The Shorts EFA nomination and Rebels with A Cause winners were announced Friday, November 21.

The recipient of the Lotte Reiniger Lifetime Achievement Award was announced as well, at the 29th Black Nights Film Festival's Closing Ceremony.

Vera Neubauer at the 29th PÖFF Closing Ceremony. Photo: Erlend Štaub.

The award went to Czech-born British experimental filmmaker and animator Vera Neubauer, who was presented with the award — Heino Pars' "Nail" — by member of the European Animation Awards Kerdi Oengo, and Priit Pärn, the Estonian animation director and winner of the 2024 award.

For the European Film Award Best Short Film - Prix Vimeo, the PÖFF Shorts jury consisting of 9 international members, put forward Kiana Naghshineh's With Tapes and Toasts in the Car.

Kiana Naghshineh's With Tapes and Toasts in the Car (France, Germany, 2025).

Finnish director Päivi Hirsiaho's Pay Day was hailed as the best short film in the Rebels with a Cause competition. "This wonderful short film entered and impacted all three of us through its pure beauty, form, and content. The film is about many things, and also simply about a singular experience, told in a mesmerizing way," the jury concluded.

Päivi Hirsiaho Pay Day (Finland, 2025).

The 10th PÖFF Shorts will take place in November 2026.