AIU Kuwait International Film Festival 2025 (AIUKIFF) concluded with a dazzling award ceremony that celebrated the best of cinematic talent from Kuwait, the Arab world, and beyond. The festival, held from November 9 to 15, 2025, was a vibrant showcase of creativity, innovation, and storytelling excellence. It brought together filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences for a week of screenings, workshops, and inspiring discussions.

A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence

The award ceremony became the highlight of the festival, honoring outstanding achievements across a wide range of categories. The winners represented the diversity and depth of talent in Kuwaiti, Arab, and international cinema. The evening started with a warm welcome from AIU’s CEO, Mr. Richard Johnson, who expressed gratitude to all participants and partners for making AIUKIFF a landmark event in Kuwait’s cultural calendar. Dr. Mohammad Al Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the importance of cultural collaboration and creative innovation in the region. Strategic Partner Ms. Ghalia Hayat also shared her vision for the festival’s continued growth and impact. Adding to this spirit, Ms. Areej Alghanim, representing the AIU Board of Trustees, delivered a heartfelt address highlighting the university's dedication to nurturing creative talent and fostering meaningful cultural exchange through the power of cinematic storytelling

Award Winners and Highlights

The festival recognized exceptional work in both feature and short films, documentaries, and scripts. The winners included:

• Best Arab Feature Fiction: "The Boy Inside the Cocoon" by Ahmed Al Terkait (Kuwait)
• Best Kuwaiti Short Fiction: "Toxic" by Abdulaziz AlBallam
• Best Actor: Ahmed Eraj for his performance in "Al Kayd"
• Best Actress: Heba Al Mutairi in "Fragmentation"
• Best Kuwaiti Script: "Al Kayd" by Dr. Ahmad Hamada
• Best Kuwaiti Director: Ahmed Al Terkait for "The Boy Inside the Cocoon"
• Best Kuwaiti Short Documentary: "Without Doors" by Latifa Ahmad Alqatamy
• Best Arab Short Documentary: "The Resilience of the Poppy" by Mona Hammoud (Lebanon)
• Best Arab Short Fiction: "An Orange From Jaffa" by Mohammed Almughanni (Palestine)
• Best Arab Feature Documentary: "The Final Scene" by Eyas Almokdad (Syria)
• Best International Short Fiction: "The First Film" by Piyush Thakur (India)
• Best International Short Documentary: "Write My Name" by Deya Ar and Begüm Aksoy (Turkey)

Each award was presented with heartfelt congratulations and recognition of the filmmakers’ contributions to the art of cinema. The ceremony also included a special guest award honoring Mr. Mohamed Al Mansour for his remarkable impact on cinema and performing arts in Kuwait.

Festival Highlights and Impact

Throughout the week, AIUKIFF 2025 featured a dynamic program of film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses led by industry experts and visionary filmmakers. The festival provided a platform for emerging talents to share their stories and connect with established professionals, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and cultures.

The festival’s commitment to nurturing creativity and innovation showed in its diverse lineup of films and events, which attracted audiences from across Kuwait and the region. AIUKIFF 2025 not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also highlighted the power of storytelling to connect cultures and inspire change.

Thanks to Partners, Sponsors, and Audience

A heartfelt thank you went out to the generous partners and sponsors whose unwavering support and commitment to the arts and innovation helped elevate the AIU Kuwait International Film Festival 2025 to new heights. The collaboration with the strategic partner Cinescape, valued sponsors like Weyay, Floward, Shasha, Ali Alghanim & Sons, and the collaborator NCCAL, proved crucial in making this celebration of cinema possible. Special thanks were reserved for Adzone Global as the media partner for amplifying the festival’s reach and engagement throughout the event

The success of AIUKIFF 2025 could not have happened without the enthusiasm and participation of the audience. Sincere thanks were extended to everyone who attended, shared their energy, and celebrated creativity. The audience’s belief in the power of storytelling and their active involvement made the festival a meaningful and unforgettable experience for all. Together, everyone inspired and connected through the art of film.

Looking Ahead

As the curtains closed on another successful edition of AIUKIFF, the festival reaffirmed its role as a beacon of artistic and cultural collaboration in Kuwait. The achievements of this year’s winners and participants set a high standard for future festivals, promising even greater innovation and impact in the years ahead. AIU remains dedicated to supporting the growth of cinema and storytelling, empowering the next generation of filmmakers to shape the future of the industry.