Announced on June 4, Short Film Day: SSFF & ASIA 2026 Global Spotlight Award Goes to 'The Baddest Speechwriter of All'

Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2026, an Academy Award®-qualifying festival and one of Asia's largest international short film festivals, announced today, June 4, Short Film Day, that the 6th Global Spotlight Award will be awarded to 'The Baddest Speechwriter of All'. This is a fact-based documentary co-directed by NBA legend Stephen Curry and Oscar-winning director Ben Proudfoot. It delves behind the scenes of the American civil rights movement through the story of Clarence B. Jones, who served as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s lawyer and speechwriter and helped draft the first seven paragraphs of the historic 'I Have a Dream' speech.

URL: https://www.shortshorts.org/2026/news-reports/gsa2026winner/

This award honors globally active film directors, actors, and artists who use the medium of short film to shed light on important contemporary social issues, new technologies, and creative possibilities.

The finalists included five outstanding works deserving of the 'global spotlight': a lost episode of 'Kill Bill' by the genius Quentin Tarantino, which surprised the world by being released within the popular online game 'Fortnite'; the latest film by Sean Baker, who swept five major categories including Best Picture and Best Director at the 2025 Academy Awards, teaming up with Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh; an omnibus horror film starring Onew from the beloved K-Pop group SHINee, which caused a sensation in South Korea; and a story by the singular talent Charlie Kaufman of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', beautifully sublimating his unique view of life and death.

Upon hearing the news of the award, director Ben Proudfoot shared a message of joy:

"We are deeply grateful to the festival for bestowing the Global Spotlight Award upon us. Thank you so much. We are truly honored by this wonderful recognition.

I was also thrilled to learn that Japan has a 'Short Film Day' on June 4th.

Japan is a truly wonderful country, and I have been inspired by many great Japanese films over the years. Once again, thank you for this award.

To all the young filmmakers watching this, please continue to tell your own stories through the format of short documentaries.

I am very much looking forward to the day later this year when 'The Baddest Speechwriter of All' reaches audiences around the world on Netflix. Thank you very much."

https://youtu.be/wiok2S2zX9s

<SSFF & ASIA 2026 GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AWARD WINNER>

'The Baddest Speechwriter of All'

Directors: Stephen Curry, Ben Proudfoot / 29:00 / 2026 / Documentary / U.S.A.

A person who was Martin Luther King Jr.'s counsel and speechwriter speaks about his sacrifices and new discoveries during the civil rights movement. A work that unveils the behind-the-scenes of a historic era from a personal perspective.

*This film is scheduled to be released on Netflix later this year.

<SSFF & ASIA 2026 GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AWARD FINALISTS>

● 'How to Shoot a Ghost'

Director: Charlie Kaufman / 27:36 / Drama / 2026 / USA

Two young people who have recently died meet in Athens, a city pulsating with the energy of a vibrant metropolis and the ghosts of history. One is a translator, the other a photographer. Isolated from society in life, they continue to confront unfulfilled wishes and traces of their mistakes even after death. As they wander the city, they find small solace in the harsh yet beautiful nature of existence and its lingering echoes.

● 'Yuki’s Revenge'

Director: Quentin Tarantino / 10:00 / 2025 / Animation / U.S.A.

The genius Quentin Tarantino had a concept for a 'lost chapter' of 'Kill Bill' that never made it to the screen. This is the episode known as 'Yuki’s Revenge'.

● '4:44: Time of Fear'

Director: Jong-gyun Park / 43:58 / 2024 / Horror / South Korea

An omnibus horror film based on the theme of strange phenomena occurring at 4:44 AM. It became a hot topic when it was released as an OTT series of 8 episodes, each 4 minutes and 4 seconds long, and was later compiled into a 44-minute film for theatrical release.

● 'Sandiwara'

Director: Sean Baker / 10:51 / 2026 / Comedy, Drama / U.S.A., Malaysia

Michelle Yeoh delivers a transformative, stunning performance set against the vibrant streets of Penang. In collaboration with Academy Award-winning director Sean Baker, this film boldly and immersively celebrates womanhood, cultural identity, food culture, and the spirit of independent cinema.

<PAST SSFF & ASIA GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AWARD WINNERS>

• 'Two Distant Strangers' (2020, USA) by Travon Free – Academy Award® winner (2021)

• 'Roborovski' (2022, Australia) by Tilda Cobham-Hervey & Dev Patel (Hotel Mumbai)

• 'Trap by Seo In Guk' (2023, South Korea) by Seo In Guk

• 'Stray Kids ＜樂-STAR＞ SKZFLIX' (2024, South Korea) by BYEONGJUNE KIM

• 'Marion' (2025, UK), produced by Cate Blanchett and directed by Joe Weiland & Finn Constantine

[Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2026 Overview]

Event Period:

Monday, May 25 - Opening Ceremony

Tuesday, May 26 - Tuesday, June 9 - Tokyo Venue

Wednesday, June 10 - Awa