Counterfeit Kids Continues International Festival Run with Multiple Awards and Selections
The independent short film Counterfeit Kids has continued to build momentum on the international festival circuit, earning awards, official selections, and showcase invitations across several film festivals in 2026.
Among the film’s most notable achievements is a win at the Tokyo Indie Shorts Fest, where the project received the award for Best First Time Short Filmmaker. The recognition highlights the film’s growing impact among emerging independent productions.
The film also secured an award at the Berlin Indie Film Festival, earning recognition in the Best First Time Director – Short Film category. The honor further strengthens the project’s presence within the international independent film community.
In the United States, Counterfeit Kids was officially selected by the Los Angeles Short Film Festival, where festival organizers invited the production team to submit screening materials ahead of the event. The film was also named an Official Selection at the New Jersey International Film Festival, where it was chosen for public screenings as part of the festival’s 2026 program.
Adding to its list of achievements, Counterfeit Kids was selected as a Semifinalist at the Cannes Indie Shorts Awards and invited to participate in the Cannes New Waves Showcase, an online event featuring selected films from around the world.
Written and directed by James Sclafani, Counterfeit Kids has steadily gained recognition through its festival appearances and industry exposure. The film’s success across festivals in Asia, Europe, and North America reflects its growing appeal among programmers, juries, and audiences alike.
With two festival awards, multiple official selections, and recognition from the Cannes Indie Shorts Awards, Counterfeit Kids continues to establish itself as one of the independent short films to watch on the 2026 festival circuit.
