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We are pleased to announce the 11 finalist films selected for the UFPFF 2025.
The finalist works will be screened at the UFPFF 2025, which will take place on September 20 at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya. On the day of the event, student directors will share their thoughts and intentions behind their works. We hope you will join us! Details and ticket.
“Socially Approved Positions of Bodies in Space”
Lera Oleynikova（VGIK/Russia）
The film is about the ordinary and everyday actions, which little by little become catastrophic.
Profile：
Born in 2000 in Academgorodok, Russia. In 2021 entered VGIK’s studio of Alexei Demin. Finished the first film “Socially approved positions of bodies in space” in 2025.
“Against the Impossible”
Julián Acosta Vera (INDIe, Centro de Estudios Cinematográficos/Mexico）
Before being executed for a newspaper article about the corruption of a governor, Rodrigo remembers moments with his family that gave him the courage to publish it.
Profile：
Julián Acosta Vera is a producer, director and writer born and raised in Mexico City. He is currently studying a philosophy degree in UNAM and at the INDIe film school, specializing in direction.
“THE GIRL WHO TURNED PAIN INTO POWER”
Maria Julia Gonsalves Crecencio (Paraná State Military Police School Colonel Felippe de Sousa Miranda/Brasil）
A poetic manifesto of a Black girl who rewrites her story and turns rejection into fearless power.
Profile：
Brazilian prodigy, 12, filmmaker, author and activist for childhood and creativity.
“Flower Person”
Ayako Suzuki (Aichi University of the Arts/Japan）
A short story depicting the emotional changes of the protagonist, who has a complex about his physical condition of having flowers bloom from his body from birth.
Profile：
Currently enrolled in the Media Imaging Department at Aichi University of the Arts. Began filmmaking in high school and is currently working on films and music videos.
“Humanoid”
Justine Polanco (Polytechnic University of the Philippines /Philippines）
In a futuristic wasteland of waste, Basil wanders, finding a strange luminous plant.
Profile：
Justine Polanco, 23, PUP Broadcasting student & filmmaker, amplifies marginalized voices.
“One Two There “
Amir hossein Keshmiri (Ferdosi University /Iran）
The film is about innocent children facing war and how they empathize with each other…
Profile：
I am an independent filmmaker in Iran and have made several anti-war short films and documentaries.
“The Oceans Are Connected”
Hiroki Kobayashi (Rikkyo University/Japan ）
The enormous amount of marine plastic waste washing up on Tsushima island is an environmental problem that cannot be ignored. This film strongly appeals that this problem is not limited to Tsushima alone, but is one that deeply concerns all of humanity, and that we must work together to solve it.
Profile：
Currently enrolled at Rikkyo University. Specializing in film production in the Department of Film and Physical Expression. Hobbies include weight training, with a goal of bench pressing 100 kg. Passionate about sushi. Known as the comedian of the team.
“Light of a Lamp”
Taiki Orihara (Nihon University/Japan）
Through his grandfather’s memories and a letter, a young man discovers the meaning of “passing on stories.” A short film that connects memories of peace to the future.
Profile：
Currently enrolled in the Film Department, Photography and Sound Recording Course at Nihon University College of Art. While attending university, I work as a freelance videographer in Tokyo, taking on various video production projects.
“Beetle Summer”
Jian Yuan, Anyue Chen (Ringling college of Art and Design/China）
On a sweltering summer day, a lonely girl named Rika sets out to win acceptance by training a beetle, Rockie, for a local beetle fighting championship. After intense training and heartfelt care, Rockie becomes strong enough to compete—but when Rika sees the cruelty of the sport, she makes the brave choice to walk away. Though rejected by her peers, Rika gains something far more meaningful: a true bond with her beetle companion. A heartwarming tale about empathy, friendship, and staying true to oneself.
Profile：
We both wanted to make a heart warming film about courage, love, and the lesson of letting go!
“My Family’s Past”
Xiaolou Zhao(The Experimental High School Attached to Beijing Normal University/China）
This documentary tells the story of my grandmother, an extraordinary rural woman who defied patriarchal norms. Despite poverty and gender bias, her strong will and foresight ensured all her children—including her daughters—received an education, transforming their futures. Through her life, I explore how women exercise agency within structural inequality: neither ignoring systemic barriers nor reducing them to passive victims, but honoring their resilience and autonomy.
Profile：
A high school student from Beijing who enjoys observing humans, daydreaming, and reading.
“The Thing”
Fatim N’Diaye (La Fémis/France）
A Black bodybuilder, sculptural and still, confronts the gaze. La Chose (The Thing) turns stigma into art.
Profile：
My name is Fatim N’Diaye. I was born in Houston and raised in Lyon in a Senegalese single-parent household. I grew up in a multicultural environment that has always nurtured my creativity. As a director and screenwriter, I’m drawn to visual experimentation and to exploring Black identity through cinema. After studying at Kourtrajmé, I’ll be joining the 2029 class of La Fémis in the directing department.
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