Ukrainian Film Triumphs at International Festival
The documentary film «Cuba&Alaska» from Ukraine claimed the top prize in the «Best Documentary Film» category at the Rome Film Festival (Festa del Cinema di Roma).
This recognition is a significant milestone, as the festival has, for the first time in twenty years, established a separate award for documentary cinema. The Ukrainian film is the first to receive this honor.
«Every presentation of Ukrainian cinema abroad amplifies Ukraine's voice on the international stage. It provides an opportunity to convey the truth about the war against Russia, about the strength and resilience of Ukrainians. The triumph of «Cuba&Alaska» in Rome is a testament to the professionalism and quality of Ukrainian filmmaking”, – remarked Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Minister of Culture of Ukraine, Tetiana Berezhna.
The jury, composed of Romanian director, cinematographer, and producer Alexandru Nanau, director and screenwriter Santiago Maza, and producer Nadia Trevisan, announced their verdict during the awards ceremony on October 25. The Ukrainian work was recognized as the best among films in the «Progressive Cinema Competition» and «Special Screenings» categories.
«Death and resilience amid war. This work transports us to the front lines of our European war, fought tirelessly by ordinary people like us, against the barbaric Russia that continues to spread death and destruction across our continent. At the film's center are two young Ukrainian women who live every day just a step away from death, even now as we sit here in safety. Their extraordinary life force and courage remind us never to give up on creativity and hope for the future, but to live this fragile life to the fullest», – the jury stated in their announcement.
About the film: «Cuba&Alaska» is the story of two combat medics, Cuba and Alaska, who together defend Ukraine, saving lives on the front lines. They face the challenges of war with courage, humor, and friendship. This is a story of how war changes but does not destroy. Even in the darkest moments, one can preserve an inner light. The film is produced through an international co-production involving Ukraine, Belgium, and France. It has already received two awards at the Brussels International Film Festival in the “Directors' Week” program — the jury prize and the audience choice award.
