The Ukrainian documentary film “Cuba&Alaska” won the “Best Documentary” nomination at the Rome International Film Festival (Festa del Cinema di Roma). This was reported by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.
“This is a historic award. In 2025, the festival, for the first time in its twenty years of existence, introduced a separate award for documentary films. It was the Ukrainian film that became its first laureate, the ministry said in a statement.
The film “Cuba&Alaska” tells the story of two combat medics – Cuba and Alaska, who together save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers on the front. It is a story about courage, humor, friendship and strength of spirit even in the most difficult moments of war. It shows that war changes people, but cannot destroy their inner light.
The film was created in international cooperation between Ukraine, Belgium and France. “Cuba&Alaska” has already received two awards at the Brussels International Film Festival in the “Directors’ Week” program – the Jury Prize and the Audience Award.
“Each presentation of a Ukrainian film abroad strengthens Ukraine’s international voice. It is an opportunity to tell the world the truth about the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, about the strength and resilience of Ukrainians. The victory of the film “Cuba&Alaska” in Rome is proof of the professionalism, quality and depth of Ukrainian cinema”, – noted the Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetyana Berezhna.
The festival jury, which included Romanian director, cinematographer and producer Alexandr Nanau, director and screenwriter Santiago Maza and producer Nadiya Trevisan, announced the winners during the awards ceremony. The Ukrainian film was recognized as the best among the films from the sections “Progressive Cinema Competition” and “Special Screenings”.
