Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet walked away with the top honor of Best Narrative Feature at the 2025 Twin Cities Film Fest. The film starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley reimagines the life and loss that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, exploring love, grief, and artistic legacy through an intimate, poetic lens.
The award for Best Documentary went to We Are Pyramids, directed by Dr. Tracine Asberry, a powerful documentary that follows three Black American teenagers on a transformative journey to Egypt to explore the legacy of their ancestral roots.
The Bill Cooper Best Minnesota Feature Award went to Silly Little Wounds, directed by Vanessa M. H. Powers. The story follows six former theater students gather in their hometown for a funeral.
“In celebrating our Sweet 16, I’m reminded of how vital it is to bring our visual arts community together and celebrate the independent spirit that defines us,” said TCFF Executive Director Jatin Setia. “With two vibrant venues and thousands of filmgoers, we welcomed both local and visiting filmmakers whose independent voices and storytelling continue to inspire and connect audiences. The diversity, creativity, and sense of community shared throughout the festival — from heartfelt discussions to spontaneous moments of joy — truly reinforce our purpose and our ‘why.’”
The 2025 Audience Awards went to She Dances directed by Rick Gomez for Best Narrative; Searching for the Light directed by Andrés A. Parra for Best Documentary; and Sunburst directed by Reid Cole for Best Short.
In other awards, director Eric Lin received the Indie Vision — Directing trophy for his direction of Rosemead, starring Lucy Liu; and actor Jacob Tremblay was also awarded the Indie Vision – Breakthrough Performance award for Sovereign, directed by Christian Swegal.
Below is the complete list of 2025 award winners.
2025 Twin Cities Film Fest Award Winners
Best Feature Film: Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao
The Robert Byrd Best Documentary Award: We Are Pyramids, directed by Dr. Tracine Asberry
The Bill Cooper Best Minnesota Feature Award: Silly Little Wounds, directed by Vanessa M. H. Powers
Best Short Films (Tie): Detlev, directed by Ferdinand Ehrhardt
Audience Award, Feature: She Dances, directed by Rick Gomez (Runner Up: Rental Family, directed by Hikari)
Audience Award, Documentary: Searching for the Light, directed by Andrés A. Parra (Runner Up: Outer Edge, directed by Adam Zuehlke)
Audience Award, Short Film: Sunburst, directed by Reid Cole
Indie Vision — Directing: Eric Lin, director of Rosemead
Indie Vision – Breakthrough Performance: Jacob Tremblay in Sovereign
Indie Vision – Best Ensemble Cast: Lost & Found In Cleveland
Fun Is Good Bill Murray Comedic Shorts Award: What’s The Deal With Birds?, directed by Taylor Bakken
Changemaker Awards: Christy Shannon (CornerHouse), Amirthini Keefe (Domestic Abuse Project) and Jillian D. Nodland (The Seventh Turn).
MN Webfest; Best Short-Form Series – PAPER CUTS
MN Webfest; Best Series Pilot – DANA + CHAR
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