The Cinefondation and Short Film Jury of the Cannes Film Festival conferred the distinction of the Short Film Palme d'Or upon Podorozhni (Wayfarers) by Igor Strembitskyy.

Ukraine's debut at the Cannes Film Festival brought the nation its first trophy ever. The ten-minute film Wayfarers was shot by Igor Strembitskyy, 32, who graduated from the Kyiv I. K. Karpenko-Kary University of theater, cinema and television.

Ukrainian director Igor Strembitskyy, receiving the prize, made the following statement: "I am happy that you were able to appreciate my endeavor, and I'm also very happy on behalf of Ukraine. Thank you very much!"

At the press conference for the award-winners, Ukrainian Igor Strembitskyy added, "I'm 31 years old and this is my first film made in 35mm. I made it during three years because of the difficult situation of cinema in our country. I shot the film on small pieces of film with the length of 120 meters. I think all these problems were useful for the film because I do my best and concentrate on the idea."

President Viktor Yushchenko has sent a message of congratulations to Igor Strembitskyy.