Ukrainian and International Films Honoured at 2026 MYTH Social Impact Film Awards

The winners of the second MYTH International Social Impact Film Awards (MYTH-2026) have been announced, recognizing Ukrainian and international films addressing war, human rights, civilian experiences and resistance to Russian propaganda.

Organized under the motto “Love Life — Despite Everything,” the awards brought together filmmakers from 42 countries. The jury evaluated 85 films.

The Grand Prix for Best Ukrainian Film went to Alive, directed by Vladlen Odudenko, which also earned Milena Kompaniets the award for Best Actress in a Short Film. The Grand Prix for Best International Film was awarded to Above the Waves, directed by Horacio Alcalá, a co-production of Spain, France and Mexico.

Among the other winners, Palyanytsia, directed by Taras Kadimov and Yuliia Bolshynska, received awards for Best National Documentary and the special “Voice of Ukraine” prize. Return, directed by Anton Proza in collaboration with Ukraine’s 93rd Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar,” won Best National Director, Best Sound Design and Best Actor in a Short Film for Pavlo Aldoshyn.

The special “Friend of Ukraine” award went to The Weight of the Soul, directed by Maria Springis of the United Kingdom. Room Number, directed by Sylvia Lorenzi of Estonia, won Best International Director and Best Editing.

Other winners included Imprinted in Memory (Best International Documentary), Tengiz’s House (Best Cinematography), In Her Embrace (Best Production Design), Mousshell and Hideout Room, both recognized by the festival’s organizing committee.

The awards are organized by the MYTH Foundation, an international cultural institution supporting Ukraine through art and cultural diplomacy, in cooperation with Ukrainian cinematographers’ organizations.