As we celebrated the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, this year’s winners reflected on both the fragility of freedom and the resilience of the human spirit. They took us across the globe — to Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sweden, Poland, Uganda, Russia, and even the Western White House— where individuals confront oppression, corruption, censorship, and social upheaval in deeply personal ways.

• “Defending Debate” examined the growing importance of free speech, civil discourse, and intellectual openness in an increasingly polarized culture
• “Cuba’s Eternal Night” “Scam Slave,” and “The Art of Inflation” offered heartbreaking portraits of suffering under broken systems.
• “La Petite Mortimer” and “Kebab: The Dish of the Poles” brought warmth, humor, and humanity back into the conversation while demonstrating the power of collaboration in the free market.
• “American Dream,” an Iranian homage to La La Land, followed a young woman’s dream of how her visa to America will transform her future, while “Frame” showed us how a single photograph inspired a nation.
• “Watergate Secrets and Betrayals,” and “An Inconvenient Study,” challenged accepted narratives and invited audiences into deeper inquiry.

As always, our screenings were followed by thoughtful conversations and engaging panels exploring the ideas behind the films — from innovation and censorship to free markets, courage, culture, and the future of liberty itself.

This was one of the strongest and most meaningful Anthem Film Festivals we have ever presented.

We’ll see you at the movies next year, July 21-24, Caesars Forum Conference Center Las Vegas.