Actor Tom Holland and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji were among the award recipients as the World Culture Film Festival concluded its inaugural edition in Los Angeles.
Holland’s short film “Last Call,” directed by his brother Harry, was screened on Saturday at the festival, a four-day event dedicated to showcasing entertainment that uplifts. He was honored with the Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts award. However, Holland was unable to accept the award in person. Palak Patel, EVP of Sony Pictures Entertainment, accepted on his behalf, sharing his experiences working with Holland since the actor was 14 years old.
Patel himself received the festival’s Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award. In addition to his work on the Spider-Man films and “In the Heart of the Sea,” he has executive produced notable films such as “Maleficent,” “Million Dollar Arm,” “Snow White & the Huntsman,” and “The Huntsman: Winter’s War.”
The Best Feature Film Award went to “The Monk and the Gun,” directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji. The dramedy, set in Dorji’s native Bhutan, explores a critical moment in the country’s history as it transitions from a monarchy to a democracy. Dorji also received the Luminary Award, recognizing his cinematic achievements. His 2019 film “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” became the first Bhutanese film to earn an Academy Award nomination. “The Monk and the Gun” was also shortlisted for the Oscars in the same category.
Dorji, who expressed his immense gratitude upon receiving the award, shared his unconventional journey into filmmaking. He emphasized the importance of passion and authenticity in storytelling, recounting the challenges he faced while making “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” in Bhutan’s remote areas.
The Feature Documentary Award was presented to “Eskawata Kayawai,” directed by Lara Jacoski and Patrick Belem. The film documents the cultural renaissance of the Huni Kuin people in the Amazon Rainforest. Executive producer Alex Moreno accepted the award on behalf of the directors, expressing deep appreciation for the Huni Kuin tribe.
The inaugural World Culture Film Festival, under the leadership of Jatin Chaurasia, CEO of Sumeru Inc. and Sumeru Studios, filmmaker Anabelle D. Munro, and filmmaker and visual artist Sej Saraiya, showcased over 60 films from around the world. Hosted by the Art of Living Foundation, the event highlighted peace, positivity, co-existence, and mutual respect among people and cultures, inspired by the teachings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The second edition of the festival is expected to take place in late April 2025, continuing its mission to uplift and elevate human consciousness through cinema. The full list of award winners includes:
- Best Script: “Headwind” by Jeff Gendlemen
- Best Student Film: “I am more dangerous dead” by Majiye Uchibeke
- Best Short Documentary: “When the floods come” by Nyal Mueenuddin
- Best Short Film: “Crown” by Dash Kolos
- Audience Choice Award: “Our Voice, Our Heart” by Laurens Goud & Justin Grant
- Feature Documentary Award: “Eskawata Kayawai” by Lara Jacoski & Patrick Belem
- Best Feature Film: “The Monk and the Gun” by Pawo Choyning Dorji
- Directors Choice Award: “Makayla’s Voice” by Julio Palacio
- Leadership Legacy Award: Apple Tungfong
- Spiritual Heritage Award: Vernon Foster
- Impact Innovator Award: Indrani Pal Chaudhari
- North American Heritage Award: Quannah Chasinghorse
- Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts: Tom Holland
- Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award: Palak Patel
- Luminary Award: “The Monk and the Gun” by Pawo Choyning Dorji
