Fall 2024 WINNERS

Please follow the directions on how to find your award listed below. If you can't find your award, it means all the judges haven't returned their final judging. Your award will be posted shortly. Please send an email to questions@docswithoutbordersfilmfest.com if you can't find your award.

 An email was sent to ALL winners on December 15, 2024.
If you didn't get it, please check your SPAM folder
We are not responsible for winners missing opportunities due to failure to read emails.

Fastest way to find your award listing:
Using a computer: Press Ctrl + F
Type your  film's name
***
Using cellphone:
Go to page, click the 3 dots (upper right)
Select "Find in page"
enter your film's name
***



Go HERE to post your award on IMDb 

The Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival stands out as a beacon of innovation in the dynamic world of filmmaking, where competition can be fierce. Unlike traditional festivals that pit films and screenplays against one another, this esteemed event has instituted a groundbreaking system that allows each entry to shine on its own merits.

Instead of forcing filmmakers and screenwriters to compete directly against their peers, the festival has adopted a unique approach that evaluates each film/screenplay individually. This means that rather than being judged compared to the other submissions, your film/script will be assessed based on its inherent value and the judges' undivided attention.
By focusing on the individual strengths and qualities of each film/screenplay, the judges can delve deeper into the creative vision and technical execution of your work without being swayed by others' performances.

Winning an award in a subcategory does NOT qualify for online screening or sending to our distributors.

We don't have any control or influence over Polaris Pictures or any of our associate distributors deciding to offer you a production deal or even answering your email. We merely open the door for the top winners.

If your film did not make it to the official selection status, we encourage you to send us a request for feedback. We believe in your potential and are here to support your growth. Once you've addressed the feedback and made improvements, you can resubmit your film for free during this new season.



IF YOU SUBMITTED ONLY TO A SUBCATEGORY, YOUR AWARD IS LISTED AT THE END OF THIS PAGE
Winning an award in a subcategory does NOT qualify for online screening or sending to our distributors.


Best of Festival and Best of Show films are selected by category and region.
Not all categories had a Best of Festival winner


The Time Factor
Director Clément Lefer
in Documentary
France
In the unforgiving peaks of the Swiss Alps, in the realm of the Matterhorn, an elite team of rescuers battles to save lives in peril, facing an implacable adversary: time. Through the interconnected stories of six individuals - Dominik, Astrid, Samuel, Richard, Philipp, and Dominik - and their vital roles, the film explores the urgency and courage of helicopter rescue missions amidst hostile elements. In the dizzying heights of the Swiss Alps, life itself hangs by a thread, and the slightest hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. Every decision is crucial, every action is a race against the clock.
Best Of Show
Last Chance to Save a Life
in Science
Australia		 BEST OF SHOW
More Than A Test | The Rise of the Unsilenced Movement
in Health, Social Issues, Zero Budget
United States		 BEST OF SHOW
Ocean seen from the heart
in Ocean Life Documentaries
Canada		 BEST OF SHOW
Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey
in Environmental
Canada		 BEST OF SHOW
PUT THE GUNS DOWN: A WORLD EPIDEMIC
in Docu-drama Feature
United States		 BEST OF SHOW
She Rises Up
in Documentary
United States		 BEST OF SHOW
Space Coast
in Docu-drama Short, Science
United States		 BEST OF SHOW
War Tails
in Wildlife/Nature/Animals
Canada		 BEST OF SHOW




Outstanding Excellence

The 742
in Documentary, Social Issues
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Alaska Long Hunters
in Documentary, Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category)
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
ALIEN CONTACT
in Wildlife/Nature/Animals
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
¿Are We There Yet?
in Social Issues
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
In the Belly of AI
in Social Issues
France		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Beyond the Ruins
in Travel/Culture/Arts
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Beyond The Silence
in Documentary		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Big Water Theory (EN)
in Sports
France		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Built to Last: Buyer Beware
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Catching Predators
in Social Issues
France		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
The Crossing: Consequences of The Truth
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Dad's Secret War: France 1944 Narrated by Kevin Bacon
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Dry Wells of the Paso Basin: A Tragedy of the Commons
in Environmental
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Giroud
in Human Spirit
France		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
The Good Virus
in Documentary, Environmental , Health, Science
Canada		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Guiding Light
in Youth Issues
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Hidden Dance of Eels
in Documentary
Netherlands		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Illusion of Abundance
in Environmental
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
INactive, America's Silent Killer
in Documentary, Health
Canada		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Interview with Brigadier S.P.S Uppal
in Biography
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Interview with Dr. Betts Rivet
in Biography
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Iraq: A Journey Through History and Rebirth
in Travel/Culture/Arts		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE

Ivohiboro: The Lost Forest
in Wildlife/Nature/Animals
France		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Kabul Chaos_90'
in Social Issues
France		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
The Kersten Case: Himmler’s enigmatic doctor
in Biography
France		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt's Monument to Ida B. Wells
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Locked Up
in Documentary
France		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Maya Land: Listening to the Bees
in Social Issues, Research (sub-category)
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
MOLA - A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss
in Documentary
Switzerland		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
My Father Moves Mountains
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
The Ocean - Five Years (40 min)
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
An Ocean in Bloom
in Ocean Life Documentaries
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
One Fighting Irishman
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Paradox
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Peleliu: World War II's Most Well-Preserved Battlefield
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
The Piping Plovers of Moonlight Bay
in Wildlife/Nature/Animals
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
The Promise of Rain
in Environmental
Kenya		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
The Quiet Diplomat
in Documentary
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
R.E.S.C.U.E.
in Wildlife/Nature/Animals
Kenya		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Resilience
in Sports, Docu-drama Short
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Rising Hope
in Documentary, Human Spirit, Cinematography (sub-category), Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category), Direction (sub-category)
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
A Runner's High
in Human Spirit
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Salmon Run
in Ocean Life Documentaries
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Seeing The Unseen: Aquatic Invaders & What's at Stake
in Environmental
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Seizure
in Documentary
Australia		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Shayni in the Sky
in Documentary, Human Spirit, Editing (sub-category)
Norway		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Signs from the Mainland
in Social Issues
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Six Inches of Soil
in Environmental
United Kingdom		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
TimeBank THE GAME - The Record of an Experiment
in Environmental
Hong Kong		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Ugly Little Monkeys - A True American Story
in Documentary, Editing (sub-category)
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
United Crafts of America
in Documentary, Travel/Culture/Arts, Cinematography (sub-category), Editing (sub-category), Original Score (sub-category), Direction (sub-category)
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Voices for Madidi
in Environmental , Viewer Impact: Content/Message Delivery (sub-category), Direction (sub-category)
Canada
OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE: 
What ravens do
in Wildlife/Nature/Animals
United States		 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE




Excellence Award Winners
40 Years of Celebration
in Travel/Culture/Arts
United States		 EXCELLENCE
"48000: Labour, Immiseration, and The Story Of A Strike"
in Student
India		 EXCELLENCE
Animal Pride
in Wildlife/Nature/Animals
Canada		 EXCELLENCE
Approaching the traditional Chinese Medicine
in Travel/Culture/Arts
China		 EXCELLENCE
Better Together: Furman's Championship Quest [5-Episode Docuseries]
in Documentary, Sports, Editing (sub-category), Direction (sub-category)
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
A Bold Journey
in Human Spirit
United States		 EXCELLENCE
BROMLEY: LIGHT AFTER DARK
in Human Spirit
Australia		 EXCELLENCE
The Children of Popodia
in Documentary
France		 EXCELLENCE
ClimbArmy Ukraine
in Human Spirit
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Community Interrupted
in Documentary
United Kingdom		 EXCELLENCE
Cuba es Mi Patria: The Homeland I Keep Inside
in Documentary, Health, Revolution and Reform, Social Issues
United States		 EXCELLENCE
The Curse of Stigma
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
"The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life"
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Earl.
in Documentary, Human Spirit
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory
in Biography, Documentary
Nigeria		 EXCELLENCE
Fielding Dreams: A Celebration of Baseball Scouts
in Sports
United States		 EXCELLENCE
FROG FATHERS: Lessons From the Normandy Surf
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
The Gift of Grief
in Documentary, Human Spirit, Social Issues
United States		 EXCELLENCE
The Golden Rule: Do Unto Others
in Documentary, Religion/Faith
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Grillo (2024) - Break the Cycle
in Student
United States		 EXCELLENCE
HAAGUA
in Ocean Life Documentaries
United States		 EXCELLENCE
I Hope This Helps!
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Horse-Riding Therapy
in Health
China		 EXCELLENCE
Indai Apai Darah
in Environmental
Indonesia		 EXCELLENCE
Inmates With Talent
in Social Issues
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Island of Gems with Adolf Peretti
in Social Issues
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Je Suis Elodie
in Documentary		 EXCELLENCE
Jewel of the Desert
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
King of Dunes: Saeed Al Hajri
in Sports
Qatar		 EXCELLENCE
Ko Tātou Te Wai: We Are the Water
in Student
New Zealand		 EXCELLENCE
Lady Madonna
in Health
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Last Stand: Saving the Elwha River's Legacy Forests
in Environmental , Wildlife/Nature/Animals, Cinematography (sub-category)
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Let it Dance
in Documentary, Travel/Culture/Arts
Australia		 EXCELLENCE
The Long Road Home
in Docu-drama Short
United States		 EXCELLENCE
LOOK UP—The Science of Cultural Evolution
in Documentary, Health, Human Spirit, Religion/Faith, Social Issues, Science, Zero Budget, Research (sub-category)
Norway		 EXCELLENCE
Le Mans 1955
in Sports
France		 EXCELLENCE
Monsters
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Muammar Gaddafi : Inside the dictator’s mind
in Documentary
France		 EXCELLENCE
Mushroom's Quest
in Docu-drama Short
United Kingdom		 EXCELLENCE
My Left Hand Girl
in Documentary, Narration Talent (sub-category)
Australia		 EXCELLENCE
Nostra Aetate
in Religion/Faith
United Kingdom		 EXCELLENCE
The Oath
in Social Issues
Spain		 EXCELLENCE
OH THE PEOPLE YOU MEET with Michaela Guzy in Croatia
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
On Melting Snow
in Travel/Culture/Arts
Belgium		 EXCELLENCE
One Dream Too Many
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
The Power of Sports For Amputees
in Human Spirit, Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category)
United States		 EXCELLENCE
The Psycodelics The Movie
in Zero Budget
United States		 EXCELLENCE
The Restless Garden
in Revolution and Reform
United States		 EXCELLENCE
The Road to Hope
in Human Spirit
France		 EXCELLENCE
ROAD TO NOWHERE
in Documentary
Belgium		 EXCELLENCE
Rūta
in Human Spirit
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Sijo
in Documentary
Korea, Republic of		 EXCELLENCE
Sowing the Seeds of Love
in Wildlife/Nature/Animals
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Wakanyeja Kin Wana Ku Pi - The Children are Coming Home
in Youth Issues
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Waves of Tomorrow
in Ocean Life Documentaries
Spain		 EXCELLENCE
The Way of St. Jo
in Documentary
United States		 EXCELLENCE
Women and roads. Silk way to yourself. Uzbekistan
in Documentary, Travel/Culture/Arts, Narration Talent (sub-category), Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category)
Uzbekistan		 EXCELLENCE



Exceptional Merit
BERLIN. EVERYTHING'S-CHANGED PLACE
in Social Issues
Germany		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
The Change Agent
in Human Spirit
Denmark		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Chasing Cambodia
in Sports
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Children in Exile
in Documentary
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT

“The Choice” Crossroads of Family after Fukushima on the Edge of Meltdown
in Documentary
Japan		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Conflict of Cusco
in Documentary
Peru		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Cookies 4 Jane
in Documentary
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Down Home [WIP]
in Student
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Fair Seas: The Celtic Sea
in Environmental
Ireland		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
The Forest
in Environmental
Brazil		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Hertz Nazaire: Portrait of an Artist
in Human Spirit
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Indigenous Women Rising to Stop Line 5 and Protect Water, Communities & Our Climate
in Environmental
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Joymakers
in Human Spirit
Serbia		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Koroneburg
in Documentary
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Listen To Black Women: A Black Woman Research Project
in Social Issues
United State		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Love's Little Illusionists
in Docu-drama Short, Youth Issues
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Mar Moussa
in Religion/Faith
France		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
I Am Markita
in Docu-drama Feature, Human Spirit
Australia		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Video Link was deleted. Award based on trailer.
Mary. Her Journey From Pain to Purpose
in Biography
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Migrating Fears
in Docu-drama Feature
United Kingdom		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Missak & Mélinée Manouchian
in Documentary
France		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
The Monarch Ultra
in Environmental
Canada		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Ndazkoh
in Documentary
Canada		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
North Cormorant Island
in Documentary
Japan		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
One Frank...
in Human Spirit
Serbia		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Paddlewheels on the Wanganui
in Documentary
New Zealand		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Park on the Dragon's Tail
in Social Issues
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Scarborough Fair - The Venture
in Documentary
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Sheikh Mand Temple: A New Day Dawns
in Human Spirit
Iraq		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Shoah Survivor's Project
in Human Spirit, Social Issues, Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category)
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Snow Fare the Land
in Travel/Culture/Arts
China		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
El Tigre
in Documentary		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Unbound Dreams
in Social Issues, Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category)
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
UNTIL YOU FEEL THIS
in Documentary
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Vicky Fadul
in Documentary
Colombia		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Ward of the State
in Youth Issues
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Wave Medicine
in Human Spirit
Australia		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Wheels of a Giant
in Travel/Culture/Arts
Brazil		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Wild Orchid Man On The Rocks
in Environmental
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
The Years We Have Been Nowhere
in Documentary
Italy		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Zinzi and the Ngqoko Women
in Travel/Culture/Arts
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT


Merit
1000 Years 14 Days
in Student
China		 MERIT
Ablation
in Environmental
United States		 MERIT
Aleksandre- a thievish life
in Documentary
Switzerland		 MERIT
Aspiration and Ambition in India's Tiger Economy
in Documentary		 MERIT
Cairo Between Two Palaces
in Documentary
United States		 MERIT
Dancing Faces of Bali 2
in Travel/Culture/Arts, Viewer Impact: Content/Message Delivery (sub-category), Direction (sub-category), Actor: Lead (Subcat), Actor: Supporting (Subcat)
United States		 MERIT
Disintegration
in Environmental
United States		 MERIT
Far Away from Home
in Documentary
Kenya		 MERIT
Happy Trans Girl Like Me
in LGBT		 MERIT
Innovation in Connecticut
in Science
United States		 MERIT
Land of Many Waters
in Religion/Faith
United States		 MERIT
Making Waves
in Biography, Health, Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category)
Switzerland		 MERIT
"Marija Gimbutas: Anticipating the Future"
in Documentary
Lithuania		 MERIT
Only the trailer was submitted.
Missing Me Someplace
in Zero Budget
United Kingdom		 MERIT
Resolve in Venezuela
in Docu-drama Feature, Direction (sub-category)
Spain		 MERIT
Roar and Resilience
in Student
India		 MERIT
The Sound of Paint
in Documentary
United States		 MERIT
If the silence could be broken
in Documentary
United States		 MERIT
Spring Came
in Docu-drama Short
United Kingdom		 MERIT
Staunch Moderates Experience: Documentary
in Social Issues, Original Score (sub-category)
United States		 MERIT
THE STREETS ARE ALIVE
in Revolution and Reform
Germany		 MERIT
The Tale of Mari
in Student
United States		 MERIT
TORNADO BOWLING GREEN
in Docu-drama Short
United States		 MERIT
Unlikely Looters
in Zero Budget
United States		 MERIT
The Wheel of Life
in Religion/Faith
Bulgaria		 MERIT



Kudos Endeavor


Sub-Categories
 Winning an award in a subcategory does NOT qualify for online screening or sending to our distributors.
Bake It Till You Make It
in Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category)
United States
 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
Glaciers - a poem cycle
in Viewer Impact: Content/Message Delivery (sub-category)
United Kingdom		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
ice Breath
in Documentary, Environmental, Cinematography (sub-category)
Original Score (sub-category)
Viewer Impact: Content/Message Delivery (sub-category)
Romania
 EXCELLENCE
Light/ضو
in Direction (sub-category)
Palestine, State of		 EXCELLENCE
The Evolution of Human Motivations: An AI-Illustrated Odyssey
in Viewer Impact: Content/Message Delivery (sub-category)
United States
 OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE
Tango in Twilight
in Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational (sub-category)
Argentina		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT
A Visual History of The World Trade Center
in Editing (sub-category)
United States		 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT