Film about Ukrainian female defenders wins award at Women and the World International Film Festival – photo

The Ukrainian short film Vona (She), one of four films from the VARTA project, won the Best Short Film Award at the Women and the World International Film Festival in London on 12 November.

Source: Mariana Shafro, VARTA project producer

Details: VARTA is a series of documentaries that are dedicated to Ukrainian defenders. Mariana Shafro launched it in 2022 together with director Yevhen Matvienko.

London's Tate Modern hosted the premiere of the film Vona in October. ​​The film is centred around Ukrainian female defenders and combat medics who fight for their country's freedom every day.

The award received by the film Vona [She]

The film festival was held from 6 to 12 November. The following Ukrainian films were also presented at the event:

• Sanatorium – the film is jointly produced by Ireland, Ukraine and France. A story set at an old Odesa health resort, where new meanings and human stories emerge in the midst of decay.
• Queens of Joy – a documentary that chronicles the lives of three drag queens, including Diva Monroe, who transform the pain of war into art by performing in support of Ukraine.
• Dad's Lullaby - is a film about Serhii, a veteran who has lost his emotional connection with his family due to a war-related trauma.

Ukrainian women Ksenia Buhrimova and Maria Vynohradova are the founders of the festival. The purpose of the event is to share women's stories from all around the world, including their struggles, perseverance, and the right to have their voice heard.

The Women and the World film festival's theme for this year focuses on the essential role of women in creating peace, security, and defence globally.

The festival features films, panel discussions and workshops that promote discussions on gender equality, societal resilience, and strategies for creating peace.

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