After its world premiere at the MIA Market in the Italians Doc It Better section, Lirica Ucraina by Francesca Mannocchi has won the Cecilia Mangini Award for Best Documentary at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards. The film was presented to the MIA audience by the director herself alongside Eleonora Savi, producer and head of Fandango’s documentary division.
Produced by Domenico Procacci and Laura Paolucci for Fandango, in collaboration with LA7, Lirica Ucraina is a powerful and profoundly human documentary, running 84 minutes, set to hit Italian theaters in November 2024.
Directed by veteran war correspondent Francesca Mannocchi, the film opens in Bucha, a Ukrainian city that became a symbol of the atrocities of the Russian invasion. Mannocchi entered Bucha just two days after its liberation from occupying troops. From there, she begins a deeply human journey through the stories of survivors — women, men, the elderly, and children — who, despite unimaginable suffering, continue to preserve and pass on their memories.
Lirica Ucraina does not merely document the physical destruction of war, but delves into the moral and existential wounds it leaves behind in people’s lives.
The film is edited by Daniela Mustica, with an original score by IOSONOUNCANE and music supervision by Giovanni Guardi. The music enhances every frame, creating an immersive and emotionally charged atmosphere.
While accepting the award, Mannocchi stated:
“I dedicate this prize to all those who entrusted me with the most precious thing they have — their pain, their mourning, their loss. And to the 20,000 children in Gaza and to all those who continue to die while we are here celebrating this award.”
