“Minding Shadows” Wins Best Short Documentary at the World Culture Film Festival

We’re thrilled (and honestly, still a bit stunned) to share that Minding Shadows was awarded Best Short Documentary at the World Culture Film Festival in Los Angeles, held June 26–29, 2025. Winning this award was a surprise and a deeply moving honor, especially considering that the version screened was a work-in-progress. With the final film still at least year from completion, the recognition speaks volumes about the strength and potential of the story, and it affirms its power as an engaging and impactful piece of visual storytelling.

The festival, renowned for spotlighting films that uplift, inspire, and foster global understanding, proved a fitting home for this profound story of trauma, transformation, and healing.

Minding Shadows follows the journey of a 13-year-old Rwandan genocide survivor. Consumed by grief and anger, he initially seeks vengeance. But through the unexpected tools of martial arts and mindfulness, he charts a radically different path—one of forgiveness, healing, and eventually, teaching meditation and peace-building across Europe. The film traces this powerful evolution, offering viewers a glimpse into how inner work can foster outward change.

“From the beginning of our journey with Minding Shadows we have believed in the uplifting and inspirational power of this story, and that's exactly the kind of storytelling that the World Culture Film Festival is celebrating. By being honored in their lineup, Minding Shadows joins a larger movement for media that improves our lives by enriching our awareness, our relationships, and our collective resilience. It's a drop in the ocean, and we are so proud of our contribution."

– Jenn Lindsay, Director of Minding Shadows; CEO and Head of Production at So Fare Films

This recognition places Minding Shadows among a growing wave of independent films that blend social relevance with emotional resonance, creating space for audiences to both reflect and connect. The documentary not only chronicles a personal story of survival but also contributes to a larger global conversation about post-conflict healing, cultural trauma, immigration and integration, and the surprising tools that help people move forward after loss.

With its growing momentum and award recognition, Minding Shadows continues to make a meaningful impact on audiences around the world, from Rwanda to Rome, and now Los Angeles.

As the story continues to reach new audiences through festivals and community screenings, Minding Shadows invites viewers into a journey that is both deeply personal and profoundly universal.

Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, we've made major strides, but there’s still work ahead as we bring Oliver’s story across the finish line. If you're in a position to contribute, your financial support would go a long way in helping us complete this final chapter.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

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To support Minding Shadows, please visit https://www.mindingshadows.com/.