Diya
Jury Statement
This was an excellent selection in the spirit of the Ted Pedas Award, and for the Jury represented a difficult decision upon examination of the various aspects intervening in a film.
After a lengthy deliberation considering the many merits of each of the films the Jury concluded Diya was the closest to fulfilling the mission of the Ted Pedas Award.
The story takes place in an authentic, challenging and unfamiliar environment. The viewer is enlightened and affected emotionally at the same time. The plot sustains its layering depth until the end.
We hope all the films selected in this category will succeed in finding a broader exposure.
Margaret Parsons, Phylis Geller, and Felix Angel
Washington DC - April 26, 2026