The documentary film ‘Women and War,’ set to premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), offers a profound look at the resilience of four Ukrainian women as they navigate the difficult path toward healing from the trauma of war.
The film follows these women as they attend therapy sessions in a secluded chalet nestled within the Ukrainian mountains. These sessions are designed to help them cope with their deeply traumatic experiences, learn to relax again, and gradually rebuild their confidence while forming supportive friendships with one another. The documentary captures their journey over two years, showcasing their efforts to resume their lives outside the therapeutic setting and reclaim a semblance of normalcy.
Among the featured women is Ira, a dancer from Mariupol, who continues to be haunted by the memories of bombings and the cries of her neighbors, fearing she may never dance again. Another woman, Yulia, is dedicated to seeking justice for the Russian perpetrators who held her captive and subjected her to brutal torture for two years.
‘Women and War’ combines restrained, observational footage of these intimate therapy sessions with scenes of the women as they reintegrate into their lives. The film highlights their extraordinary resilience and perseverance as they make progress in their recovery.
The documentary is directed by Elwira Niewiera and is slated for screenings at IDFA from November 12 to 22, 2026. Early reviews and descriptions indicate that the film contains sensitive content due to its exploration of wartime trauma.
The Chenab Times News Desk
