Passport, a SPi production, wins Best Narrative Short at the Denver Indie Film Festival

The short film PASSPORT, produced by SPi, has been awarded Best Narrative Short at the 7th edition of the Denver Indie Film Festival this February. The U.S. based festival is recognized for championing independent cinema from around the world, spotlighting projects distinguished by strong authorial vision and creative identity.

Directed by Tiago Pimentel and written by Lia Fietz, PASSPORT follows Ana, a young Portuguese woman whose arrival in the United States takes an unexpected turn when a routine detention for questioning gradually unfolds into a silent and oppressive trial. With a tense and contemporary lens, the film explores themes of individual freedom, morality, and institutional power reflecting the fractures and anxieties shaping today’s global landscape.

Beyond its win in Denver, PASSPORT has continued to build momentum across the international festival circuit. The film was selected for the Madrid Film Awards (MADFA®), received an Honorable Mention at the Hollywood ShortsFest, and was included in the official selection of the Tokyo Indie Shorts Fest, further cementing its presence within the global independent film arena.

This latest recognition underscores the artistic strength and creative excellence of the teams involved, while reinforcing SPi’s growing international footprint and the global projection of Portuguese audiovisual production.

The award marks another significant milestone in the continued rise of portuguese cinema on the world stage at a time when the industry is more competitive and demanding than ever.