Once A Year

Once a Year, directed by Caleb Keyte and Mertcan Omer Damoglu, is an emotionally rich and technically daring short film that unfolds entirely in one shot. Winner of an Honourable Mention, the film captures the passage of time, the fragility of memory, and the bittersweet cycle of family traditions with breathtaking simplicity and grace.

The story follows Raymond, whose parents lovingly celebrate his birthday every year, creating moments that define his childhood. As he grows older, he drifts away, choosing friends over family, a decision that echoes with regret once his parents pass away. Years later, now an adult with his own wife and child, Raymond’s birthday celebration becomes an act of reflection and redemption. Through this circle of life, Once a Year tenderly explores how love and memory persist across generations.

What makes the film extraordinary is its single shot structure. Keyte and Damoglu create a seamless, hypnotic experience where time feels fluid. This shot has purpose, mirroring the same moment across multiple years, guiding the audience through a lifetime’s worth of change in a matter of minutes.

The performances are understated and heartfelt, grounding the film in emotional truth. The cinematography and lighting evolve subtly, reflecting the shifts in mood and memory without overt exposition. The sound design further deepens this sense of intimacy and loss.

Once a Year is not just a technical accomplishment but a deeply human story about love, time, and family. Keyte and Damoglu’s ability to evoke such emotional power with the camera is a single place that is nothing short of masterful, a fitting and deserving recipient of its Honourable Mention.