Echelon Studios International Film Festival Announces 2025 Winners

  'Swoon,' 'Witte Wieven,' and 'Soulmate' among winners at second annual independent film celebration

Today, Echelon Studios has unveiled the winners of the 2025 Echelon Studios International Film Festival (ESIFF), spotlighting standout new works from independent filmmakers across the globe.

Taking top U.S. honors, Swoon was awarded Best U.S. Feature, a stirring and unconventional psychological thriller from director Byron Manuel, praised for its exceptional cast and emotional authenticity. Best U.S. Short went to Where the Children Go to Play, a poetic meditation on childhood and innocence lost, from director Jada George.

On the international front, Didier Konings' visually arresting Dutch folk horror Witte Wieven (Heresy) took home Best International Feature, recognized for its atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth. Best International Short was awarded to Soulmate, directed by Richard Fenwick, a poignant sci-fi exploration of grief, memory, and identity, starring Joe Dempsie (Game of Thrones) and Mandeep Dhillon (Mobland).

In the documentary category, Fil Ieropoulos' Avant-Drag was named Best Documentary, celebrated for its vibrant, unapologetic look at gender performance, drag artistry, and cultural transformation.

Rounding out the winners, Best Series went to Get a Real Job, co-directed by Samantha Lochs and Yogi Paliwal, a genre-blending comedy centered on survival, self-worth, and the millennial hustle, earning praise for its sharp writing and originality.

"We want to thank every filmmaker who submitted to this year's festival," said Festival Director Jesse Randall. "The range of voices and stories we had the privilege to experience was truly remarkable. What stood out most was the courage, creativity, and honesty in the work—qualities that speak to where independent cinema is heading. Our 2025 winners represent not only excellence in filmmaking, but the future of storytelling."

All 62 of this year's official selections are currently available to stream nationwide via the festival's virtual showcase on Eventive. The 2025 festival runs through to August 24, with an in-person awards ceremony taking place in Los Angeles on August 23. Additional honors, including Best Picture, will be announced live at the event.

Full size image of Witte Wieven still, from director Didier Konings, available here.

About Echelon Studios
Echelon Studios is an independent film producer and distributor, having released more than 20,000 titles across all genres including international film, documentaries, and shorts. Echelon Studios acquires and distributes a diverse selection of feature films to a broad range of entertainment outlets, including domestic and international VOD and FAST streaming platforms, Pay-Per-View services, home entertainment, hotel lodging, airline, and ancillary markets.