The Docudays UA Festival Announced Winners 12.06.2026 17:50 Ukrinform The international human rights documentary film festival Docudays UA has revealed its 2026 winners.
As reported by Ukrinform, this information is available on the festival’s website.
The main prize in the DOCU/WORLD competition went to the film
The film chronicles a psychiatrist specializing in assisting individuals who opt for euthanasia as a final measure to end their suffering. He meticulously reviews their medical histories, listens to their life narratives, and upon confirming their unwavering decision, guides them through the legal procedures and the final stages of assisted departure from life.
In this manner, the film initiates a profound and sensitive dialogue, not only concerning an individual’s right to self-determination over their own life, body, and mind but also addressing society’s persistent lack of understanding regarding mental health disorders and their often-underestimated impact on life quality.
A special mention in the Docu/World competition was awarded to the film
This film presents a striking and poignant narrative that tackles an exceptionally sensitive subject and one of the most critical issues facing contemporary society – violence against women. It unfolds as a unique authorial statement and a brilliant example of modern creative documentary filmmaking.
The top prize in the Docu/Ukraine competition was secured by the film
The jury unanimously concluded that the main prize of the competition should be awarded to the film and director who captivated with their radical authorial honesty.
“A candid portrayal of a female soldier’s experience within the ranks of the Ukrainian army does not shy away from the complex and often surprisingly mundane realities of life in a battalion. The film is distinguished by its subtle observations, compelling storytelling, and high documentary craftsmanship,” noted the jury.
A special mention in the Docu/Ukraine competition was received by the film
The film crafts a piercing and unforgettable portrait of an individual profoundly broken – physically and emotionally – by their experiences on the front lines of the Russian war against Ukraine. Simultaneously, this story transcends individual experience, becoming a powerful testament to the human cost of war.
The main prize in the Docu/Shorts competition was awarded to the film
The film was recognized for its ability to offer a fresh perspective on the world through simple observations, for its poetic quality, cinematic refinement, and the power of the author’s vision.
A special mention in the Docu/Shorts competition was given to the film
Daria Zakharova was named the best young Ukrainian producer for the film
Oleksii Yeroshchenko, Kateryna Yagodka, and Alla Mityukova were recognized as the best young short film producers for the film
The main prize in the Rights Now! competition went to the film
“Our choice settled on this film because it combines an exceptional number of merits. It is a fresh and original cinematic narrative that unveils a little-known context to the viewer while simultaneously offering a deep insight into complex social processes. The film is remarkably humane, yet acutely political,” stated the jury.
A special mention in the Rights Now! competition was awarded to the film “
Each year, the Docudays UA team bestows an award upon a selected film from the festival’s competition program. The Andriy Matrosov Award, established by the Docudays UA organizers in honor of Andriy Matrosov, the Festival’s producer, who tragically died in a car accident on February 16, 2010.
The award went to the film
The main prize from the student jury was awarded to the film
The special mention from the student jury went to the film
The audience award was given to the film
The award for best editing of a Ukrainian film in memory of Viktor Onysko was presented to editing directors Svitlana Zaloha and Olena Maksym for the film
The award-winning films can be viewed on the audience day, June 12. Recordings of discussions held at the festival will be available as podcasts on the Youtube channel, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
As Ukrinform reported, the Sunny Bunny film festival will present a Ukrainian retrospective focusing on the experiences of queer individuals in Ukraine at the ‘Zhovten’ cinema.
Photo: flickr
Festival film