A film shaped with care, craft, and quiet dedication.
We are honoured to present the award for Best Documentary Short to The Quiet Art.
Please, a huge round of applause.
Following Austin Barrette — a surfer who left California for Georgia and discovered a passion for hand-shaping custom surfboards — The Quiet Art is a portrait of craftsmanship in its purest form.
Working with traditional tools and techniques, Austin rejects mass production in favour of something deeply personal. Each board becomes a reflection not just of skill, but of connection — to the craft, to the customer, and to a slower, more intentional way of living.
The film takes us inside this meticulous process, revealing how shaping has transformed his life, offering purpose, balance, and meaning.
But beyond the workshop, The Quiet Art speaks to something larger — the preservation of a disappearing practice. For Austin, shaping is not just a skill, but a legacy. A way of working — and living — that he hopes will continue beyond him.
In a category defined by bold storytelling and urgent perspectives, this film stands out for its restraint, sensitivity, and depth of observation.
It reminds us that meaning does not always need to shout. Sometimes, it is built — slowly, carefully, by hand.
A thoughtful, precise, and deeply affecting documentary.
Congratulations to Johnny Phillips and Ross Wilcox, and to the entire team behind The Quiet Art.
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And our deepest plaudits to the outstanding nominees in this category:
This Werewolf Complex
Everywhere
Merci Dix
MAMARUMI – A Chase of Liberty
W: A Return to Oz
Roots of Renewal
A remarkable collection of films — each one offering a unique perspective, a distinct voice, and a powerful contribution to the documentary form.
A true celebration of storytelling.
