WINNERS: June 2026 DOCUMENTARY Festival

A showcase of the best DOCUMENTARY films in the world today.

AUDIENCE AWARDS:
Best Feature Film: VANISHING: A LOVE STORY

Best Story: UNBECOMING
Best Short Film: CHITROKOTHA
Best Direction: KOCER
Best Environmental DOC: WHERE THE WIND BLOWS
Best Adventure DOC: GILMER: RYAN, TEXAS

Gilmer; Ryan, Texas, 11min., USA
Directed by Ryan J Gilmer
Two buds embark on an epic 3250 round trip to the deep south of these United States.

Where the Wind Blows, 26min., UK
Directed by Holger Mohaupt, Tracey Fearnehough
Poetic portrait of an eclectic community of farmers, fishermen and people in a caravan park living wedged in between the open sea and an ageing nuclear power station on the east coast of Scotland. An emotional account of life in Scotland in times of climate change and a sustainable future.

Chitrokotha, 15min., India
Directed by Adrija Mukherjee
“Chitrokotha” is a documentary that explores the rich heritage of Indian traditional paintings. Directed by Adrija Mukherjee, the film features insights from Dr. Avijit Majumdar, delving into the roots and significance of these ancient art forms. Through this documentary, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of Indian traditional paintings, their evolution, and their continued relevance in modern times. The film promises to enlighten viewers on the beauty, symbolism, and storytelling behind these timeless works of art.

https://www.instagram.com/teastallstories

Koçer, 15min., Türkiye
Directed by Serhat Boylu
“Koçer” follows filmmaker Serhat Boylu on a 10,000-kilometer journey tracing the lives of nomadic Kurdish shepherds. From the mountains of Hakkari to the plains of Van, from the cold of Ağrı to the dusty paths of Şırnak, the film captures both the beauty and hardships of nature. It is a cinematic testimony to the resilience of an ancient way of life in the face of modern times.

VANISHING: A LOVE STORY, 107min., USA
Directed by Sandra Luckow
Vanishing: A Love Story is a documentary about award-winning novelist Cai Emmons and her loving, open-hearted journey towards death. In 2021, at the age of 70, Cai was diagnosed with ALS. Taking place in 2022, during the last six-months Cai’s life, the film is, first and foremost, a story about the agency of expression —having a voice to create a legacy in the world.

https://instagram.com/luckowsandra

Unbecoming, 87min. Canada
Directed by Patrick Moreau
Bridging neuroscience, lived experience, philosophical inquiry, and ancient contemplative traditions, the film examines what happens when the structures that define identity begin to dissolve. Featuring perspectives from leading researchers and thinkers, it moves beyond explanation into direct investigation -inviting the viewer to question the nature of perception, control, and reality itself.