The evening was marked by powerful emotions and moving words from the stage. The awards for the best documentary films of the year were presented! On May 15th, the gala for the 22nd edition of Millennium Docs Against Gravity took place at the Warsaw Dramatic Theatre. The Grand Prix – the Bank Millennium Award – was given to the film „Yintah”, directed by Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell, Michael Toledano.
This year marks a milestone, as the award now opens the door to one of the most prestigious honors in cinema, with MDAG officially recognized as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards® in the category of Best Documentary Feature. This achievement would not have been possible without our partners. Special thanks were extended by director Artur Liebhart and the MDAG team to Bank Millennium, celebrating 20 years of collaboration — a record partnership that has helped the festival grow to its current scale.
On the same day, other festival cities presented their own local awards within the Main Competition. THE MAYOR OF GDYNIA AWARD went to „My Stolen Planet”, directed by Farahnaz Sharifi; THE CITY OF POZNAŃ FREEDOM AWARD honored „2000 Meters to Andriyivka”, directed by Mstyslav Chernov; and the BYDGOSZCZ ART.DOC AWARD was given to „Mr. Nobody against Putin”, directed by David Borenstein and Pasha Talankin. On May 16th, winners of the Lower Silesia Grand Prix (Wrocław) and the Silesian Audience Award (Katowice) will be announced.
During the ceremony, it was also announced that the Polish Film Institute has introduced a tenth category in its annual PISF Awards, dedicated to accessibility in film culture. Anna Czarkowska, the media and accessibility coordinator at PISF, praised MDAG on stage for its outstanding achievements in making film screenings accessible to people with disabilities.
However, the awards ceremony is not the end of the festival, which will last until 18th of May. This means that a weekend of exciting films and events awaits the audiences in Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, Katowice, Poznań, Łódź and Bydgoszcz. This year, once again, MDAG has a hybrid formula. From 20st of May till 2th of June, the vast majority of titles from this year's edition will be available on the festival website - mdag.pl.
MAIN COMPETITION
GRAND PRIX BANK MILLENNIUM AWARD
12 films entered the Main Competition of the 22th Millennium Docs Against Gravity Film Festival to vie for the Grand Prix and its accompanying EUR 8,000 prize. The best film was selected by a jury consisting of: Simon Lereng, Wilmont, Salma Abdalla and Remi Grelletty.
Winner: „Yintah”, dir. Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell, Michael Toledano
Justification: :The main award goes to a film shot over more than a decade, documenting a centuries-old—yet still ongoing—struggle to protect ancestral land. Indigenous peoples are confronted by a corpocracy, where private interests—shielded by state protection—are destroying the environment they have preserved for generations. At the heart of this anti-colonial resistance are two women—two leaders who stood up. The powerful editing of their non-violent protest scenes, combined with the striking cinematography of the untouched wilderness they are defending, makes YINTHA a painfully beautiful viewing experience. The film challenges us to imagine and enact resistance—before it’s too late.
Special Mention: „A Want in Her ” dir. Myrid Carten
Justification: The bravery with which Myrid Carten confronts deeply personal issues—her mother’s mental health and alcoholism—is profoundly moving. While these struggles remain a hidden pandemic in our societies, the uniqueness of her filmmaking approach results in a truly remarkable work. The filmmaker’s creativity and commitment are simply impressive.
THE MAYOR OF GDYNIA AWARD
In Gdynia, the Mayor of Gdynia Award in the amount of 15,000 PLN was awarded by the jury consisting of: Filip Ignatowicz, Michał Miegoń i Ewa Stusińska.
Winner: „My Stolen Planet”, dir. Farahnaz Sharifi
Justification: For poetic collage-like form, an archive of ephemeral resistance, and an intensely personal narrative (Filip Ignatowicz). For courage, truth, and the celebration of a community and its culture—one that cannot be erased from history (Michał Miegoń). For a metaphor that reveals how dance, joy, or freedom can become endangered species if we entrust power to the wrong people (Ewa Stusińska).
Special Mention „Come See Me in the Good Light”, reż. Ryan White
Justification: For a gesture of love in the face of the absolute—death (Filip Ignatowicz). For revealing the beauty and vitality of the human being (Michał Miegoń). For reminding us what poetry truly is (Ewa Stusińska).
FREEDOM AWARD FUNDED BY THE CITY OF POZNAŃ
From the films selected for the national Main Competition, a three-person Jury awarded the winning title that most faithfully defends the foundations of freedom and fights for dignity and human rights through its cinematic message. The winning film received a prize of 3,000 EUR. The jury consisted of: Natalia Koryncka Gruz, Katarzyna Czajka-Kominiarczuk oraz Piotr Żytnicki.
Winner: „2000 metrów do Andrijiwki”, reż. Mstyslav Chernov
Justification: In a unanimous vote of the jury, the Freedom Award funded by the city of Poznań was awarded to “2000 Meters to Andriivka”, a movie directed by Mstyslav Chernov. For crafting a poignant story that shows a struggle for freedom, which is an inalienable human right, while also emphasizing its cost. We accompany a group of soldiers fighting on the front, experiencing combat from their perspective. Two kilometres which they must push through are the path to freedom, but they can also lead to death. A multidimensional image of war that is not a propaganda poster.
BYDGOSZCZ ART.DOC AWARD
Jury composed of: Dr. Monika Kosteczko-Grajek, attorney Agnieszka Pająk, and Ewa Piątek, after watching 12 competition films, decided to award the Bydgoszcz ART.DOC Award of the 22nd Millennium Docs Against Gravity Film Festival, in the amount of €2,500, to the film “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” directed by David Borenstein and Pasha Talankin.
Winner: „Mr. Nobody Against Putin”, dir. David Borenstein, Pasha Talankin
Justification: We are watching Karabasz through the eyes of the film co-director who is also its protagonist. Despite the architectural harshness, pollution, and cold climate, the town is portrayed as his beloved place on Earth — a place he is forced to leave in order to stay true to his beliefs. The film’s initially light and humorous tone gradually reveals the dramatic nature of the situation in Russia after February 2022. We recognize the honesty of a person who deeply understands and feels what authenticity is, and who fights for it in an oppressive world too narrow for the truth. He remains true to himself, making risk-averse compromises only to document the grim consequences of the regime and the vulnerability of children’s and young people’s malleable minds when faced with a system designed to program them for life in a state of war. We also commend the film for showing how political decisions can devastate human lives — affecting both those cast as victims and those compelled to act as perpetrators. Finally, we acknowledge this film as a warning that each of us could become a “Mr. Nobody” in the face of radical socio-political changes that seek to suppress freedom.
Honorary Mention of the District Bar Council in Bydgoszcz for the Best Production dealing with the issue of human rights is awarded to: „My Stolen Planet”, directed by Farahnaz Sharifi.
Justification: This is a story of 45 years of oppression of a social group under a religious patriarchy, a story of both collective and individual struggle of women for basic human rights in a country where freedom itself is treated as a crime. It depicts a place where children begin their school day by repeating words of hatred, and where, in the name of imposed values, an officer can take a life. The film speaks of a family home as a planet, a safe haven where the protagonist can truly be themselves — as well as of how easily this planet can be lost due to its appropriation. The hijab becomes a symbol of marking, comparable to the white armband with the Star of David. In both cases, the person wearing a designated emblem or item of clothing was stripped of the right to self-determination, thereby losing personal freedom and simultaneously being stigmatized. Throughout this process, there has been the constant threat of repression from the group imposing such customary laws. All these elements make this film a universal image — one that highlights the urgent need to protect the fundamental rights of every human being and citizen, against any forces that might lead to the loss of one's individual and collective planet.
POLISH COMPETITION
BEST POLISH FILM AWARD
In the Polish Competition at the 22th MDAG, 10 films competed for the Best Polish Film Award and EUR 4,000 prize. The best was selected by the jury: Dorota Lech, Victoria Leshchenko and
Jakub Popielecki.
Winner: „Bedrock”, dir. Kinga Michalska
Justification: JWe have unanimously decided to award a film which combines artistic merit with timeliness, reminding us that history is not a closed chapter and that we are still living in it. We cannot wait for another film from this spectacular emerging artist. Congratulations to Kinga Michalska for "Bedrock".
Special mention: „King Matt the First”, dir. Jaśmina Wójcik
Justification: We decided to give a special mention to a film that immersed us in a beautifully photographed magical realist world, which is in fact the real world – the tragedy lies in that it gets so easily forgotten when we grow up. We're grateful for the reminder to cherish our inner child. Special mention goes to Jaśmina Wójcik for her film „King Matt the First".
SMAKJAM AWARD FOR THE BEST PRODUCTION IN A POLISH FILM
The films presented in the Polish Competition had a chance to win the Smakjam Award for the Best Production - EUR 3,000 or the equivalent of this sum in the form of post-production services - awarded by the Smakjam studio. The winning film was selected by the post-production Smakjam Studio team.
Winner: „Das Deutsche Volk”, dir. Marcin Wierzchowski
Justification: Documentary filmmaking demands patience and empathy — from both the filmmaker and the audience. The project we chose to award exemplifies this beautifully. The director spent several years building a relationship with the protagonists: the relatives of those killed in the racist attack in Hanau in 2020. His dedication is evident in every frame of the film. “Das Deutsche Volk” is an urgent and deeply relevant work that speaks to our most profound fears. Crucially, when addressing painful themes — trauma, violence, racism, and rising radicalism — it resists the sensationalism of contemporary media. There are no clickbait tactics, snap judgments, or easy generalizations here. Marcin Wierzchowski doesn’t offer simple answers. Instead, he asks difficult questions — treating his subjects with respect, trusting in the audience’s intelligence, and upholding the filmmaker’s ethical responsibility.
THE ARTHOUSE CINEMA ASSOCIATION AWARD IN THE POLISH COMPETITION
The prize entails supporting the promotional campaign of the winning film in cinemas, in the amount of 10,000 Polish złoty. The winner was chosen by the jury consisting of: Piotr Stelmaszczuk (CKF ZORZA, Chełm), Ada Skórnicka (Kino Pałacowe, Poznań), Michał Konarski (Kinoteka, Warszawa).
Winner: „Letters from Wolf Street”, dir. Arjun Talwar
Justification: We are honoring a film that captivated us unanimously, both in terms of content and form. Through a structure that is fragmentary yet remarkably cohesive, it touches on many vital and widely resonant themes: people, the environment, relationships, Poland, Polishness, otherness, and community. It is a bittersweet film — yet one that holds onto hope. Personal, yet intellectually sharp and universally accessible. Knowing that this award will support the film’s promotional efforts, we express our wish that as many viewers as possible will have the chance to see Arjun Talwar’s Letters from Wolf street.
Special Mention: „The Passenger Andrzej Munk”, dir. Michał Bielawski
Justification: For a moving and masterfully crafted portrait that skillfully weaves together archival footage, contemporary interviews, and reflective narration. This is more than just the story of an artist — it’s an open and thoughtful discussion on the filmmaker’s role and the importance of his cinematic legacy. The Special Mention goes to Michał Bielawski for his film The Passenger Andrzej Munk.
BEST SHORT FILM AWARD
The €2,000 award for a film not exceeding 45 minutes in length was granted by a jury consisting of: Beata Pacak, Theodore Grouya, Petr Lom.
Winner: „Instruments of a Beating Heart”, dir. Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Justification: An exemplary short in both it’s content and form. This is a quintessential example of great filmmaking, both for audiences and filmmakers, with a portrait of a story told in an extremely humane and sensitive way that is also a larger portrait of society.
Special mention: „Lift Lady”, dir. Marcin Modzelewski
Justification: The Jury salutes the director for telling such an unusual story and for the portrayal of such a charismatic character. Based on this work we believe the director shall have a very promising future. Special mention goes to Lift Lady directed by Marcin Modzelewski.
FIRST APPEARANCE AWARD
The First Appearance Award and its accompanying EUR 2,000 prize was awarded by The Inter-generational Jury consisting of teenagers and people aged 55+. The award supports emerging talents thanks to the Sponsor - the Visa brand, which is one of the world leaders in digital payments.This year they were: Jakub Nagabczyński, Joanna Stańko, Hanna Godzisz, Lena Gajewska, Lena Giergiczna, Jolanta Woch.
Winner: „Songs of the Burning Earth”, dir. Olha Zhurba
Justification: All the debut films in this year’s festival tackled important and timely subjects. Each of them was executed with remarkable skill and sparked hours of thoughtful discussion among the jury. However, there was one film that left us truly speechless. Our heartfelt congratulations go to Songs of the Burning Earth, directed by Olha Zhurba.
Special Mention: „Home Game”, dir. Lidija Zelovic
AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
The cinematographer of the film, who is awarded for the best cinematography, received EUR 2,000. The competition includes 10 titles that delight us with their visual side. The winner was selected by a jury consisting of: Małgorzata Imielska, Paweł Kocan and Zuzanna Zachara-Hassairi.
Winner: „Only on Earth”, dir. Robin Petré, DoP: Maria Grazia Goya
Justification: Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, so they could stay warm and protect themselves from wild animals. Animals—mythical beings who see more than humans—stood as silent witnesses to this disaster. As the protagonist of Only on Earth says: animals would rather return to the fire than come close to humans. The world is going up in flames. Why is humankind born with such an insatiable urge to dominate nature? In mythology, fire is sometimes the language of the gods, while animals are guides through the unseen world. In our award-winning film, the camera takes on the role of such an animal—revealing what is hidden from view. It speaks of a prophetic danger more powerfully than a thousand words ever could. It captures the quiet beauty of human helplessness, embedding itself deep in the viewer’s subconscious. Through the power of visual drama, it relentlessly asks:
What future remains for us on this planet?
Special mention: „Songs of the Burning Earth”, dir. Olha Zhurba, DoP: Volodymyr Usyk
Justification: For the tender portrayal of people at a time when their world is collapsing. For reminding us of the value of freedom and the meaning of dignity. For images that not only depict reality, but teach us what humanity is. For keeping us from accepting a world in which war becomes normal. In this film, every frame is a symbol. Each one grips your heart. These images will never be forgotten.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL POLAND AWARD
The Amnesty International Poland award and its accompanying EUR 3,000 prize is a special thanks to those who show what human rights are through their film work. The winning film was selected from among 10 nominees by a jury consisting of:Anna Błaszczak-Banasiak, Guy Davidi oraz Joanna Szymańska.
Winner: „Songs of the Burning Earth”, dir. Olha Zhurba
Justification: The awarded film stays with you — it hurts, troubles, and makes you think long after the credits roll. And it does so with remarkable artistry: rigorous editing and powerful visual storytelling. Rather than taking sides or engaging in geopolitics and justifications, it reveals war’s human cost — and poses a profound question: When we speak of war, do we truly understand what we are saying? For its deeply humane perspective — and for resisting simplification or moralizing — the Amnesty International Award for Best Documentary on Human Rights goes to Songs of the Slow Burning Earth by Olha Zhurba.
Special Mention: „My Stolen Planet”, dir. Farahnaz Sharifi
Justification: Through a dedicated search for archives, this film reconstructs a world that has been erased by a ruthless regime over the last 50 years. It is a highly intimate portrait of women in resistance, preserving every trace of beauty and freedom — whether through dancing, partying in secret, or remembering through fragments of archival images, but also the very act of making a film. For a sensitive yet powerful work of love, special mention to My Stolen Planet by Farahnaz Sharifi.
“NEWSWEEK PSYCHOLOGIA” AWARD FOR THE BEST FILM ON PSYCHOLOGY
Once again, the editorial team of Newsweek Psychologia has awarded its €1,000 prize for the best film on a psychological theme. The titles presented in this competition reflect the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences, as well as the protagonists’ struggles for themselves and their happiness. Jury: Iwona Zabielska-Stadnik, Joanna Flis, Joanna Gutral, Małgorzata Osowiecka, Dellfina Dellert, Katarzyna Burda, Małgorzata Mierżyńska, Łukasz Pilip, Artur Stadnik oraz Marek Straszewski.
Winner: „Portrait of a Confused Father”, dir. Gunnar Hall Jensen
Justification: Polish sociologist Piotr Sztompka describes everything that unfolds between people as the interpersonal space. It is within this space that all our relationships take shape — the foundation of who we are, who we are not, and who we might one day become. Among the many relationships we form throughout life, there is one that touches us all — some experience it from just one side, while others may live it from both. It is a relationship that is difficult from the very beginning, because everything is at stake: love, trust, life itself. It is a bond where nothing is guaranteed, even when we are convinced we’re making the right choices. It is so deeply personal that everything that happens within it must be lived through personally. It cannot be handed off to someone else, nor can it be abandoned or forgotten. Because on the other side of this relationship is someone who is utterly unique to us, someone irreplaceable — our own child. Once you become a parent, you are a parent. There is no other path — you must discover it on your own, and try to understand it in your own way. For a moving story about misunderstanding and the need for understanding — without which it is difficult to come to terms with what life brings us, especially events that feel impossible to accept, like the death of one’s own child — In the 2025 edition of the Newsweek Psychology competition for the best film on psychological themes, the jury awards the film Portrait of a Confused Father, directed by Gunnar Hall Jensen.
CHOPIN’S NOSE AWARD
The award and 2000 euros were received by the best film about music and art. This year's jury included: Łukasz Kowalski, Katarzyna Warzecha oraz dr Magdalena Wróblewska.
Winner: „S/He Is Still Her/e: The Official Genesis P-Orridge Documentary” dir. David Charles Rodrigues
Justification: This is a universal and deeply humanistic story about unconditional love, friendship, illness, and death. At the same time, it explores the very timely issue of the oppression of social norms and imposed identity — forces that must sometimes be confronted. The film takes us on a journey with a person we may not always understand — or even like. Yet we witness a series of profound transformations, each requiring exceptional courage and unwavering commitment to living in harmony with oneself. It is a moving story of a person in whose life you can fit several biographies and creative explorations, echoing the paths of the leading artists of the 20th century, creators of performance and body art. The strength of this figure — their radical, uncompromising search for an identity that turns out to be fluid and ever-changing — mesmerizes and does not let you take your eyes off the screen. The Chopin’s Nose Award goes to “S/He Is Still Her/e: The Official Genesis P-Orridge Documentary,” directed by David Charles Rodrigues.
Special mention: „Move Ya Body: The Birth of House” dir. Elegance Bratton
Justification: To the rhythm of electronic music, the director invites the audience into a personal and previously untold story about the birth of a new cultural movement. It’s a tale of strength and pride. Of disco and house. And of a place where everyone was equal—regardless of gender, skin color, or sexuality. The Jury’s Special Mention goes to “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House” directed by Elegance Bratton.
GREEN WARSAW AWARD
The Green Warsaw Award and its accompanying PLN 15 000 cash prize funded by the City of Warsaw was once again given to the best film on ecology.The winner was chosen by the jury consisting of: Łukasz Czajka, Leszek Drogosz and Agata Szafraniuk.
Winner:„Dust to Dust” dir. Kosai Sekine
Justification: Across the films nominated for the Green Warsaw Award, one element appeared again and again: water. We saw the consequences of its absence – wildfires, droughts, ruined crops – in India, on the Cape Verde Islands, and even here in Europe. We witnessed corporations seizing water-rich lands and depriving local communities of access – in Africa, North America, and beyond. We followed Indigenous groups in Canada, fighting to protect their river and land from the threat of a pipeline that endangers the life flowing through their waters. But water also appeared where we least expected it – in the fashion industry. Behind the apparent lightness of fabrics and colorful labels lies a massive water footprint we too often ignore. One film in particular stood out for highlighting this link between water and overconsumption. A film that not only documents the problem but also asks difficult questions. About ourselves. About the system we co-create – and have the power to change. It offers no easy answers – because it honestly admits there are none. But it points the way forward. Toward circularity. Toward responsible production. Toward action. For its honesty. For its ability to find a trace of beauty even in the mess of excess. The Green Warsaw Award for Best Environmentally Themed Film goes to Dust to Dust directed by Kosai Sekine.
Special mention: „Only on Earth” dir. Robin Petré
Justification: We have chosen to give a special mention to a film that movingly reminds us that the devastating effects of climate change are not some distant future or a piece of fiction – they are our present reality. This is not a film that shouts or preaches; it gently whispers to the most sensitive part of us that we can no longer look away. Its subtle form harmonizes with its subject – showing what happens on a micro scale when human activity disrupts the delicate balance between people and their environment. Special Mention in the Green Warsaw Award category goes to Only on Earth directed by Robin Petré.
CONTESTS THAT ARE STILL GOING ON:
Until the end of the cinema part of the festival, i.e. until May 18, audience voting is still taking place - for the Documentary Award of Warsaw (Audience Award) and The Onet Big Screen Doc Award, the winner of which will be chosen by the viewers in Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia and Poznań. The results of these two votes will be announced on May 20. After the online part of the festival, on June 2, the Online Audience Award will be announced, which will go to the most popular film of the second part of the 22th MDAG.
THE LIST OF ALL AWARDS:
GRAND PRIX BANK MILLENNIUM AWARD: „Yintah”, dir. Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell,Michael Toledano
Special Mention: „A Want in Her” dir. Myrid Carten
THE MAYOR OF GDYNIA AWARD: „My Stolen Planet”, dir. Farahnaz Sharifi
Special Mention: „Come See Me in the Good Light”, dir.. Ryan White
THE CITY OF POZNAŃ FREDDOM AWARD: „2000 metrów do Andrijiwki”, dir. Mstyslav Chernov
BYDGOSZCZ ART.DOC AWARD: „Mr. Nobody Against Putin”, dir. David Borenstein, Pasha Talankin
Honorary Mention of the District Bar Council in Bydgoszcz for the Best Production dealing with the issue of human rights is awarded to: “My Stolen Planet”, directed by Farahnaz Sharifi.
BEST POLISH FILM AWARD: „Bedrock” dir. Kinga Michalska
Special Mention: „King Matt the First” dir. Jaśmina Wójcik
BEST SHORT FILM AWARD: „Instruments of a Beating Heart” dir. Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Special Mention: „Lift Lady” dir. Marcin Modzelewski
AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: „Only on Earth” dir. Robin Petré, pictures: Maria Grazia Goya
Special Mention: „Songs of the Burning Earth” dir. Olha Zhurba, pictures: Volodymyr Usyk
FIRST APPEARANCE AWARD: „Songs of the Burning Earth” dir. Olha Zhurba
Special Mention: „Home Game” dir. Lidija Zelovic
GREEN WARSAW AWARD: „Dust to Dust” dir. Kosai Sekine
Special Mention: „Only on Earthi” dir. Robin Petré
CHOPIN’S NOSE AWARD: „S/He Is Still Her/e: The Official Genesis P-Orridge Documentary” dir. David Charles Rodrigues
Special Mention: „Move Ya Body: The Birth of House” dir. Elegance Bratton
“NEWSWEEK PSYCHOLOGIA” AWARD FOR THE BEST FILM ON PSYCHOLOGY
”Portrait of a Confused Father” dir. Gunnar Hall Jensen
THE ARTHOUSE CINEMA ASSOCIATION AWARD IN THE POLISH COMPETITION
„Letters from Wolf Street” dir. Arjun Talwar
Special Mention: „The Passenger Andrzej Munk” dir. Michał Bielawski
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL POLAND AWARD: „Songs of the Burning Earth” dir. Olha Zhurba
Special Mention: „My Stolen Planet” dir. Farahnaz Sharifi
SMAKJAM AWARD FOR THE BEST PRODUCTION IN A POLISH FILM: „Das Deutsche Volk” prod. Marcin Wierzchowski, Pola Sell, Dorothea Braun
Other awards presented in Gdynia:
ETNOMATOGRAF AWARD: „Yintah”, dir. Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell, Michael
Toledano
ALL ABOUT FREEDOM FESTIVAL AWARD: „My Dear Théo”, dir. Alisa Kovalenko
Awards to be presented during the galas in Wrocław and Katowice on Friday, May 16:
LOWER SILESIA GRAND PRIX (Wrocław)
SILESIAN AUDIENCE AWARD (Katowice)
THE MAYOR OF KATOWICE AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE VIEW OF THE WORLD
Audience contests, the results of which will be announced after the festival ends:
AUDIENCE AWARD (WARSAW DOCUMENTARY AWARD)
ONET BIG SCREEN DOC AWARD
