Ukrainian Documentary Film «Cuba & Alaska» Wins Prestigious Award at Rome Film Festival
The Ukrainian documentary film «Cuba & Alaska» has achieved a significant victory by winning the award for «Best Documentary Film» at one of the most prestigious international film festivals — the Rome International Film Festival (Festa del Cinema di Roma).
This achievement marked a historic milestone for Ukrainian cinema, as in 2025 the festival for the first time in over two decades established a dedicated category for documentary films.
The first recipient of this award was precisely a Ukrainian film, highlighting the high level of Ukrainian documentary artistry and its recognition on the global stage.
The film narrates the story of two combat medics who tirelessly save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.
Despite the horrors of war, the heroines maintain humanity, humor, and inner strength—a testament to resilience amid chaos.
According to the official synopsis, the story emphasizes how war changes people but does not destroy their core human values — even in darkness, one can retain inner light.
The film was produced through an international co-production involving Ukraine, Belgium, and France.
Its world premiere took place at Sheffield Doc Fest in the United Kingdom, one of Europe’s most renowned documentary festivals.
The film has previously been recognized at the Brussels International Film Festival, where it received jury and audience awards in the «Directors’ Week» program.
Additionally, the Ukrainian documentary «Blue Sweater with a Yellow Hole» has secured a €30,000 grant for production through its victory at Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund.