“KOKA” WINS BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD
The film directed by Aliaksandr Tsymbaliuk's has captivated the jury at the Toronto Arthouse Film Festival, securing the top documentary honour.
The Toronto Arthouse Film Festival, held in one of Canada's premier cultural centres, has established itself as an essential platform for filmmakers who seek to push the boundaries of artistic expression. The festival's program spans short films, features and documentaries, celebrating works that challenge conventional narrative structures and visual storytelling. With its commitment to promoting independent cinema that defies traditional frameworks, the festival draws cinephiles and filmmakers from across the globe. The event also fosters creative exchange and collaboration between members of the international film community.
Aliaksandr Tsymbaliuk's winning film Koka transports viewers to the remote shores of the Bering Sea, where time appears to have stopped, while a father and son fish to make a living. They live in austere, almost ascetic conditions dictated by the rhythm of their catches. Under his father's watchful eye, young Koka absorbs the vital skills needed to survive in this unforgiving corner of the world. Yet when relieved of his duties, he retreats into the carefree realm of childhood. The result is a tenderly crafted portrait of a father-son relationship, where love and care interweave with discipline and rigour.
More information about the festival can be found on its website.