Looking back at 2025, we would like to share the journey of “IUS of Time”, a short film by Roberto F. Canuto and Xu Xiaoxi that premiered in April, and to express our gratitude for the support received from the international film community. You can consult the complete film page on our website.
Following its world premiereat the XI CortoGijón Film Festivaland its international premiere at the 27th OUTshine International Film Festival (United States), the film has enjoyed an extensive run on the international festival circuit, with nearly 50 selections and 5 awards. Throughout this journey, “IUS of Time” has connected with very diverse audiences, receiving a level of recognition that has exceeded our initial expectations.
A journey through national and international film festivals
This international presence has resulted in broad participation in film festivals around the world, spanning Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The short film has been selected both at showcases dedicated to independent cinema and at festivals focused on LGBTQ+ narratives, consolidating its position within a diverse and multicultural circuit. Full details of the international festival journey of “IUS of Time” can also be found on IMDb.
Among the festivals that have screened the film are the 53rd Huesca International Film Festival (Spain, Academy Awards and Goya Awards qualifying festival), the 43rd Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival (United States), the 34th Festival de Cine de Madrid FCM-PNR (Spain, Goya Awards qualifying festival), the 31st Chéries-Chéris – Festival du film LGBTQIA & +++ de Paris (France), the 63rd FICX – Gijon International Film Festival (Spain), and the 27th OUTshine International Film Festival (United States), among many others.
The international festival journey and strategy of the short film have been supported by Selected Films Distribution, responsible for its distribution. Their guidance and in-depth knowledge of both national and international circuits have been key to the film’s reach and visibility.
Awards and recognitions
During 2025, “IUS of Time” received five international awards and recognitions, including:
- Director’s Choice Award at the 45th Thomas Edison Film Festival (TEFF), United States.
- Audience Award Asturias at the 24th Avilés Acción Film Festival, Spain.
- Third Audience Award (LQCW × CathayPlay) at the 24th Beijing Queer Film Festival, China.
- Honorable Mention at the 1st Goitacá International Film Festival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Best Cinematography at the 3rd Rural and Mountain Film Festival of Cervera de Pisuerga, Spain.
The complete list of festival selections and awards can be consulted in the official festival journey PDF.
Dialogue with audiences
Beyond selections and awards, the most valuable aspect of this journey has been the direct encounter with audiences. Screenings of “IUS of Time” have sparked deep conversations and emotional responses, with encounters in cities such as Paris, Beijing, and Madrid, reaffirming our belief in the potential of the short film as a form of communication capable of crossing borders, cultures, and lived experiences.
Looking ahead
Looking toward the coming year, our goal is to continue expanding the international journey of “IUS of Time”, exploring new festivals — with several upcoming selections already confirmed — as well as new cities and exhibition spaces. We aim to keep creating opportunities for the film to be seen, discussed, and shared, while remaining open to new collaborations and creative projects that may emerge from this experience.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the entire artistic and technical team, whose commitment, talent, and dedication made this project possible. We are equally grateful to festival programmers, festival teams, and, above all, to the audiences who have accompanied and supported “IUS of Time” throughout its journey.
The year 2025 marks a fundamental chapter in the life of the film, and we look toward the future with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead.
