LRT RADIO documentary Coming Out (Atsivėrimas) was awarded the Best Audio Documentary 2024 at the PRIX EUROPA awards ceremony in Berlin over the weekend. The audio narrative by Inga Janiulytė-Temporin and Rūta Dambravaitė was selected from 646 media entries.
“This story is not only about the love between two people, but also about the desire that is in all of us: to be seen for who you are. We hope that this story will contribute to the changes needed to improve the human rights situation in Lithuania,” said the authors of the documentary.
The winners of the prestigious European radio, television and digital production competition PRIX EUROPA were announced after public auditions and jury discussions.
The documentary tells the story of Vitalius and Albinas, an elderly gay couple who for 52 years presented themselves as father and son. Vitalius and Albinas talk openly about their meeting during the Soviet era, the lies they chose to tell in the name of security, and the fatigue of hiding. In the documentary, the couple dared to tell their life story in public for the first time.
European media professionals praised the hero’s powerful voice, sensitive scenes, vivid narrative details, minimalist yet masterful storytelling, and the significance and universality of the story.
During the international jury discussion, moderated this year by LRT RADIO journalist Vaida Pilibaitytė and her Irish colleague Ronan Kelly, some admitted that they were moved to tears. “This story broke my heart and healed me at the same time,” said one juror. “Many probably dream of experiencing a love like theirs at least once in their lifetime,” others remarked.
In total, PRIX EUROPA prizes were awarded in 15 categories, ranging from Best Radio Drama to Best Video Documentary. There were also special prizes for young talents and the best European media work on diversity and inclusion, as well as an award for the best European journalist.
The award-winning LRT RADIO documentary Coming Out, with English translation, is available here.
