The documentary Women and War by director Elwira Niewiera will have its world premiere on Sunday, Nov. 15 in the main competition of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The film runs through Nov. 22 and focuses on the long-term psychological recovery of four Ukrainian women who survived the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Healing in the Mountains
The film tracks the journeys of Olena, Yuliia, Iryna, and Lena over the course of a year. Each woman endured distinct horrors, including captivity, torture, sexual violence, and the loss of family members. Some spent time hiding in dark basements while others were held in detention centers. The documentary shows them undergoing long-term therapy in the remote mountains of Ukraine under the care of psychologists.
Niewiera notes that the war does not end for these women when the weapons fall silent. Many survivors live in a constant state of fear even after being released from captivity. They often lose their sense of security, their trust in others, and their connection to their own bodies. The mind attempts to disconnect from the body, leaving the survivors emotionally and physically numb.
During therapy, the women slowly begin to reconnect with their emotions. Some struggled to express sadness, anger, or even joy. The film aims to look beyond the trauma to show their courage, strength, and the small steps they take toward healing. Alongside the pain, the documentary captures warmth and empathy, emphasizing that these women are defined by their determination to reclaim their lives.
Production and Social Impact
Women and War was produced by Hans Robert Eisenhauer for Germany’s Ventana Film, Maciej Kubicki for Poland’s Telemark, and Natalia Krasilnikova for Art Dialogue in Ukraine. It was co-produced with ZDF in cooperation with ARTE and TVP. Rise and Shine is handling world sales for the project.
The film is tied to a social impact initiative called “33 Women, 33 Portraits Let’s Not Let Them Be Forgotten!” This public action will take place outside Amsterdam’s Eye Filmmuseum on Sunday following the screening. It will continue in the museum foyer. Initiated by Niewiera and visual artist Bartek Kiebowicz, the project aims to draw international attention to Ukrainian civilian women who remain in Russian captivity.
Detainees in Russian custody have been subjected to torture, sexual violence, humiliation, and inhumane conditions. The initiative seeks to highlight these abuses and keep the stories of those still held visible to the international community.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
