Indigenous Survival Story Wins Top Prize at Environmental Festival

The Save and Preserve International Environmental Festival has wrapped up in Khanty-Mansiysk. Among the winners was The Last Free Nomads, a documentary that claimed the Ethnoecology: Nature and Indigenous Peoples prize. This marks the fifth accolade for the film since its release. The festival, organised by Yugoria—a division of the VGTRK state broadcaster—drew 300 submissions from 17 countries. Local government support helped bring the event to Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.

The Last Free Nomads explores the Rassokha Eveny, a group who escaped Soviet collectivisation by living hidden in the Kolyma taiga for more than 25 years. The documentary was produced by GTRK Magadan, with Anastasia Yakubek directing and Rustam Akhmetov behind the camera. Its creation was initiated by the Magadan Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Before this win, the film had already secured awards at the Virtual Tour of Multinational Russia competition and the Museums of Russia festival in St. Petersburg. Its repeated recognition highlights its focus on indigenous resilience and environmental themes. The festival’s conclusion brings another honour to The Last Free Nomads. The documentary’s success reflects its unique storytelling and cultural significance. Its creators continue to gain attention for their portrayal of a little-known chapter in Siberian history.