Traces

Directed by Alisa Kovalenko, Marysia Nikitiuk
Ukraine
2026
86 mins
Unclassified 18+
Winner of the Berlinale Panorama Audience Award for Best Documentary, Traces follows brave Ukrainian women who break their silence about sexual violence during Russia's war.

Traces moves beyond documentation of gender-based violence in war, becoming a powerful reflection on resilience and the strength found when women stand together. Iryna Dovhan, once held captive and subjected to public humiliation, now stands beside women who choose to speak about the sexual violence they have endured during Russia's war in Ukraine. Sharing these experiences is painful, yet within this collective space, their voices gain strength and recognition. Directors Alisa Kovalenko and Marysia Nikitiuks allow each testimony to unfold with dignity, while showcasing how solidarity can begin to rebuild what has been broken. An empathetic and vital documentary that honours courage and the power of speaking out.

A testament to resilience.
Nick Cunningham, Business Doc Europe

Tickets

Tue 9 June 2026, 6:15pm
Ritz Randwick - Cinema 3
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Sun 14 June 2026, 4:45pm
Dendy Newtown - Cinema 2
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
  • Program Strand
  • Original Title
    Сліди
  • Year
    2026
  • Classification
    Unclassified 18+
  • Country
    Ukraine, Poland
  • Language
    In Ukrainian with English subtitles
  • Director
    Alisa Kovalenko, Marysia Nikitiuk
  • Producer
    Olha Bregman, Natalia Libet
  • Screenwriter
    Alisa Kovalenko
  • Cinematographer
    Alisa Kovalenko
  • Editor
    Nikon Romanchenko, Alisa Kovalenko, Milenia Fiedler
  • Genre
  • Premiere
    Australian Premiere
  • Company Credits
    Sales Agent: Stranger Film Sales
Aboriginal FlagTorres Strait Flag

Sydney Film Festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

Don’t miss a thing!

Whether you’re in Sydney or one of our rural locations, sign up to our newsletters for all the latest news and offers.

Don't miss a thing!

Whether you're in Sydney or one of our rural locations, sign up to our newsletters for all the latest news and offers.