The 2025 Below the Line Film Festival, presented by Chill Bucket Productions, once again proved that filmmaking is at its most powerful when creativity, craft, and collaboration intersect.
Held October 10–11 in New York City, the festival brought together filmmakers, crew members, and audiences for two days of screenings, panels, and conversation. This year’s lineup of short films offered a rich mix of genres and perspectives — from laugh-out-loud comedies to deeply affecting dramas and visually inventive animations — all united by a shared passion for storytelling from behind the camera.
“Truly a remarkable festival on many levels — excellent communication, diverse programming, and genuine warmth,” wrote filmmaker Fran Sisco on FilmFreeway, echoing the community-driven atmosphere that defines Below the Line. Fellow filmmaker Anton Burek praised the event’s “intense but completely different short films and animations from around the world — wonderfully curated.”
Festival producers Jeff and Dakota reflected on the weekend’s spirit: “It’s these moments of fun, curiosity, and community that make our festival so unique. We built Below the Line as a space where filmmakers can learn from one another, celebrate each other’s craft, and form the kind of creative connections that last well beyond the festival weekend.”
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2025 Festival Award Winners
Awards were announced on social media October 21, celebrating the outstanding artistry, heart, and imagination of this year’s filmmakers:
🏆 Iannelli Diamonds Audience Choice Award: The Bathtub
🎬 Judges Award: Ball Lightning
Category Winners
😂 Comedy: Hi, Anxiety
🎭 Drama: Method & Madness by
🎨 Animated: Ball Lightning
🎓 Student: The Dating Scene
Audiences and filmmakers alike described the festival as both professional and personal — a rare mix in today’s independent circuit. “The quality and diversity of the films was top-notch,” one attendee shared. “It’s a festival that celebrates the spirit of independent storytelling in the most authentic way.”
Looking Ahead — 2026 Submissions Open November 1
As Below the Line continues to champion emerging voices and unsung craftspeople, submissions for the 2026 festival open November 1 on FilmFreeway.
Follow the festival and relive this year’s highlights:
👉 Instagram: @ChillBucket
👉 Facebook: facebook.com/ChillBucketPro
About Below the Line Film Festival
Named for the unsung heroes of filmmaking — the crews working “below the line” — the festival honors collaboration, craftsmanship, and creativity, spotlighting the people who make storytelling possible.
About Chill Bucket Productions
Based in New York City, Chill Bucket Productions, led by Jeff Rocco and Dakota Martin, produces theatre, film, live events, and online programming, including the Below the Line Film Festival and the Theatre Snobs podcast, creating inclusive spaces that celebrate storytelling, creativity, and community.
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