The awards ceremony Saturday night at the 2025 Cambria Film Festival was intense and inspiring, with filmmakers, staff, volunteers, judges, and sponsors in attendance.

The Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre was at standing-room only capacity, with an attentive and lively audience. Co-directors Lilliana Montero-Plummer and Jeff Plummer gave heartfelt, mindful, and at times teary-eyed thanks and lauds to everyone, including the audience, which they noted as the bedrock of any film-creating endeavors. The awards reception and presentation were sponsored by James and Elaine Levin Anderson, with support from Parr Collective at Stolo Vineyards and Robin’s Restaurant.

Here are the winners:

All of the winning films are included in the festival’s Virtual Pass, which is available for $45 to screen online through February 16. Tickets to individual programs can be purchased for $15.

By Thomas Patchell

Thomas Patchell is chair of the Cuesta College English Division in San Luis Obispo, California.