By Count Federico Wardal

The “Courage for Freedom Film Award” goes to Mr. Ibrahim Shehata President of “The Times International, based in Egypt.

Citation: For consistently disseminating cinematic works imbued with the credo of freedom through the international newspaper The Times International. Award President: Francesco Garibaldi Hibbert. Artistic Director: Count Federico Wardal.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Mk9-D4KLybs?si=RZtfWYimijHugq-U

The Times International is more than just a newspaper; it functions as a cinematic institution, as it constantly draws international attention to films that contribute significantly to peace among nations—films aimed at benefiting humanity and celebrating the courage required to achieve freedom and independence for all peoples.
In his newspaper, Mr. Ibrahim Shehata consistently—and courageously—highlights cinematic works that, in addition to embodying the value of freedom, center on love and respect for our planet and its creatures. The Times International has published articles on all the films honored in 2025 with the “Courage for Freedom Film Award.” Here is the list:
The film Book of Death by Emily Letran, honored by Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama, with a special commendation from Pontiff Leo XIV. Award presented to Emily Letran. Citation: “For the exceptional artistic merit of a story—masterfully rendered on film—that affirms the reclamation of freedom and dignity through a struggle dedicated to survival.”
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Wo2HAc2A73M?si=6Ofyr5vajmSP0R4M
—————
The film Kamilah: The Miracle Filly by Angela Alioto. Award presented to Angela Alioto.
Citation: For creating a work of high cinematic merit based on the act of saving a life through courage and faith, with unparalleled determination.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1774175523286293?sfnsn=wa&mibextid=6AJuK9

The film Chrysalis, directed by J. Robert Schulz and starring Kiêu Chinh and Sir Daniel Winn, is based on the life story of Sir Daniel Winn. Award presented to Sir Daniel Winn. Citation: For having gifted the world a cinematic work of immeasurable value, from both an artistic and a human perspective. It is a work that teaches humanity the subjective nature of love—a force which, in this true story, triumphs over an oppressive political power through an unwavering belief in the values ​​of freedom and survival.
The film I Waited for You, directed by Jennifer Glee. Award presented to Jennifer Glee.
Citation: A film that, in just one year since its release, has garnered 30 of the most coveted cinematic awards. The “Courage for Freedom Film Award” honors this work for its artistic sophistication in exploring the intrinsic connection between life, the environment, and love—a feat achieved through tenacity and determination. https://vimeo.com/963470990

The film “Anita” receives the “USA Excellence in Cinematic Monologue Performance” award for Wardal, “Best Original Score” for Andrea Ceccomori, and “Best Cinematic Concept” for Francesco Garibaldi Hibbert. Award recipients: Francesco Garibaldi Hibbert, Andrea Ceccomori, and Federico Wardal.

Citation: For the commendable dramatic intensity generated by a perfect balance between acting, music, poetry, and thematic content—specifically in the delivery of the verses of profound significance penned by the “Hero of Two Worlds,” Giuseppe Garibaldi, following the loss of his wife, Anita—herself a heroine alongside him in the struggle for the independence of nations.
https://youtu.be/VMBSioZf-U?si=maOEmHx3vJH5uWKV

The 7 special awards of the “Courage for Freedom Film Award”—designated as the “Courage for Freedom Award Special”—are presented to:
1. Michael Poryes, for Hannah Montana, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, with the following citation: For the immense positive impact provided by Hannah Montana in a world insatiable for fame—demonstrating that the thirst for fame, in and of itself, stifles all personal values ​​and growth within an individual; and that, conversely, it is precisely the cultivation of one’s own values ​​and personal growth that constitutes the greatest achievement—and the truest form of fame—that any individual can attain, both for themselves and in their relationship with others.

2 Elena Panarella, journalist for Il Messaggero di Roma, cited for the following reasons: for having delved deep into the fabric of society to bring to light a revitalized multi-ethnic culture—yielding indiscriminate benefit for all of humanity—and for having consistently promoted and disseminated cinematic works grounded in this achievement.
3 Victoria Wilder, daughter of one of the world’s foremost cinematic figures, Billy Wilder, for preserving the most legendary and rare artifacts of the work of a man—a true Master—like Billy Wilder, who immortalized the very essence of cinema while powerfully revealing the human aspect hidden beneath the masks and the myth.
4 Enrico Bernard, a screenwriter and writer of rare stature—and son of Carlo Bernari, founder of the Italian Neorealism movement—for employing distinct artistic skill to bring to the surface an authenticity that has otherwise been submerged and devalued within a world of mass-market culture.
5 Adriano Aragozzini, the legendary “Pygmalion” of Italian song on the global stage, for having championed the art of singing as the “voice of the heart and of freedom,” thereby helping the world to reclaim it in this spirit.
6 Ibrahim Shehata, President of the prestigious The Times International, for consistently disseminating cinematic works imbued with a belief in freedom.
7 Moe Rock, founder of the prestigious newspaper LA Tribune and the LA Tribune International Film Festival, for working globally through the media to support civil causes—with a particular emphasis on the cinematic medium—that are deeply intertwined with the values ​​of justice, freedom, and growth.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Mk9-D4KLybs