23rd Millennium Docs Against Gravity Film Festival

Jury stated: “The film awarded today reminds us of one of the most important functions of documentary cinema – its ability to respond to current issues, ask difficult questions, and compel us to reflect on the world we live in.

In recent months, there has been a great deal of discussion about the relationship between politics and cinema. During the opening gala of Millennium Docs Against Gravity, the festival’s artistic director emphasized that documentary cinema has every right to speak about contemporary issues  even if some choose to interpret this as a political statement. A similar sentiment was expressed at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where jury president Park Chan-wook argued that film art cannot be separated from politics and the contemporary reality in which cinema is created.

The awarded film fits perfectly into this debate. It does not shy away from its political context, while at the same time never losing sight of the individual – their emotions, dignity, and right to fight for their own life. It is precisely in this combination that the film’s greatest strength lies. Here, cinema becomes not only a testimony to contemporary reality, but also a space for fostering empathy and recognizing the need for change.

This is a story that people should hear today especially strongly – also here in Poland, at a moment when refugee issues remain one of the key social and political topics. The film reminds us that behind debates, statistics, and headlines, there are always real people and their lived experiences.

We present this award for courage, humanism, and the extraordinary power of cinematic language. For cinema that does not merely describe the world, but genuinely helps us understand it better”.

The debut FIPRESCI Documentary Grand Prix was awarded during MDAG opening ceremony. The jury, comprising all FIPRESCI members, representing over 50 national sections and individual members from more than 30 additional countries, has chosen the winner. The first recipient of the Documentary Grand Prix is Fiume o morte! by Igor Bezinović.