In "Pantyhose," the torn garment becomes a catalyst that surfaces tensions in the relationship between characters Matti and Jonna. Munsterhjelm said the idea for the film was inspired by a personal experience.

Munsterhjelm approached Samppa Batal to co-write the film and act the role of Matti, as well as prominent Finnish actor Satu Tuuli Karhu, who played Jonna.

"We thought we were going to make a screwball comedy," Munsterhjelm said, adding that he and Batal realized they were creating a drama as they dove deeper into the writing process.

"I think in a drama there should always be some comedy -- and in comedy there should always be more serious moments -- because then it feels like a roller coaster ride," he said.

After handing Munsterhjelm the top award, Bessho said, "This is the very definition of what a short film is all about. It is a work of depth with which we can all relate."

Munsterhjelm said the win was meaningful for originating from such a personal story, thanking his girlfriend as the biggest reason the film existed.

In contrast to the short film format, "In feature films it feels like there are a lot of rules... how you tell a story, how long it is," Munsterhjelm said.

"But in short films, anything is possible."