ArtDocFest/Riga is an international documentary film festival held in Riga, Latvia, forming part of a larger event that is ArtDocFest. It is one of Eastern Europe’s most significant film gatherings, focusing on independent and socially engaged documentary productions. The festival promotes freedom of expression and creative courage, showcasing films that tackle controversial political, social, and humanitarian issues. Amidst political tensions and pressure from Russian authorities, the festival has become an important symbol of artistic freedom and the fight for human rights.
The Best Director Award winner Everything Needs to Live portrays the extraordinary everyday life of Anna Kurkurina, a charismatic athlete, “the world’s strongest woman”, an animal rights activist and out lesbian. From her earliest years, Anna has demonstrated an exceptional bond with animals. She taught biology at school, worked at the local zoo where she befriended a lion, helped in establishing shelters, and found new homes for dozens of stray animals. After turning forty, she decided to embark on a career as a powerlifter and soon climbed to the top, becoming a triple world champion. She also began working as a coach for young people with disabilities. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leveraging her popularity in the world of sports and as an influencer, Anna has continued to help injured and abandoned animals, following her motto: whoever saves one life, saves the entire world.
You can find the list of all awarded films here.