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Best Narrative Feature

MERMAID

directed by Fia Sophia Perera

For its vital, heartfelt story told on an ambitious indie scale, the Reeling 2026 Narrative Features jury awards Best Film to Writer-Director-Producer Fia Perera’s MERMAID. Telling a story of identity colliding with parental expectations, Perera balances her complex subject matter with warmth, humanity and the hope that living authentically has the power to change hearts and minds.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

THE PRADO & THE MOON

directed by Cayetana H. Cuyás

For its riveting subject and innovative storytelling, we select THE PRADO & THE MOON (EL PRADO Y LA LUNA) for the Best Documentary Feature award for Reeling 2026. With a clear point of view and ambitious approach, director Cayetana H. Cuyás pays tribute to her uncle, Antonio Gómez, who fled intolerance to become the chief designer for Valentino, one of the most prominent fashion houses in the world. With an even, thoughtful hand, Cuyás maintains a deep personal connection to Gómez but keeps a reasonable creative distance to paint a harrowing, and inspiring, portrait of a talented yet modest man who blazed trails and never got the full public recognition he deserved until now.

BEST SHORT

WHAT DO YOU SEEK IN THE DARK?

directed by Tossaphon Rianting

Like many good movies, WHAT DO YOU SEEK IN THE DARK? lures us in and keeps us on our toes. Palpable chemistry, erotic lighting, and an evocative score all capture the atmospheric sensuality of being in–and a part of–(porn) cinema. The judges unambiguously agreed that this love letter to age-old queer haunts earned its laurels as the Best Short.

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT

NEVER NEVER NEVER

directed by John Sheedy

NEVER NEVER NEVER is a technically beautiful portrayal of queer love and familial expectations set around a Welsh fishing port. Sheedy utilizes music and drag as a manifestation of hope, bringing together a phenomenal performance from the cast coupled with impressive cinematography and color design that allows the viewer to become completely immersed into the lives of the young protagonists. Intimate and moving yet campy and theatrical, the judges are honored to present NEVER NEVER NEVER as the Best Narrative Short.

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

DREAM HOMES

directed by Michael J. Bullock and Michael Cukr

DREAM HOMES explores a new way of living communally as an alternative to the confines of the traditional capitalist nuclear family. Artfully entwining three stories, this film portrays queer and trans folx creating close knit communities, not only to survive, but create “dream” lives for themselves. The judges selected this film as Best Short Documentary for its technical skill and emotionally moving story, encouraging the viewer to find alternative ways to find a sense of home.

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

LA BOLA NEGRA

directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi

From Cannes-winning directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi — known together as Los Javis — La Bola Negra follows three generations of men across pivotal moments in Spanish history, bound by pain, desire, and love. Carlos (Milo Quifes) longs to belong in a fractured Spain. Sebastián (Guitarricadelafuente) finds connection across enemy lines. And Alberto (Carlos González) uncovers a long-buried family secret — one that finally gives voice to truths the past tried to erase. Co-written by Calvo, Ambrossi, and Alberto Conejero, and adapted from Conejero's play La Piedra Oscura, the film also stars Miguel Bernardeau (Rafael), Goya winner Lola Dueñas (Teresa), Academy Award winner Penélope Cruz (Nené), Golden Globe winner Glenn Close (Isabelle), and Emmy-nominated Julio Torres (Juan Pablo).

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

LAST DANCE AT THE SUNDANCE STOMPEDE

directed by Graham Clayton-Chance

A heartfelt exploration of community, resilience, and joy through the lens of queer country-western dancing at the iconic San Francisco LGBTQ+ dance weekend. In November 2023, over 800 people from all over the world gathered to attend the final Sundance Stompede, ending after a 27-year run. As we journey into the weekend, this film about country-western dancing reveals deeper insights into the power of dance—not only to create community but to offer a profound healing of bodies and minds. Including footage of Firebrand, Chicago’s own LGBTQ+ country-western dance performance group, and and interview with local dancer Herb Moore, this film that director Graham Clayton-Chance calls a “love letter to the spaces that bring us together” will surely inspire you to grab a pair of boots and cut loose.

BEST SHORT FILM

WE ARE NOT UNICORNS

directed by Valentina Y Quintero

This documentary short melds together the experiences of five queer women, tied together by the only open lesbian bar above NYC, bringing awareness to the outside world on what a lesbian space looks like and how it can change your life.