Vatican to submit short documentary for Oscar consideration

The Holy See will submit the documentary Green Lava for consideration for the 2026 Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film. This marks the first time the Vatican City State has submitted a film for Academy Award consideration.

Produced through a collaboration between Vatican Media, Radio Vatican, and Vatican News, the approximately 40-minute film was directed by Lia Beltrami and Ali Mahir Aksu. The documentary profiles Giacomo Mattivi, a young man from Northern Italy living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The film follows Mattivi, a university student and small business manager, as he navigates life using a wheelchair and a ventilator.

The film completed a qualifying run at the Lumiere Music Hall in Los Angeles from September 18 to September 24, 2026.