The documentary film «Cuba&Alaska» achieved recognition in the category of «Best Documentary Film» at the Rome International Film Festival (Festa del Cinema di Roma).
This is a historic achievement, as the festival has introduced a separate award for documentary films for the first time in twenty years. The Ukrainian film is the first to receive this honor.
«Every presentation of a Ukrainian film abroad strengthens Ukraine's international voice. It is an opportunity to tell the world the truth about the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine, about the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people. The victory of «Cuba&Alaska» in Rome is evidence of the professionalism, quality, and depth of Ukrainian cinema,” said Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine, Tetiana Berezhna.
The jury, composed of Romanian director and producer Alexandru Nanau, director and screenwriter Santiago Maza, and producer Nadia Trevisan, announced their verdict during the award ceremony on October 25. The Ukrainian work was recognized as the best among films in the «Progressive Cinema Competition» and «Special Screenings» sections.
«Death and resilience amidst war. This work transports us to the frontlines of our European war — a war tirelessly fought by ordinary people like us, for all of us, against the barbaric Russia that continues to bring death and destruction across our continent. At the heart of the film are two young Ukrainian women, living just a step away from death every day, even now as we sit here in safety. With their extraordinary life force and courage, they remind us never to give up on creativity and hope for the future, but to live this fragile life fully,” the jury noted in their statement.

About the film: «Cuba&Alaska» is the story of two combat medics, Cuba and Alaska, who defend Ukraine together, saving lives at the front. Together they face the challenges of war with courage, humor, and friendship. It is a story about how war changes but does not destroy. Even in the darkest moments, one can preserve the inner light. The film is a co-production of Ukraine, Belgium, and France and has already received two awards at the Brussels International Film Festival in the “Directors' Week” program — a jury prize and an audience award.