The awards of the second Doxumentale were handed out June 19, with the Best Documentary award going to The Age of Water by Alfredo and Isabel Alcántara. The festival runs to June 22, serving up a feast of documentary storytelling across different media, comprising forty documentary films, ten live podcasts, readings from nine new non-fiction books, a curated kids’ programme and seven VX projects. Thereafter, selected films will show online to June 30.
The jury, composed of Ana Castañosa Bielsa, director of the Impact Days, FIFDH – International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights of Geneva), cultural program manager Alexandra Dorisca, and directors Afsaneh Salari and director Lars Kraume, awarded the following prizes (plus citations).
BEST DOCUMENTARY
- THE AGE OF WATER by Alfredo and Isabel Alcántara (main prize) “We were moved by the grand beauty, the poetry and impact of the macro against the gigantic. It is a film that reads like a love letter to what make us human: solidarity and mutual empowerment. A tale of David versus Goliath demonstrating the brave leap from victimisation to activism through the respectful portrayal of the courageous protagonists. Uncovering the disinformation and cover-up of what affects us all, it’s a beautiful story of resilience and resistance for the preservation of the future generations.”
- THE THIRD ACT by Tadashi Nakamura (special mention) “Personal and eloquently universal, this tale of cross-generational trauma and how it can be transformed is a tender portrayal of three generations. It’s the story of two journeys of self-discovery on the tumultuous path of self-acceptance. This intimate family movie touched us by its depiction of the end of our journey as human beings that all of us will have to reconcile with when the time comes.”
- THE DIALOGUE POLICE by Susanna Edwards (special mention) “A simple yet powerful story that takes us to the heart of an institution known for its often hermetic nature. With unprecedented access to its protagonists and an honest approach, the director invites us to reflect on essential topics such as freedom of speech and the protection of democratic process and its limitations.”
BEST NON-FICTION BOOK
- Berauscht der Sinne beraubt: Eine Geschichte der Ekstase by Racha Kirakosian “This book seduces upon second glance. Its title flirts—with expectations, perhaps even with clichés. But what the author unfolds is far from fleeting ecstasy. There is no escape from reality here, but rather a sharp-eyed descent into the very foundation of rapture and the role of it throughout history. With analytical clarity and historical depth, she illuminates the ground beneath our notions of ecstacy. Her language is precise yet never dry—on the contrary, it opens eyes and awakens the senses without ever losing its head. A book that does not pander, but remains elegantly defiant. A book that thinks—and invites us to think with it…This book masterfully bridges scholarly depth and narrative suspense, never losing the reader in complexity—and always with a touch of poetry.”
BEST PODCAST
- Behind Science by Marie Eickhoff and Luisa Pfeiffenschneider “Behind Science takes us on a journey into the world of numbers – smart, bold, and socially relevant. The two hosts present complex topics from mathematics and statistics in a relaxed, entertaining, and yet critical manner. With clear voices, a concise and engaging conversational style, and excellent technical execution, they deliver science communication that resonates and makes an impact. This podcast proves: thorough research, real storytelling, and a passion for sharing knowledge can bring even the driest numbers to life.”
BEST VX
- Soul Paint by Sarah Ticho and Niki Smit (main prize) “Soul Paint invites you to explore your emotional story through creativity. By engaging with your inner world, a narrative unfolds—your own. This is only possible in VR, where your creation becomes a mirror of yourself. In that reflection, new understandings of your emotions begin to form. The playful yet profound exchange with your emotional flow can shift your reality beyond the experience itself. Soul Paint expands what VR can be—transforming storytelling into story-experiencing. You can return anytime and, if you choose, leave your story behind to exist forever. In this space, there’s no fixed beginning, middle, or end—only infinite possibility.”
AUDIENCE AWARD
- IM OSTEN WAS NEUES (CHANGING SIDES) by Loraine Blumenthal
