WINNERS

The Inland Independent Film Festival proudly celebrates the films and filmmakers awarded in its second edition, held in 2026.

These works represent powerful, diverse voices from different parts of the world — films born in the many “inlands” of global cinema. The winners of the 2026 edition remain permanently featured here as part of the festival’s history, honoring the creativity, courage, and artistic vision that shape our sanctuary for independent voices. Each selected work reflects IIFF’s commitment to independent cinema that transcends borders, budgets, and conventional industry paths.

MAIN CATEGORIES
* Best Narrative Short: Favela Amarela (Brazil) – Dir. Nícolas Lobato, Thiago Tuchu
* Best Documentary Short: The Soul of the Place (Brazil/France) – Dir. Arthur Guezou
* Best Animation Short: God Bless (Brazil) – Dir. Bruno Bock
* Best Experimental Short: Second Shadow (USA) – Dir. Vernor Schneider
* Best Student Film: The Gentle Artist: Records of Experience (Ireland) – Dir. Aoife Balfe Bean Uí Dhíomsaigh
* Best Brazilian Short: Rosarias’s Memories (Brazil) – Dir. Elisa Guimarães

SPECIAL JURY AWARDS
* The Inland Vision Award: UMBU TREE (Brazil) – Dir. Emílio Soares Ribeiro
* Best Director: UMBU TREE (Brazil) – Dir. Emílio Soares Ribeiro
* Best Original Screenplay: Heat stroke / Insolação (Brazil) – Dir. Nival Correia de Araujo
* Best Cinematography: Favela Amarela (Brazil) – Dir. Nícolas Lobato, Thiago Tuchu | Cinematography by Riva * Best Film Editing: Widerhall (Spain) – Dir. Hans Hoffmann | Editing by Yazmin Trujillo Raa and Hans Hoffmann
* Best Sound Design: Widerhall (Spain) – Dir. Hans Hoffmann | Sound Design by Enrique de los Ríos
* Best Original Score: Widerhall (Spain) – Dir. Hans Hoffmann | Score by Enrique de los Ríos
* Best Performance: Heat stroke / Insolação (Brazil) – Dir. Nival Correia de Araujo | Performances by Ivo Gandra and Pedro Luiz
* Best Ensemble Cast: Heat stroke / Insolação (Brazil) – Dir. Nival Correia de Araujo
* Best Poster Design: Autism Beyond Labels (Brazil) – Dir. Eduardo Butakka

This section serves as the official space for announcing the winners of each new edition. As the festival grows, this page will continue to expand — creating an evolving archive of films and filmmakers who have shared their voices with IIFF and with audiences in the heart of Brazil. Here, past and present meet. A living record of independent cinema, shaped by powerful stories and the many interiors of the world.