The Ukrainian Institute, in collaboration with the Marché du Film, has announced the winner of the open competition to participate in the Cannes Docs 2026 programme. The winner is the documentary project Crossing Oxus, which will be presented in the Spotlighted Projects section.
The film will be presented by director Svitlana Lishchynska and producer Olga Gibelinda. It is being produced as an international co-production with Sweden and Belgium and remains in the early stages of development.
At the heart of the story is a Ukrainian director, Maryna, who explores the traumatic legacy of the Soviet past. She meets the last Soviet soldier to leave Afghanistan, who has preserved a personal archive of letters and 8mm films. Gradually, a complex emotional bond develops between them as they attempt to make sense of the experience of war and come to terms with the immutability of the past.
The project team will receive accreditation for the film market, access to the Cannes Docs professional programme — including workshops and networking opportunities — and will take part in an exclusive pitching session alongside other selected participants.
This year, the Cannes Film Festival will take place from 12 to 23 May, whilst the film market will run from 12 to 20 May.