Results of the 16th TRT Documentary Awards: Silje Evensmo Jacobsen Wins Top International Prize for A New Kind Of Wilderness

The 16th annual TRT International Documentary Awards ceremony successfully culminated in Istanbul on November 9, 2025, marking another high point for non-fiction cinema globally. This highly anticipated event serves as a crucial barometer for trends and talent in the documentary landscape, consistently underscoring the essential function of the documentary form. Documentaries are increasingly recognized not merely as cultural artifacts or entertainment, but as vital instruments for the meticulous recording of contemporary reality and the relentless pursuit of genuine understanding in a complex world. TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı addressed the importance of this mission directly during the closing ceremony, emphasizing the indispensable role documentary films play in shaping public discourse, challenging assumptions, and preserving historical memory for future generations.

The sheer scale of global participation underscored the awards’ growing international stature and influence. The organizers reported an impressive intake of 1,243 submissions, drawing diverse talent and compelling narratives from 98 different countries across the globe. This wide geographical reach affirms the event’s status as a truly global platform dedicated to showcasing a multitude of voices and experiences from every corner of the world.

Central to the 2025 gathering was the profound and timely theme: “Whose story, whose truth?” This choice was far from arbitrary; it reflects a critical, evolving need within the global community to grapple with the concept of narrative authority and the inherent subjectivity of experience. By posing this question, the awards encouraged filmmakers and audiences alike to consider the multitude of perspectives available, recognizing that even the most localized or personal account holds significant resonance when viewed through the lens of shared human experience, fostering empathy and deeper cross-cultural dialogue.

The most prestigious accolade, the coveted top prize in the International Category, was secured by filmmaker Silje Evensmo Jacobsen. Her winning submission, the critically acclaimed film "A New Kind Of Wilderness," stood out among the strong field of international contenders. The film earned the highest recognition for its compelling narrative, technical excellence, and profound contribution to the documentary genre.

The structure of the competition is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring recognition across various stages of production and experience levels. Awards were distributed across four main sections: the premier International Category, the National Professional section dedicated to established Turkish filmmakers, the National Student Films category supporting emerging talent from educational institutions, and the essential Project Support section, which provides crucial financial and logistical backing for documentaries currently in development, ensuring the pipeline of future works remains robust.

TRT, Turkey’s public broadcaster, has been the consistent driving force behind these significant awards since their inception in 2009. This long-standing commitment establishes a robust platform for supporting documentary artists and fostering intellectual exchange. This dedication to high-quality, impactful content is further demonstrated by the recognition received by its affiliated channels. Notably, TRT World was honored at the New York Festivals 2025 for its powerful documentary “Sacred Redemption,” a work that brought critical attention to complex matters of international law and fundamental human rights, reinforcing TRT's global standing in factual programming.