Women and War follows four Ukrainians on journeys towards healing from trauma: exclusive IDFA trailer
Four women in therapy
Women and War follows Olena, Yuliia, Iryna and Lena, who survived Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The documentary follows them through a year of long-term therapy in the country’s remote mountains.
Their experiences include captivity, torture, sexual violence, hiding in dark basements and losing loved ones. With help from therapists and psychologists, each woman pursues her own path toward recovery and hopes to regain emotional and physical balance.
Trauma after violence
Director Elwira Niewiera says the effects of wartime violence can persist after captivity ends. She describes women living in fear and losing security, trust in others and connection to their bodies.
Niewiera says rape and torture are used deliberately in conflict, while violence against women is often overlooked. In her view, the war continues to affect the women’s thoughts, bodies and daily lives even when weapons fall silent.
Small steps toward healing
Niewiera says some of the women struggled to express sadness, anger and joy. She watched their feelings gradually return during therapy as they learned to put them into words.
The film will have its world premiere in IDFA’s main competition on Sunday, Nov. 15. The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam runs through Nov. 22.
Key points
- Women and War follows four survivors of Russia’s war against Ukraine through a year of therapy.
- The women’s experiences include captivity, torture, sexual violence and loss.
- Director Elwira Niewiera says trauma can continue to shape everyday life after violence ends.
- The documentary is scheduled to premiere in IDFA’s main competition on Nov. 15.