24 October – Palazzo Reale, Naples
In the framework of the 2025 Prix Italia international contest, the new “Global South” Award was assigned to the documentary “Free at Last – Unresolved Stories of Apartheid” (South Africa Broadcasting Corporation).
Two mentions were also attributed to “Beyond the sea” (PBC – Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation) and to “The Snowman Race in Bhutan” (BBS – Bhutan Broadcasting Service).
This Special Award is established in collaboration between Prix Italia, COPEAM, URTI, TAL and ATEI and is dedicated to broadcasters and productions from countries part of the UN-defined “Global South”. It aims to promote and offer visibility to video documentary productions that stand out for the innovation and universality of their content, to facilitate the spreading of original perspectives and insights.
Motivations of the international jury:
🏆 “Free at Last – Unresolved Stories of Apartheid” (South Africa Broadcasting Corporation), Winner
It is a deeply moving and impeccably crafted documentary that bears witness to the unfinished business of apartheid. Through deeply personal narratives, archival material and first-hand accounts from victims and perpetrators, this co-production illuminates the pursuit of justice, accountability and national healing, while exemplifying excellence in documentary storytelling.
🏆 “Beyond The Sea” (PBC – Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation) – Special Mention
This deeply emotional documentary sheds light on the plight of Gazan children, victims of war and violence. It delivers a powerful and empathetic human message that resonates strongly with viewers, provoking reflection on the ongoing realities of conflict and the urgent need to condemn genocide. Greater clarity around sources and speakers could further strengthen its journalistic precision.
🏆 “The Snowman Race in Bhutan” (BBS – Bhutan Broadcasting Service) – Special Mention
It is a visually stunning and meticulously crafted documentary, produced in collaboration with NHK, that explores a high-altitude endurance race while revealing the profound impacts of climate change on the Himalayan region. Through adventure, cultural storytelling and scientific insight, it highlights what is at stake, culture, identity, and survival, making the film both aesthetically powerful and socially urgent, offering a sobering reflection on humanity’s impact on the planet.
