgenev, depicting a group of ordinary pub patrons who unexpectedly bond during an impromptu singing competition. It was directed by Sam Davis, who served as the cinematographer for “Period. End of Sentence,” the 2019 Oscar winner for Best Documentary — Short Subject.

      “The Last Observers,” victorious in the Documentary Shorts category, was directed by Maja K Mikkelsen and tells the heartwarming story of her Swedish parents, who discovered happiness while working as weather observers at a remote station, developing a deep connection to nature.

      “Éiru,” the winner in the Animated Short category, shares a similar respect for the environment. It follows a child on her quest to restore water to her village. Director Giovanna Ferrari, an Italian filmmaker residing in Ireland, highlighted that children can overlook their differences for the greater good, especially in protecting resources.

      “Children care about that more than whether their neighbor speaks the same language,” she remarked during her acceptance speech.

      All awarded films are accessible through two virtual programs, Award Winners 1 and Award Winners 2.

      Below is the complete list of winners from the 2025 Indy Shorts International Film Festival, along with summaries and juror comments provided by the festival, followed by the juror list.

      ### Indy Shorts International Film Festival Award Winners 2025

      Mike Young, a cast member of “The Singers”

      **ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Narrative Short**

      **Narrative Grand Prize | $5,000**

      “The Singers” by Sam Davis (United States)

      A short film based on a 19th-century story by Ivan Turgenev, where a group of downtrodden pub patrons unexpectedly connect during a spontaneous sing-off.

      **Jury Statement:** Set in a dark, smoky bar, this year’s winner resonates with anyone wishing for a bit more luck and money. As weary older men compete for a six-pack of beer and a cash prize, the director embraces their age lines and the stale beer breath, evoking what it might feel like to step up to the bar, order a drink, and summon the courage to sing before strangers. This year’s Narrative Grand Prize winner combines charming humor with a tribute to the Everyman’s struggles before last call.

      **ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Documentary Short**

      **Documentary Grand Prize | $5,000**

      “The Last Observers” by Maja K Mikkelsen (United States, Sweden)

      A touching portrayal of a Swedish couple’s lifelong dedication to observing the sky.

      **Jury Statement:** The film beautifully captures the slow decline of tradition, featuring characters whose love for each other transcends the screen, guiding us into a tender love story. It reflects the quiet beauty of pursuing one’s passion for a lifetime, not for fame or fortune, but simply out of love. At its core, it’s about cherishing life as it unfolds.

      **ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFIED | Animated Short**

      **Animated Grand Prize | $5,000**

      “Éiru” by Giovanna Ferrari (Ireland)

      When the water mysteriously vanishes from a well in a warrior clan's village, a brave child ventures deep into the Earth to retrieve it.

      **Jury Statement:** The judges were captivated by many aspects of this year’s winner, especially its bold, complex animation and vivid color palette. Additionally, the film's sound design and music contribute to a wonderfully immersive listening

'The Singers,' 'The Last Observers,' and 'Éiru' Earn Oscar Qualification at Indy 'The Singers,' 'The Last Observers,' and 'Éiru' Earn Oscar Qualification at Indy

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'The Singers,' 'The Last Observers,' and 'Éiru' Earn Oscar Qualification at Indy

The Indy Shorts film festival revealed its winners, which feature the Oscar-qualifying films The Singers, The Last Observers, and Eiru.