Mariinka: A Decade of War in Ukraine

The documentary "Mariinka" has been selected as the opening film for the 23rd Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX). This significant film will have its world premiere on March 10 in Copenhagen, with the director and key cast members in attendance.

"Mariinka" captures nearly a decade of life in Ukraine's Donbas region, predating the full-scale invasion. It focuses on the experiences of young individuals grappling with over ten years of ongoing war and conflict.

The film intricately weaves together the stories of diverse characters. Among them is a promising boxing talent who becomes a military paramedic, a young woman involved in smuggling essential goods across the front lines, and two brothers tragically fighting on opposing sides.

"Mariinka" delves into themes of belonging, national loyalty, and the profound impact of political conflicts on familial bonds. The festival highlights the film's relevance in a time where attention is scarce, commending its refusal to simplify the lived reality of war.

This European co-production, developed with support from CPH:DOX's industry platforms, underscores the importance of documentary cinema. It confronts audiences with the urgent and complex human realities behind events often reduced to mere headlines, offering nuance rather than easy answers.