“Shifting Roots” Wins Best Connecting Cultures Film at DOC.LONDON 2025

Shifting Roots, directed by Angie Mrad and produced by Peabody and Emmy-winning filmmaker Todd Bieber, has been awarded the prestigious Best Connecting Cultures Film at the 2025 DOC.LONDON Documentary Film Festival. The announcement was made at the festival’s closing event held at BFI Stephen Street, capping off a week of impactful storytelling and vibrant discussions.

DOC.LONDON, a leading platform for groundbreaking independent documentary cinema, featured 30 thought-provoking films from across the globe this year. The festival’s digital program, OFF ON Selection, continues to stream globally until April 4, providing audiences worldwide access to this year’s most compelling nonfiction work.

Shifting Roots tells the powerful story of Nouhad, an 81-year-old woman forced to flee her ancestral home on the Israel-Lebanon border amid violent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. As bombs fall around her, Nouhad clings to memories of her beloved olive orchard, a symbol of resilience and identity amidst chaos. But when white phosphorus rains down, she is confronted with the brutal reality of loss once more. “Through Nouhad's story, we are reminded of the power of resilience, and the enduring strength of the Lebanese people,” said director Angie Mrad. “Her refusal to surrender to fear, even when surrounded by violence, is a testament to the human spirit.” Produced by Todd Bieber, known for his work with The New York Times, TBS, and Comedy Central, Shifting Roots highlights the struggle of preserving cultural heritage and personal identity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Bieber's expertise in field and documentary filmmaking brought this poignant story to life despite the intense challenges of filming near active conflict zones. “Filming next to the borders was incredibly challenging, but Nouhad’s unwavering positivity and strength kept us going,” said Mrad. “At one point, as bombs grew closer to her home, she simply smiled and said, ‘If I stop smiling, they won't stop shelling."

DOC.LONDON continues to champion bold, original voices in documentary cinema. This year's festival drew entries from filmmakers across the U.S., U.K., Lebanon, Poland, Serbia, Switzerland, Canada, Hungary, Austria, Australia, Mexico, Italy, and Belgium.