Born: 1985 (Grozny, Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Republic, USSR)
Biography:
Polina Zherebtsova (Russian: Полина Жеребцова; IPA: [pɐˈlʲina ʐɨrʲɪpˈtsovə]; 20 March 1985) is a prominent Chechen Russian documentarian, poet, and author known for her profound insights into the Chechen wars. Born into a mixed ethnic family in Grozny, Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Republic, USSR, Zherebtsova experienced firsthand the horrors and devastation caused by the conflicts that ravaged her homeland.
Growing up in the midst of war, Zherebtsova began to document her experiences at a young age. She chronicles her childhood, adolescence, and youth in her widely acclaimed diaries, Ant in a Glass Jar. These diaries offer a unique and intimate perspective on the three Chechen wars, providing readers with a deep understanding of the human toll and the lasting impact of the conflicts.
In 2002, Zherebtsova ventured into journalism, using her powerful voice to shed light on the realities of war and its aftermath. Her work as a journalist has been recognized both nationally and internationally, earning her membership in PEN International and the Union of Journalists of Russia.
Zherebtsova’s exceptional talent and dedication to her craft have been acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards. She is a two-time recipient of the Janusz Korczak International Prize in Jerusalem, recognized for her outstanding contributions to both narrative and documentary prose. In 2012, she was honored with the Andrei Sakharov Award for Journalism as an Act of Conscience, acknowledging her fearless reporting on critical issues facing society.
Despite facing immense challenges and threats to her safety, Zherebtsova remained steadfast in her commitment to truth and justice. In 2013, she sought political asylum in Finland, seeking refuge from the dangers she faced in her homeland.
Zherebtsova’s impactful works have resonated with readers around the world, leading to the translation of her seminal work, Ant in a Glass Jar: Chechen Diaries of 1994-2004, into multiple languages including Ukrainian, Slovenian, French, Lithuanian, Finnish, German, Georgian, and Chechen.
Throughout her career, Zherebtsova has granted interviews to renowned media outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian, and Reuters, further amplifying the reach of her influential storytelling. She has also been an active participant in literary festivals globally, sharing her unique perspective on war, human suffering, and resilience.
Zherebtsova’s passion for literature and social justice has driven her to champion a unique approach to publishing. She has always retained publishing rights for her works, bypassing the use of literary agents and ensuring her voice remains uncompromised and true to her vision.
Awards:
– Janusz Korczak International Prize in Jerusalem (narrative prose)
– Janusz Korczak International Prize in Jerusalem (documentary prose)
– Andrei Sakharov Award For Journalism as an Act of Conscience