Bridging Borders Award
€2000 cash prize

At Cinema Without Borders Foundation, we are proud to announce a new partnership with Spain’s esteemed Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF) to present our Bridging The Borders Award—a distinguished honor celebrating global cinema that builds bridges across cultures, geographies, and communities. Since its inception fourteen years ago, the Bridging The Borders Award has been a symbol of international solidarity and cinematic diplomacy, offered at both local and global film festivals.

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“The idea behind the award has been to connect people across the globe through the power of film,” said Bijan Tehrani, Editor-in-Chief of Cinema Without Borders. “Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival is a great match for the Bridging The Borders Award, as it shares the same values and vision.”

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For the first time, this special award will be presented at the 14th edition of EMIFF in October 2025. The winner will receive a €2000 cash prize, and the award will be judged by a combined jury of members selected by Cinema Without Borders and the Mallorca Film Festival.

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Over the years, the Bridging The Borders Award has honored an inspiring roster of international filmmakers—many of whom have gone on to receive Academy Award nominations—making it one of the most respected prizes for films that bring the world closer together through storytelling. From powerful human rights narratives to deeply personal cultural portraits, past recipients have exemplified cinema’s unique ability to foster empathy, dialogue, and change.

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“Year after year, filmmakers from around the globe capture stories rooted in justice, human rights, and shared empathy,” said Keely Badger, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of 360 MEDIA Consulting. “The Bridging The Borders Award celebrates cinema that inspires solidarity through the universality of the human experience—and this partnership marks a powerful step toward a more inclusive, connected future.”

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Sandra Lipski, Founder and Director of Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, believes that: “At the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, the Bridging The Borders Award stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to Bridging Cultures – Bridging People through the art of cinema. By offering this award, we provide up-and-coming filmmakers with a vital platform to present their work and inspire future projects, nurturing the next generation of storytellers. Our partnership in presenting this award solidifies our shared goal of broadening our reach, audience, and impact within the international film scene, uniting creative voices from around the world.”

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We’ve been humbled by the support and praise of legendary filmmakers such as the late Andrzej Wajda, Ari Folman, Asghar Farhadi, Klaus Härö, and many other Bridging The Borders Award winners, whose words continue to inspire our commitment to socially conscious cinema.

 

We invite you to learn more at cinemawithoutborders.com (English) and cinemabm.com (Farsi).

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Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival – In 2025, the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF) celebrates its 14th edition, continuing its mission of “Bridging Cultures – Bridging People” through the power of international cinema. Set against the stunning Mediterranean backdrop of Palma de Mallorca, EMIFF has become a vibrant platform for new talent, championing diversity and innovation in film. The festival’s program features over 150 projects, including international features, debut films, documentaries, and a short film section dedicated to emerging filmmakers.

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EMIFF is renowned for its dynamic industry section, hosting the Producers Club, professional panels, masterclasses, and networking events that connect up-and-coming filmmakers with established industry professionals. This unique blend of creative programming and professional opportunities, all within the breathtaking setting of Mallorca, solidifies EMIFF as a leading destination for filmmakers and film lovers seeking inspiration, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

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The Cinema Without Borders Foundation - dedicated to the promotion and introduction of international, independent, and social justice cinema in the US, as well as, globally. We are a meeting place of independent cinema. Based in Los Angeles, Cinema Without Borders puts the spotlight on rising talent around the world to achieve its mission, which is to serve and strengthen communities of filmmakers and film students across real and virtual borders.

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Bridging the Borders Award – At a time when physical, religious, racial, cultural, and economic borders divide the population of our planet, efforts to bridge those borders should be appreciated. In that spirit, Cinema Without Borders presents Bridging the Borders Award,  to the films that are most successful in bridging and connecting the people of our world closer together.