The Ukrainian documentary film ‘Cuba and Alaska’ has won a prestigious award at the Rome International Film Festival, taking first place in the ‘Best Documentary’ category.
This is reported by Kyiv24
First Ukrainian Laureate of the New Award at the Rome Film Festival
“This is a historic award. In 2025, for the first time in twenty years of its existence, the festival established a separate recognition for documentary films. The Ukrainian film has become its first laureate,” stated the message from the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.
The film ‘Cuba and Alaska’ tells the story of two combat medics who save lives on the front lines during the full-scale war, despite constant dangers. The plot is dedicated to the stories of Yulia ‘Cuba’ Sidorova and ‘Alaska’, who, demonstrating resilience, humor, and dedication, support each other even in the most challenging circumstances.
About the Film and Its Heroines
Yulia ‘Cuba’ Sidorova is a paramedic, volunteer, soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and designer from Kharkiv. She joined the Armed Forces voluntarily in 2014, serving in the hottest spots on the front line.
‘Alaska’ is a combat medic, artist, and former journalist. After graduating from Odessa Medical University, she worked in the media sector, and with the onset of the full-scale aggression from Russia, she joined the rapid response headquarters of the VETERANKA Movement, later becoming a combat medic. After being injured, she continues to serve in the National Guard, works on architectural projects, creates illustrations, and helps veterans with social adaptation.
The film was created in collaboration with filmmakers from Ukraine, Belgium, and France. The world premiere of ‘Cuba and Alaska’ took place at one of Europe’s leading film festivals in the United Kingdom. The film has already received two awards at the Brussels International Film Festival. In Ukraine, the premiere screening for audiences took place on August 12 at the ‘Zhovten’ cinema in Kyiv.
According to the creators, this documentary film demonstrates that even in the face of the toughest challenges, war cannot destroy humanity and inner light:
“Together, they overcome the challenges of war with courage, humor, and friendship. This is a story about how war changes but does not destroy. Even in the darkest moments, one can preserve their inner light,” the ministry notes.