PÖFF Shorts EFA nomination and Rebels with A Cause winners announced at the 28th Black Nights Award Ceremony.

PÖFF Shorts put forward a candidate for the European Film Award Best Short Film - Prix Vimeo — Ruairi Bradley's We Beg To Differ (Ireland, 2024). The short also won the Best Film Award in the PÖFF Shorts Live-Action New Talents category.

"Through smooth cinematography, the film achieves a deep dive into the underground world of a community. It explores not only a hobby, but a medium of expression," the jury summarised.

In Ruairi Bradley's directorial debut, a community finds solace in their passion, as they navigate personal struggles and challenges both on and off the road.

The best short film in the Rebels with a Cause competition programme was Additional Scenes by directors Roman Himei and Yarema Malachuk (Ukraine).

"What is real? The actor plays a soldier in the film. Or a soldier playing an actor in a film. Through the magic of stepping in front of the camera, the film gives the soldier a chance to escape, to once again experience the ordinary moments of everyday life," the jury stated.

Directors' Roman Himei and Yarema Malachuk film takes place on Day 377 of the Russian-Ukrainian War, in Kyiv.

Katrina Lehismae's The Passing from the festival's national competition turned out to be the Audience Favourite — the film that received the most reactions online. The short documentary follows the filmmaker's journey with her family to the small town where her late grandfather lived.

Katrina Lehismae's documentary is an intimate story of loss, life and what remains when life is over.