The Czech-Slovak film 'If Pigeons Turned to Gold', directed by Pepa Lubojacki, has achieved notable recognition by winning the prize for best documentary at the Berlinale International Film Festival. The announcement came from a three-member jury during the festival's award ceremony. The documentary, which was shot using a mobile phone, delves into the issues of homelessness and addiction by focusing on the director's brother and two cousins who faced these adversities. The film had previously been honored with the Caligari Prize in Berlin.

In their statement, the jury praised Lubojacki's 'inventive directorial voice,' leading to her being awarded the best documentary prize with a reward of 40,000 euros. This prize is split between the director and the producer of the film. Additionally, winning this category qualifies the film for consideration in the Oscars for best documentary feature, which adds significant weight to its accolades and visibility in international film circuits. The selection process for this year's awards saw the jury reviewing 16 different documentary films showcased across various festival sections.

During her acceptance speech, Lubojacki emphasized the importance of storytelling in bringing visibility to societal issues, stating that "when you have no place to live or are struggling with addiction, you become invisible to society." This poignant remark encapsulates the core message of her documentary, which not only seeks to entertain but also to shed light on the human experiences of those facing similar struggles. By winning such a prominent award, the film not only raises awareness of critical social issues but also highlights the growing recognition of Czech and Slovak cinema in the international arena.