KM Film Academy

GRATITUDE AWARD – Honouring Our Cinematic Pillars

With deep respect and admiration, we presented the Gratitude Award to valued cinama artists who have shaped our film industry with dedication, sacrifice, and timeless artistry.
Your contribution is not just cinema… it is history.
We stand on the foundation you built.

Thank you for inspiring generations.

WINNERS...

MOST POPULAR CATEGORY WINNERS

KM Film Academy – 5th Batch Short Film Festival & Gratitude Awards 2026

Celebrating the voices loved and chosen by the audience, we proudly present the winners of the Most Popular Category.

Your work touched hearts and earned the admiration of viewers.

Most Popular Short Film – Lokoththara
by Chamini Chathurangi

Most Popular Actor – Praveen Shaminda
for Kiribathui Watalappanui

Most Popular Actress – Nithini Alora
for Kiribathui Watalappanui

Special Appreciation Certificate – Gayan Harshana
For his outstanding dedication and selfless contribution to post-production, through the complete editing of 06 short films presented at the Short Film Festival & Gratitude Awards 2026.

This recognition reflects the true love and support of the audience.
KM Film Academy proudly celebrates your achievement and wishes you continued success in cinema.

Congratulations to all winners!
KM Film Academy

OFFICIAL WINNERS
KM Film Academy – 5th Batch Short Film Festival & Gratitude Awards 2026

With pride and honour, we present the official winners selected by our Honourable Jury Panel. Congratulations to all the talented filmmakers and artists whose passion and creativity made this festival truly outstanding.

Best Short Film – Silence Before The Decision
by Ushan Perera

Best Director – Kaushalaya Wijerathna
for Liminal Desire

Best Screenplay – Lasindu Rukshan
for 09.00 PM

Best Production – Lokoththara
by Chamini Chathurangi

Best Actor – Sameera Lakshan
for Liminal Desire

Best Actress – Nithini Alora
for Kiribathui Watalappanui

Best Cinematography – Ushan Perera
for Silence Before The Decision

Best Editor – Naveen Nethmina
for Montage Videos

Jury Special Award – Dumidu Asanka
for Kiribathui Watalappanui
(Outstanding Production, Concept, Screenplay, Cinematography & Direction)

Your dedication and cinematic vision continue to inspire the future of filmmaking.
KM Film Academy proudly celebrates your achievement and wishes you greater success ahead.
Congratulations to all winners and participants!

KM Film Academy

KM FILM ACADEMY proudly extends its heartfelt appreciation to our Honourable Jury Board for their invaluable contribution to the 5th Batch Short Film Festival & Gratitude Awards 2026.

Despite their demanding schedules, these three distinguished artists dedicated their time, knowledge, and professional insight within a very short period, ensuring the festival maintained the highest artistic and technical standards.

Jury Head – Film Director Mr. Nalaka Withanage

Jury Member – Film Actress Harshika Rathnayaka

Jury Member – Cinematographer Majith S. Uyangoda

Together, this exceptional and well-balanced jury panel represented the complete spectrum of cinema, covering performance, direction, and visual storytelling. Their expert evaluation determined the winners in the following categories:

* Best Film
* Best Director
* Best Cinematography
* Best Screenplay
* Best Editor
* Best Production
* Best Actor
* Best Actress
* Special Jury Award

Your guidance, fairness, and artistic vision brought great value and credibility to this celebration of emerging filmmakers.
Thank you for being the strength behind our festival.

KM Film Academy

Official Posters....
06 Short Films

13th Feb 2026.....

Coming Soon...............
Directed by Ushan Perera

Coming Soon...............
Directed by Lasindu Rukshan

Coming Soon...............
Directed by Naveen Nethmina

Coming Soon...............
Directed by Kaushalya Wijerathna

Coming Soon...............
Directed by Dumidu Asanka