Rise and Shine World Sales has made a significant acquisition, securing international rights to Elwira Niewiera’s compelling documentary, “Women and War.” The film provides an intimate look at the lives of four Ukrainian women who are survivors of war crimes, illustrating their journey of healing through trauma therapy in the serene mountains of Ukraine. “Women and War” is set to have its world premiere in the Main Competition at the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam from November 12 to 22.
Exploring Resilience Amidst Trauma
The documentary follows the personal experiences of Olena, Yuliia, Iryna, and Lena, who have endured the harrowing realities of the ongoing Russian conflict in Ukraine. Over the course of one year, the film chronicles their long-term therapy sessions, highlighting their gradual recovery as they navigate their traumas under the care of skilled therapists and psychologists.
Each woman brings her own story of survival—having faced captivity, torture, and sexual violence, along with the deep grief of losing loved ones. The therapeutic setting offers a safe haven for them to confront the lingering impacts of their traumatic experiences, ultimately helping them to reclaim emotional and physical stability. The film emphasizes themes of resilience, inner strength, and the arduous journey toward reclaiming their lives.
A Call to Recognize the Beyond of War
Niewiera shares her motivation, stating, “For years, I’ve been working alongside women in Ukraine who have survived war crimes, and one thing has become very clear: for them, the war does not end when the weapons fall silent. It remains present in their thoughts, in their bodies, and in their daily routines.” She emphasizes the need to shine a light on the frequent neglect of violence against women during conflict, noting that acts of sexual violence and torture are often employed as weapons to destabilize communities.
“As a filmmaker and as a woman, I felt a responsibility to give these women a space where their voices could be heard,” Niewiera continued. “I didn’t want to define them only through their trauma. I wanted to show their courage, their strength and the small steps they take toward healing.” She expresses the necessity of illustrating not just the painful moments but also the warmth and empathy shared among the women as they navigate their recovery, stressing their worth beyond their traumatic experiences.
A Film Beyond the Battlefield
Anja Dziersk of Rise and Shine remarked on the historical context of violence against women, stating, “It is well known that violence against women has been used as a weapon of war for centuries. But it is hard to think of a film that places the horrors of imprisonment and torture in a context that draws the viewer in on such an emotional level.” She commended Niewiera for showcasing the essential narrative that war impacts lives far beyond the battlefield, praising the courage of the women who confront their pasts as a vital part of their healing process. “This is a film about life. About how you can go on after the unimaginable has happened to you,” Dziersk affirmed.
Production and Future Endeavors
Produced by Hans Robert Eisenhauer for Germany’s Ventana Film, along with Maciej Kubicki from Poland’s Telemark and Natalia Krasilnikova for Art Dialogue in Ukraine, “Women and War” is co-produced with prominent networks ZDF and TVP in cooperation with ARTE.
Niewiera is known for her impactful storytelling, with prior works such as “The Hamlet Syndrome” (2022), “The Prince and the Dybbuk” (2017), and “The Domino Effect” (2014), which have graced esteemed festivals including the Venice Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, IDFA, Hot Docs, DOK Leipzig, and Krakow Film Festival.
