Short Film of the Year Awards 2025 – Final Results Announced
The Short Film Awards 2025, presented by PaddleOut and Kayak Session, was full of amazing entries! What stands out this year is the depth and range of the entries. The overall quality made judging especially demanding, a clear sign of how high the bar has been set. Beyond the action, more films are leaning into strong narratives and purposeful themes, using paddlesports as a lens to explore culture, environment, and human connection. And while we still get as excited about action-packed videos, that balance between kayak porn and meaning is what gives the awards their relevance today. As the event moves forward, it is encouraging to see filmmakers using their craft not only to entertain, but to inform, challenge, and inspire audiences in 2026.
1st place: Against the Current – Ashish Jatiani ($750 Prize)
This film follows a dedicated 14-year-old boy as he strives to reach new heights in kayaking while balancing his day-to-day responsibilities. It explores the sacrifices and challenges he and his family have faced along the way. Congrats, Ashish!
Tied 2nd place: Team HAM & A Voice from Sesia ($500 Prize equally split)
3rd place: Power of the Stikine – Zane Gardner ($250 Prize)
4th place: JermXStakeout – Jeremy Nash
5th place: A Trip To The USA – Felix Lalonde
6th place: What Does It Take – Emile Lalonde
7th place: Nordic Flow – Daniel Rudolph
8th place: A Dying Breed – Jack Rawding
9th place: Zamsteezy – Benny Convery
Special Prize: Railroaded: Rebuilding in the Nolichucky Gorge – Trey Moore
This film tells the story of a river and the community that refused to give up. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, residents, guides, and volunteers along the Nolichucky came together to restore their river, rebuild livelihoods, and protect the place they love. Through stunning footage and powerful interviews, this short documentary captures resilience, recovery, and the enduring spirit of the Nolichucky Gorge.
The four prize winners will be contacted by email to receive their prizes.
The top 10 was selected by the Editorial Team at Kayak Session. Short films were judged on number of views, cinematography, editing, image quality, storytelling, creativity, and, of course, kayak performance.
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