Shortlist; Sakhawood by Alexey Vasilyev
Situated some 5,000 miles from Moscow, Russia, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is spectacularly remote. During winter, temperatures fall as low as -60°C, while summer brings temperatures as high as 40°C. The region is best known for its natural resources, including oil, diamonds and coal, but recently it has been gaining international recognition for its cinema. Yakut films have been celebrated at festivals in Asia and Europe, receiving more than 80 awards. India has Bollywood, Nigeria has Nollywood and Yakut has Sakhawood.
