CINEMA FOR PEACE DOVES 2026
The Cinema for Peace Dove for The Most Valuable Film of the Year
NOMINEES
winner: The Voice of Hind Rajab
Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania
Red Crescent volunteers receive an emergency call. A 6-year old girl is trapped in a car under IDF fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her.
Eleanor the great
Directed by Scarlett Johansson
After the death of her oldest friend, 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein moves from Florida to New York City for a fresh start. Wandering into a support group for Holocaust survivors, she tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own.
one battle after another
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Bob is a washed-up revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa. When his evil nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her as both father & daughter battle the consequences of their pasts.
it was just an accident
Directed by Janifer Panahi
A political thriller directed by Jafar Panahi, following Vahid, a former Iranian political prisoner and mechanic who believes he has found his former torturer. Vahid kidnaps the man and enlists other former inmates to seek revenge, leading to a tense, often humorous road trip across the desert that explores trauma, the validity of vengeance, and the ambiguities of memory and justice.
hamnet
Directed by Chloé Zhao
A historical drama, based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel, chronicling the emotional toll of the 1596 death of William Shakespeare's 11-year-old son, Hamnet, on his family. Focusing on Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley), a healer and mother, the film explores grief, marriage, and the creative inspiration behind Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Hamlet.
Sirāt
Directed by Oliver Laxe
A Spanish psychological road drama following a father (Sergi López) and his son searching for his missing daughter amidst the desert raves of Morocco. The film blends a desperate,, emotionally charged search with themes of spirituality, nature, and surrealism, as the pair follows a group of ravers deeper into a, wild, hostile landscape.
All that’s left of you
Directed by Cherien Dabi
This is a multi-generational drama starring Cherien Dabis. It explores Palestinian intergenerational trauma and resilience from 1948 to the 2020s. The film centers on a family navigating displacement from Jaffa and life under occupation in the West Bank, particularly focusing on the aftermath of a teenage son's, Noor, injury during a 1988 protest.
nuremberg
Directed by James Vanderbilt
A historical drama, written and directed by James Vanderbilt, following U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley as he evaluates Nazi leader Hermann Göring before and during the Nuremberg trials. The film focuses on the psychological showdown between Kelley and Göring while American prosecutor Robert H. Jackson builds the case.
two prosecutors
Directed by Sergei Loznitsa
Historical drama set during Stalin's 1937 Great Purge. It follows idealistic prosecutor Alexander Kornyev, who attempts to investigate a wrongly imprisoned man after receiving a desperate, smuggled letter. His pursuit of justice reveals a terrifying, bureaucratic machine designed to crush dissent.
bugonia
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
A black comedy-thriller following two conspiracy-obsessed men - led by Teddy (Jesse Plemons) - who kidnap a high powered CEO, Michelle (Emma Stone), believing she is an alien disguised as a human aiming to destroy Earth. It explores themes of corporate paranoia, trauma & obsession, often featuring surreal or psychological twists.
the wizard of kremlin
Directed by Olivier Assayas
The film is adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s novel - chronicles the rise of Vadim Baranov, an avant-garde artist who becomes Vladimir Putin’s chief political strategist. It explores the rise of modern Russian authoritarianism, depicting how Baranov shapes the regime through media manipulation, and navigating the violent chaos of 1990s and 2000s.
rental family
Directed by Hikari
A comedy-drama, starring Brendan Fraser as a lonely, unemployed American actor in Tokyo who joins a Japanese agency that rents out actors to act as family members, friends, or partners. As he immerses himself in various roles, he forms genuine connections that help him rediscover purpose.
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The Cinema for Peace Dove for The Most Valuable Documentary of the Year
NOMINEES
winner: Children In The Fire
Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky
A documentary film about Ukrainian children affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The film combines live action footage with animated recreations and diary-style elements to present the experiences of young survivors.
2000 Meter to Andriivka
Directed by Mstyslav Chernov
A Ukrainian platoon's mission: traverse a heavily fortified mile of forest to liberate a strategic village from Russian forces. A journalist accompanies them, witnessing the ravages of war and the growing uncertainty about its conclusion.
There is Another Way
Directed by Stephen Apkon and Marcina Hale
A documentary about following Israelis and Palestinians who reject hatred after October 7 and pursue peace through nonviolence, featuring members of Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle – Families Forum.
Of Mud and Blood
Directed by Jean-Gabriel Leynaud
Life in the village of Numbi in Congo Mountains, where the inhabitants make their living digging for coltan, a key raw material found in many contemporary technological products.
Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media
Directed by Matthew O'Neill, Perri Peltz
The film follows the Social Media Victims Law Center as it fights for families harmed by addictive algorithms and tech negligence.
Molly vs The Machines
Directed by Marc Silver
Molly vs The Machines unveils the tragic story behind a teenager driven to take her life by machines that were built to control people for profit.
The Road Between Us: the ultimate rescue
Directed by Barry Avrich
Grandfather and retired Israeli general Noam Tibon rescues his family from Hamas terrorists invading their home during the October 7, 2023 massacre - a coordinated assault on Israel sparking an ongoing conflict.
Steal this story, please!
Directed by Tia Lessin, Carl Deal
A reporter's personal journey and major news coverage intersect in this film debuting at DC/Dox, emphasizing journalism's vital role in revealing truth during an era when independent reporting faces challenges.
This Ordinary Thing
Directed by Nick Davis
This Ordinary Thing is a Holocaust Film like none other; it explores the heroism, bravery and self sacrifice of non-Jewish people throughout Europe who risked their very lives to hide Jewish strangers.
The Last Twins
Directed by Matthew O'Neill, Perri Peltz
Erno Spiegel protected twin children from Mengele's experiments at Auschwitz. Put in charge of young boys, he risked his life to shield them from brutal medical tests and death, saving dozens through courage and compassion.
THE ALABAMA SOLUTION
Directed by Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman
An HBO documentary that exposes the deadly, inhumane conditions within Alabama’s prison system. Using smuggled footage from inmates, it reveals rampant drug use, violence, and corruption, highlighting a "humanitarian crisis" where Alabama resists federal reform by planning new mega-prisons, termed "The Alabama Solution".
The Cinema for Peace Dove for The Political Film of the Year
NOMINEES
winner: My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow
Directed by Julia Loktev
Julia Loktev documents independent journalists in Moscow facing government crackdown as Russia invades Ukraine, capturing their fight for speech amid risks of being branded "foreign agents" and the country's drift towards authoritarianism.
Coexistance, my ass!
Directed by Amber Fares
Comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi's one-woman show tackles the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the struggle for equality, challenging audiences with uncomfortable truths when her pursuit of coexistence starts sounding absurd.
The SIX Billion Dollar Man
Directed by EugenE Jarecki
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange battled extradition to the U.S., where he could've faced a lengthy sentence for publishing classified documents. His case, centered on press freedom, took unexpected twists as it unfolded.
Facing War
Directed by Tommy Gulliksen
NATO chief Stoltenberg is in his final year, balancing Ukraine support with rising European war fears. His diplomacy is tested maintaining unity, especially with Erdogan and Orban.
Bodyguard of Lies
Directed by Dan Krauss
Inside information, confidential documents and never before-seen footage provide insight into the war in Afghanistan and how it was sold to the public.
Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea
Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama
A documentary film covers the plight of Filipino fishermen, navy, and coast guard personnel in the contested South China Sea, despite China's obstruction of their activities.
The Librarians
Directed by Kim A. Snyder
Librarians unite to combat book banning, defending intellectual freedom on democracy's frontlines amid unprecedented censorship in Texas, Florida, and beyond. Four guardians linked to the Metropolitan Public Library must join forces to prevent mystical artefacts from being stolen, solve mysteries and battle perilous supernatural forces.
International Green Film Award
NOMINEES
winner: yanuni
Directed by Richard Ladkani
Indigenous chief Juma Xipaia fights to protect tribal lands despite assassination attempts. Her struggle intensifies after learning she's pregnant, while her husband, Special Forces ranger Hugo Loss, stands by her side.
Trade Secret
Directed by Abraham Joffe
Three allies investigate global polar bear trading, revealing how those meant to protect these animals may be involved in their commercialization. Shot over 6 years in 9 countries.
Ocean with David Attenborough
By Colin Butfield, Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey
Attenborough explores the planet's undersea habitats, revealing the greatest age of ocean discovery and emphasizing the ocean's vital importance while exposing its problems and highlighting opportunities for marine life recovery.
Super Nature
Directed by ED SAYERS
A global community captures intimate moments of nature using shared cameras, weaving their personal observations into a stunning visual tapestry that celebrates Earth's raw beauty.
The Last Dive
Directed by Cody Sheehy
A documentary that follows Terry Kennedy, an octogenarian, on his final mission to reunite with Willy, a giant manta ray he befriended off the coast of Mexico's San Benedicto Island. The film highlights their twenty year bond & conversation.
The Tale of Silyan
directed by Tamara Kotevska
A documentary film, blending the Macedonian folk legend of Silyan the Stork with the real story of a young shepherd in a remote mountain village, exploring themes of family, migration, and humanity's bond with the natural world.
The Cinema for Peace Dove for Women’s Empowerment
NOMINEES
winner: Cutting through rocks
Directed by Sara Khak, Mohammadreza Eyni
First female councilor in her Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi challenges tradition by teaching girls to ride motorcycles and fighting child marriage, while facing doubts about her motives.
Give me the Ball!
Directed by Liz Garbus, Elizabeth Wolff
A definitive documentary centered on tennis trailblazer Billie Jean King and her game-changing impact on sports and culture. Featuring rare archive footage and candid interviews with King and those closest to her, the film reveals how she prioritized changing the world over her own safety & comfort.
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Directed by Shoshannah Stern
In 1987, Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award and was thrust into the spotlight at 21 years old. Reflecting on her life in her primary language of American Sign Language, Marlee explores the complexities of what it means to be a trailblazer.
Love + war
Directed by Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
A documentary profiling the extraordinary life of veteran war photographer Lynsey Addario. The film explores her dangerous work chasing conflicts across the globe while navigating the complexities of her personal life, relationships, and family at home.
The Last Ambassador
Directed by Natalie Halla
Afghanistan's last female ambassador, Manizha Bakhtari, is risking everything in her fight for the rights of girls and women in Afghanistan.
prime minister
Directed by Lindsay Utz, Michelle Walshe
Chronicling Jacinda Ardern's tenure as New Zealand PM, navigating crises while redefining global leadership through her empathetic yet resolute approach.
young mothers
Directed by Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne
Five young mothers living in a shelter strive for a better future for themselves and kids amidst challenging upbringings.
sally
Directed by Cristina Costantini
Sally Ride's groundbreaking journey as the first American woman in space concealed a deeply personal story. Her life partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, unveils their covert 27 year romance and its accompanying sacrifices.
Belén
Directed by dolores fonzi
A woman discovers her pregnancy in the hospital. After an emergency, she faces criminal charges. With legal support and activists, she fights for justice in a case that could be decisive.