Best International Documentary Astra Film Festival: Kabul, Between Prayers Wins The Award

The 32nd edition of the Astra Film Festival recently concluded, celebrating the Best International Documentary Astra Film Festival. Among the standout winners was Aboozar Amini’s Kabul, Between Prayers, which took home the prestigious Astra Film Award for Best Documentary. The festival, renowned for its celebration of diverse global stories, provided a unique platform for powerful narratives that offer deep insights into cultures and human experiences from Afghanistan to Ukraine and beyond.

Best International Documentary Astra Film Festival: A Cinematic Exploration of Afghanistan’s Soul

Aboozar Amini, a Dutch-Afghan filmmaker based in Amsterdam, received the highest honors for his documentary Kabul, Between Prayers. The jury praised the film for offering “a nuanced portrayal of a world difficult to reach and understand,” highlighting Amini’s approach to storytelling with openness and without moral judgment. With breathtaking cinematography, the film transports viewers to a world that few outsiders truly comprehend, delivering an emotionally charged, sensorial experience. For global travelers and film enthusiasts alike, this documentary offers an intimate look into Afghanistan, a country rich in history yet often misunderstood.

For those keen on understanding diverse cultures, Amini’s work provides a rare opportunity to see Kabul through the eyes of its people, all captured during moments of spiritual reflection and daily life.

To the West, in Zapata – Exploring the Complexities of Cuba and Spain

Spain’s David Bim took home the Best Directing Award for his work To the West, in Zapata. The documentary dives into the stories of Cuban immigrants, exploring themes of identity, migration, and the ties that bind individuals to their homelands. For travelers seeking to explore the complexities of the Cuban diaspora, this film offers a deeper perspective on the challenges of seeking freedom, family, and belonging across borders. Bim’s sensitive handling of the subject matter makes it a must-watch for those fascinated by Cuba and Spain’s cultural intersections.

My Dear Théo – A Brave Tale from the Front Lines of Ukraine

Ukrainian filmmaker Alisa Kovalenko’s My Dear Théo captured the only award in the Eastern European competition. The documentary is described as a “love letter” from a mother to her son, showcasing personal sacrifice and the courage of living through wartime in Ukraine. The film’s diaristic style allows viewers to experience the raw emotions and powerful personal stories that unfold against the backdrop of a country at war. For those traveling to Ukraine, this documentary offers an insightful view into the human side of conflict, evoking empathy and understanding for the country’s enduring resilience.

Romanian Documentaries Shine at The Best International Documentary Astra Film Festival

In the Romanian competition, Paula Oneţ’s Still Nia took home the award for Best Documentary. The film is a sensitive exploration of life’s challenges and turns a heavy story into an immersive, meditative experience. By creating a “safe space” for reflection and healing, Still Nia invites viewers to consider their own journeys while connecting with Romanian culture. This documentary offers a unique travel perspective, inviting tourists to explore the quieter, introspective side of Romania.

In a similar vein, Andra MacMasters’ Bright Future won the Best Directing Award, a film that projects optimism and hope through the lens of Romanian society. As travelers look to experience both the light and the shadows of a destination, MacMasters’ work offers a compelling narrative to reflect on.

Short Films Also Take the Spotlight At The Best International Documentary Astra Film Festival

Astra Film Festival also introduced a new competition for short films, DocShort, this year. French filmmakers Galdric Fleury and Antoine Fontaine won the award for their short film Sixty-Seven Milliseconds. The film captures a poignant moment in time, offering a compact yet powerful narrative. Short films like Sixty-Seven Milliseconds are perfect for travelers with limited time, delivering impactful experiences in a short format.

A Gateway to Eclectic Global Cultural Exchange

For travelers and documentary lovers, the Astra Film Festival 2025 provides an essential showcase of global stories that are both personal and profound. Whether it’s the historical context of Afghanistan, the struggles of Cuban immigrants, or the courageous heart of Ukrainian mothers, these films offer viewers the chance to journey to lands often far from the usual tourist path.

The festival continues to highlight the transformative power of documentary film in revealing the depth and complexity of human experiences. As global travelers seek to understand the world more deeply, documentaries like those featured at Astra Film Festival serve as essential guides, providing nuanced insights and emotional connections to unfamiliar places.

Awards Summary:

• Astra Film Award for Best Documentary: Kabul, Between Prayers – Aboozar Amini (Netherlands/Belgium)
• Best Directing Award: To the West, in Zapata – David Bim (Cuba/Spain)
• Eastern European Competition Best Documentary: My Dear Théo – Alisa Kovalenko (Ukraine/Poland/Czech Republic)
• Romanian Competition Best Documentary: Still Nia – Paula Oneţ (Romania)
• Best Directing Award (Romanian Competition): Bright Future – Andra MacMasters (Romania/South Korea)
• DocShort Competition Best Documentary: Sixty-Seven Milliseconds – Fleury Fontaine (France)

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