MIES (Switzerland) - The official FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup documentary, The World On Our Shoulders, has been recognized with a 'Mention d'Honneur' at the 2026 FICTS Sports Movies and TV Awards.
One of the principal international showcases for sports filmmaking, television production and audiovisual storytelling, the award was handed out at the 44th edition of the Milano International FICTS Fest.
Taking place at the Auditorium Testori in Palazzo Lombardia, FIBA Media's production of the documentary received a 'Mention d'Honneur' which is an official jury distinction recognizing outstanding productions that merit special recognition within their category. In this case, falling into the Documentary – Team Sport category.
The World on Our Shoulders was developed and produced by FIBA Media, the strategic partnership between FIBA and DAZN, with the support of the FIBA Foundation.
It tells the compelling and inspiring history of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup from its inception in 1953 to the current day. It is a story told through the lens of the legendary players and coaches who shaped the competition, as well as sports historians. They all explore the triumphs, struggles, and key moments that have shaped the famous competition.
An absorbing documentary, it was premiered ahead of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin. It was one of many original content pieces that was made available to broadcasters as part of an extensive catalogue of content for the showpiece, which set a new global standard for a women's hoops event.
Fittingly, it was the documentary's Director, Fabrice Castanier, along with FIBA Media Production Manager Maria Gonzalez Seron were on hand in Milan to collect the prestigious award.
Founded in 1983, FICTS has a long history of promoting sport through film and television. It is also recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which provides a level of institutional credibility that distinguishes it from many independent film festivals.
FICTS celebrates work by broadcasters, filmmakers, production companies, sports organizations and Olympic institutions. Its awards recognize not just technical production quality, but also storytelling, sporting heritage, social impact and the promotion of Olympic values.
The FICTS festival was the culmination of the World FICTS Challenge, an international circuit of 27 festivals across five continents. The 2026 edition featured 1,965 submitted productions, with 124 listed in the official English-language selection. They ranged from sports documentaries, television programs, feature films to productions celebrating Olympic and Paralympic sport. All work was showcased at a mix of screenings, exhibitions, conferences and presentations involving filmmakers, broadcasters and sports organizations.
The World On Our Shoulders documentary was screened in Milan on November 1 at the Centro Internazionale Brera as part of the festival and is available on FIBA's YouTube channel here. For more information, click here.
FIBA