Festivals and Awards Journey of The Ones Who Didn’t Fly Away

From a heartfelt story about emigration and love, The Ones Who Didn’t Fly Away has transcended borders, resonating with audiences across the globe. Since its premiere, the medium-length drama has embarked on a remarkable journey through some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, earning nominations, awards, and even a Guinness World Record.

A Story That Travels Beyond Borders.

A compelling blend of drama, social commentary, and romance, The Ones Who Didn’t Fly Away explores the emotional weight of emigration, an ever-relevant theme that touches lives universally. The film’s powerful narrative and cinematic vision have found a special place in international film circuits.

The First Flight – Prisma Awards, Rome.

The film’s festival journey began in Rome, Italy, where it was officially selected for the Prisma Awards in the International Short Films category. This marked the first step in its growing recognition on the global stage.

Toronto Nominations – Alternative Film Festival.

Soon after, the film gained momentum in North America with two nominations at the Alternative Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, competing in the categories of Best Long Short Film and Best Writer.

European Short Awards, London.

At the European Short Awards in London, The Ones Who Didn’t Fly Away achieved an impressive feat nominated in all the festival’s categories, reflecting its strength in both storytelling and craftsmanship.

Monza Film Fest – Honorable Mention.

The journey continued with an Honorable Mention award at Monza Film Fest in Monza, Italy, solidifying its reputation as a powerful voice in social drama.

Chandler International Film Festival – Guinness World Record.

One of the film’s most significant milestones came at the Chandler International Film Festival (Arizona, USA), where it was ranked among the Top 6 Best International Short Films from a vast selection of global contenders.

A unique trivia moment emerged during this festival:

The official poster of The Ones Who Didn’t Fly Away became part of the Guinness World Record for being featured in the largest film poster display ever, on February 2, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona.

West Lothian Film Festival – Special International Award of Merit.

Most recently, the film earned the Special International Award of Merit at the West Lothian Film Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland—further proving its lasting impact.

From Festivals to Streaming.

After its acclaimed festival journey, The Ones Who Didn’t Fly Away is now reaching wider audiences through major streaming platforms, including: Amazon Prime Video, Fawesome, Cpics, Reelshort.

From Rome to Toronto, London to Arizona, The Ones Who Didn’t Fly Away has not only earned critical acclaim but has also become a testament to the power of cinema in telling human stories that resonate universally.