Mazda is proud to partner with Tribeca Festival to launch Moving the Spotlight—a one-night-only screening and awards ceremony celebrating the most moving short films from emerging, underrepresented filmmakers.

Moving the Spotlight aims to shift recognition to powerful, distinctive voices that deserve a once-in-a-lifetime shot at Tribeca. Featuring films of any format or style from independent filmmakers with no formal studio backing, the most important criteria is that the films have the power to move the viewer toward change.

Only seven filmmakers have been selected to premiere their films at the inaugural Moving the Spotlight ceremony. And just three will win one of the following awards:

Exceptional Craftsmanship: Recognizing a director or directors whose work demonstrates a profound sense of humanity, artistry and attention to detail.

Most Moving Narrative: Recognizing radically human screenwriting with the power to create change.

Challenger Spirit: Recognizing overall excellence in filmmaking, created through perseverance and resilience.

Moving the Spotlight debuts at the 2024 Tribeca Festival in NYC on June 12th.

The featured filmmakers and their films are:

Bloomed in the Water - Written and Directed by Joanne Mony Park

Deep into the Forest - Directed by Xinhao “Violet” Lu, Written by Xinhao “Violet” Lu and April Peng

Keba, Interrupted - Written and Directed by Meja Shoba

Leading Man - Directed by Whitney Houser and Amanda Michaels, Written by Whitney Houser

Satomi - Written and Directed by Rayner Wang 

Stud Country - Directed by Lina Abascal and Alexandra Kern

When Everything Burns - Written and Directed by Maria Belen Poncio