Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji, Actor Tom Holland Win Top Award at World Culture Film Festival

In a world eager for inspiration and unity, the inaugural World Culture Film Festival (WCFF) delivered a beacon of hope through the transformative power of cinema. Concluding on July 28 after four days of vibrant screenings and discussions, the festival celebrated the uplifting potential of film to drive global change, honoring Oscar-nominated filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji and actor Tom Holland for their contributions to meaningful and transformational storytelling.

Dorji’s “The Monk and The Gun” was awarded best feature film, highlighting his unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. Known for his Oscar-nominated “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,” Dorji’s films explore themes of spiritual depth and cultural authenticity. “I didn’t go to film school. I fell in love with storytelling,” Dorji shared in his acceptance speech. “We stayed up there for two months making this film. We had no electricity; the entire film was made on solar batteries.” His dedication to capturing genuine human experiences without compromise resonates deeply with audiences worldwide, demonstrating cinema’s power to transcend boundaries and inspire change.

Tom Holland, who received the WCFF Legacy Award for Performing Arts, has consistently chosen roles that challenge and uplift, embodying the festival’s ethos of using art to illuminate the human spirit. Although unable to attend, Holland’s work continues to inspire, earning him a place among the visionaries celebrated at the festival.

Hosted at the Art of Living Center in Los Angeles, founded by humanitarian and peace emissary Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the festival embodied its core theme of “entertainment that uplifts.” More than 60 films from over 60 countries —including Australia, Belgium, Mexico, and Japan — were screened at the newly reopened Downtown Independent Theater and online via EOFlix. These selections reflected a commitment to fostering global unity and understanding through the universal language of film.

Notable award winners included Dash Kolos’ ‘Crown’ for Best Short Film, Julio Palacio’s “Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World” for the Festival Directors’ Choice Award, and Justin Grant and Laurens Goud’s “Our Voice, Our Heart”, which captured the Audience Choice Award. Nyal Mueenuddin’s “When the Floods Come” was recognized as Best Short Documentary, underscoring the genre’s power to shed light on critical global issues and inspire collective action.

The festival also honored distinguished professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Sony Pictures’ Palak Patel, Native American filmmaker Vernon Foster, and actress and climate advocate Quannah Chasinghorse. These honorees, alongside Dorji and Holland, embody the festival’s mission to celebrate visionary work that bridges cultures and elevates human consciousness.

The ceremony featured soul-stirring musical performances by artists such as vocalist Frederick Tabiyus Nah and pianist Narek Torosyan, creating a reflective and inspiring atmosphere that embodied the festival’s celebration of art as a force for healing and unity.

The WCFF’s dynamic jury included influential figures like Brazilian-American social impact producer Sandra de Castro Buffington and former Miss India, actress Manasvi Mamgai. Their discerning judgment ensured that the festival’s selections exemplified the highest standards of cinematic excellence and impact.

In its inaugural year, the WCFF attracted significant partners, including the USC School of Cinematic Arts and Filmmakers Alliance, affirming its dedication to nurturing films that inspire spiritual and cultural healing. Executive directors Anabelle D. Munro and Sej Saraiya, alongside executive producer Jatin Chaurasia, spearheaded the festival’s groundbreaking launch, setting a new standard for events that celebrate the spiritual dimensions of storytelling.

TheWCFFl stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, using the universal language of film to unite and heal global communities. Through its uplifting narratives, the festival shines a light on the path to a more harmonious and understanding world, proving that cinema can indeed change and heal the world.

Complete list of Award Winners:

BEST SCREENPLAY — “Headwind” by Jeff Gendelman

BEST STUDENT FILM — “I Am More Dangerous Dead” by Majiye Uchibeke

BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY — “When The Floods Come” by Nyal Mueenuddin

BEST SHORT FILM — “Crown” by Dash Kolos

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD — “Our Voice, Our Heart” by Laurens Goud & Justin Grant

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY — “Eskawata Kayawai” by Lara Jacoski & Patrick Belem

BEST FEATURE FILM — “The Monk and The Gun” by Pawo Choyning Dorji

FESTIVAL DIRECTORS’ CHOICE AWARD – “Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World” by Julio Palacio

 WCFF LEADERSHIP LEGACY AWARD — Apple TungFong

WCFF SPIRITUAL HERITAGE AWARD — Vernon Foster

WCFF LEGACY AWARD FOR IMPACT INNOVATION — Indrani Pal Chaudhari

WCFF LEGACY AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY — Quannah Chasinghorse

WCFF LEGACY AWARD FOR PERFORMING ARTS — Tom Holland

WCFF LEGACY AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO CINEMA — Palak Patel

WCFF LUMINARY AWARD — Pawo Choyning Dorji