"L´ange de Boutcha"
Laurent Puons, General Manager of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival (13th–17th June), announced the recipients of the Special Prizes, awarded annually in collaboration with AMADE, the Monaco Red Cross, and the Prince’s Palace. These prizes will be formally presented during the Closing Ceremony, taking place on Tuesday, June 17, at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, in the presence of T.S.H. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.
The AMADE Prize will be awarded to "Children in the Fire", an impactful documentary produced by Unbroken Generation Production, Karandash Animation Studio, and PFX – Postproduction And Visual Effects Studio (Ukraine – USA). This award celebrates a television programme that embodies one or more of AMADE’s core missions: protecting vulnerable children from violence and exploitation, increasing access to education, and improving healthcare for children around the world.
Set against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, "Children in the Fire" delivers a powerful and poetic narrative that blends live-action with animation to illustrate the resilience of children facing unimaginable adversity. With raw honesty and artistic sensitivity, the film gives voice to young survivors and highlights the ongoing efforts to support and empower them in the face of trauma and destruction.
Far from being a mere chronicle of horrors, "Children in the Fire" stands as a tribute to the indomitable human spirit of the youngest. The resilience, strength, and courage of Ukrainian children transform each story into a universal message of hope and inspiration. Their dignity in overcoming the darkest moments of war resonates far beyond borders.
Dedicated to every child around the world who has endured war, violence, terrorism, mass shootings, or domestic abuse, this film sheds light on their ability not only to survive, but also to rebuild. Their moving and relatable stories carry a universal truth: the power of testimony can change lives.
Also, L’Ange de Boutcha" , produced by Hikari Films (France), "will receive the Monaco Red Cross Special Prize. This prize honours either a documentary that highlights principles of international humanitarian law or a fictional work that portrays at least one of the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.
This poignant film documents the true story of Konstantin, a French citizen driven by deep humanitarian conviction, who travelled to Ukraine at the height of the conflict and rescued over 200 civilians from the besieged town of Boutcha. Navigating enemy checkpoints using a Kazakh passport, resourcefulness, and courage, he risked his life repeatedly to save others.
Alongside these rescue operations, Konstantin meticulously documented evidence of war crimes, including sexual violence, and collected dozens of survivor testimonies. His work has been submitted to judicial authorities in Kyiv and contributed to efforts to identify victims and prosecute crimes. He also took part in the burial of numerous bodies and continues to carry out humanitarian missions on the front line, delivering food and essential supplies to those in need.
Despite constant danger and threats to his life, he remains unwavering in his commitment, driven by a single regret: not being able to save everyone. His story is a powerful testament to the impact that one individual can have through courage, compassion, and relentless dedication to humanitarian values.
Moreover, "Rewilding Sharks", produced by CNA and Kraken Film (Indonesia – Hong Kong), has been selected for the prestigious Prince Rainier III Special Prize. This award recognises outstanding documentaries that raise awareness of environmental issues and promote conservation, in the spirit of the late Prince Rainier III’s lifelong commitment to protecting nature.
Shot in some of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments, "Rewilding Sharks" follows a group of scientists and local communities working to reintroduce shark species into ecosystems where they have been driven to near extinction. The film combines breathtaking underwater footage with urgent ecological messaging, highlighting the critical role sharks play in preserving the balance of marine ecosystems. It is a compelling call to action for a restorative and respectful approach to ocean conservation.
At the heart of the film lies the story of Nesha Ichida, a young marine biologist spearheading an ambitious project to rewild leopard sharks in the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia — a region once teeming with this species, now decimated by commercial and illegal fishing. The narrative begins with Myra, a juvenile shark whose survival in the wild depends on Nesha’s ability to prepare her for the challenges of her natural habitat.
As their journey unfolds, an unexpected and poignant connection emerges between human and animal — a bond that transcends species and reflects the fragile hope of regeneration. "Rewilding Sharks" is not only a tribute to scientific perseverance, but also a deeply human story about resilience, interdependence, and the urgency of preserving life in all its forms. This prize is awarded in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
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