The international film festival New Reality 2023 concluded in Zheleznovodsk, drawing coverage from TASS. The awards highlighted a diverse lineup of documentary and television projects from across the region and beyond, reflecting a vibrant scene in contemporary non-fiction cinema.
In the documentary and TV programs competition, the feature Donbass earned the Grand Prize, showcasing the intense storytelling and investigative depth that defined this year’s category. The project was presented under the title The tormented heart of Russia on the Don-24 TV channel, underscoring its focus on the human impact of regional events.
Within the festival’s primary competition, the work The Height of Death won the Best Documentary Film award. The piece titled The forgotten page of history, produced by TRK Tyumen time, stood out for its archival research and compelling narrative approach.
Vladimir Solovyov, head of the Union of Journalists of Russia, commented on the breadth of choice among the strong entries. He noted that the lineup contained many powerful works, and that the selection process involved intense discussion and debate before reaching a consensus.
The program included Danilevsky, presented by Maria Lazaridi, and The Way of Russia, produced by the TV and radio company Krym. Anatomy of an Oath was directed by Alexey Karelsky, and the Pravda Severa agency contributed notable material as well, highlighting the festival’s collaborative and multidisciplinary nature.
VGTRK’s coverage emphasized the need for materials capable of shifting attitudes toward those still engaged in conflict, including front-line personnel, the broader military-industrial complex, and government and civil institutions. A prominent reporter urged attention to films that document special operations and their broader implications.
Additionally, the festival hosted a screening connected to the LPR events, with the film Solntsepek noted for its spring premiere at the Russian-Indian Film Club in New Delhi, illustrating cross-cultural exchange and international interest in regional histories.
Earlier, performances related to SVOCanceled in the Perm region were noted to have taken place in Tula, signaling a dynamic and occasionally evolving schedule of presentations and screenings that reflect broader regional artistic activities.