We are greatly pleased and honored to announce that the results of the New York Festivals® TV & Film Awards 2025 were unveiled on Friday, May 23 (Japan time), and a Gold Award went to THE NONFICTION: MOM, YOU WANT TO DIE? (Documentary: Social Issues), and another Gold for Choosing to Die (Documentary: Human Rights) aired on BS Fuji.
Inaugurated in 1957, the New York Festivals® TV & Film Awards is an international competition that recognizes content across various genres, including TV, film, radio, advertising, and online media. This year, entries were submitted from more than 40 countries and regions.
The Storytellers Gala was held virtually via the competition’s official website starting at 7:00 AM on Friday, May 23 (Japan time) with Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards presented to the most outstanding works.
THE NONFICTION: MOM, YOU WANT TO DIE? follows a woman whose cancer had spread throughout her body, as she struggles with—and ultimately chooses—assisted dying in Switzerland. The documentary captures her journey right up to the final moments of her life. It was recognized and awarded for its thoughtful approach and handling of complex issues.
THE NONFICTION: MOM, YOU WANT TO DIE?As for THE NONFICTION (Aired on Sundays from 2:00 PM on Fuji TV) at the New York Festivals® TV & Film Awards so far, titles including The Desire to Be a Canvas (Silver/2024), were all awarded, marking wins for seven consecutive years—a remarkable achievement, with a Gold win for the first time in 11 years.
The same production team also produced Choosing to Die, a documentary that explores the theme of euthanasia and aired on BS Fuji. By presenting not only Mayumi’s story but also the experiences of others seeking assisted dying in Switzerland, the documentary was recognized this time for posing a powerful question about what it means to ‘choose one’s final moments.’ Two documentaries received Gold Awards in different categories.
Choosing to DieAdditionally, three more Fuji TV productions were named as finalists in the 2025 shortlist, including―THE NONFICTION: The Story of My Mother (Documentary: Human Concerns), Tokyo Young Homeless (Documentary: Social Issues), and Baseball Boys of Ishikawa (Documentary: Community Portraits).
■THE NONFICTION: MOM, YOU WANT TO DIE?
Yojiro Nishimura, Chief Producer, Documentary and Specials Production, Fuji Television Network, Inc. comments: “This award-winning program received an overwhelming response in Japan, garnering 730,000 views on catch-up streaming service ‘TVer’ in just eight days—a new all-time record for its News and Documentary. Directed with passion by the program’s Director, Masahiro Yamamoto, the documentary overcame many challenges and intense discussions before making it to air. That this work has been so highly acclaimed internationally, earning the first Gold Award for the program in 11 years and marking its seventh consecutive win, is a source of great pride. With this achievement in our hearts, we remain committed to producing compelling documentaries that resonate with audiences around the world.“
■THE NONFICTION: MOM, YOU WANT TO DIE? / Choosing to Die
Masahiro Yamamoto, Program Director, Infotainment Production, Fuji Television Network, Inc. comments: “This work is by no means solely about ‘assisted dying.’ At its core, it asks a much more fundamental question: ‘How one wants to live from now on?’ For me, the reporting process brought this question into sharp focus. The individuals who bravely agreed to be interviewed faced life with honesty and determination. Life and death are not separate issues—they are deeply connected, and always present themselves before us. That’s why I created this documentary with the hope that it might encourage viewers to see ‘the end of life’ as something personal—something worth thinking and talking about. If, like it did for me, this work helps even one person find a hint or clue toward living more fully, then it will have been truly worthwhile.“
■THE NONFICTION: MOM, YOU WANT TO DIE?
https://www.fujitv.co.jp/thenonfx/_basic/backnumber/index-228.html
■Choosing to Die
https://www.bsfuji.tv/sunday-documentary/saigooerabu/pub/001.html
■New York Festivals® TV & Film Awards (Official Website)
https://tvfilm.newyorkfestivals.com/pages/About