"MY DEAR THÉO" WINS AT KOSOVO FESTIVAL
The documentary directed by Alisa Kovalenko has been received the Human Rights Dox award at DOKU FEST in Kosovo.
DokuFest is Kosovo's largest international documentary and short film festival, held annually in the historic city of Prizren. It is renowned for its extraordinary outdoor atmosphere, with screenings happening in unusual locations such as castle ruins and riverbanks. The festival programme combines ambitious documentaries from around the world with shorts and animated films, which all frequently tackle important social issues. DokuFest is a key cultural event in the region, attracting international filmmakers, audiences and media. Beyond screenings, the festival offers a rich programme of accompanying events, including discussions, workshops, and concerts.
The award-winning documentary My Dear Théo tells the director's personal story. Through intimate video diaries and poetic letters sent from the frontline to her five-year-old son Théo, Alisa Kovalenko – a director who became a soldier – captures the devastating reality of war in Ukraine, whilst reflecting on her choice defend her homeland. The film, a testament to love and simultaneously a war documentary, interweaves Kovalenko's personal story with a broader narrative about those who keep fighting so that future generations might live in peace.
The complete list of award-winning films can be found here.