We’re excited to announce that Nonfiction, the latest horror short directed by Justin Albertini, has received an Honorable Mention for the Best Sam Raimi Award at the Absurd Film Festival in Cinisello Balsamo, Italy. This unique honor celebrates films that channel the spirit of Sam Raimi’s influential style — blending inventive camera work, unsettling tension, and darkly comedic horror. Being recognized in this category is a testament to Nonfiction’s visceral energy and genre-savvy execution.

The Absurd Film Festival is known for spotlighting boundary-pushing, surreal, and unconventional cinema from around the globe. To be acknowledged among such bold and visionary storytellers is a meaningful milestone for our team. Nonfiction’s unsettling narrative and stylized visual language struck a chord with the jury, who praised its atmosphere and the director’s fearless approach to horror filmmaking.

As Nonfiction continues its festival run, we remain grateful for the international recognition and support. This honor affirms our mission to tell genre stories that are both haunting and personal — and that challenge audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths lurking beneath the surface. Stay tuned for more updates as Nonfiction reaches new screens around the world.

The Best Sam Raimi Award – Film Style is given to works that embrace a daring, often unorthodox cinematic voice, reminiscent of Raimi’s dynamic visual language and cult legacy. The top honor in this category went to Inascoltabile by Giovanni Salomi of Italy, a film praised for its raw inventiveness and frenetic pacing. Albertini’s Nonfiction earned its Honorable Mention by capturing similar qualities through its experimental narrative, offbeat humor, and intense, stylized direction, solidifying its place as a standout entry from the United States.

Nonfiction is produced by Chalkface Productions and continues its festival run throughout 2025.