When Ukrainian filmmaker Helena Maksyom experiences the brutality of the Russian invasion firsthand, she takes up arms and joins the military. During her first steps as a soldier, she keeps filming to not lose humanity.

Among the pain, destruction and moral ambiguity, there are genuine moments of joy, love and decency. She refuses to let go of her hope in humanity and deep down, she’s still a girl who wants to dance and be a mom.

• Director: Helena Maksyom 
• Producer: Adrian Pirvu (RO)
• Co-producers: Perennial Lens (DE), Jeanne Dovhych (UA) and Een van de jongens

• Duration: 103’ & 52'
• Status: premiered at Docudays UA 2026
• In association with: ZDF - Das Kleine Fernsehspiel
• Supported by: NL Film Fund, NL Film Production Incentive, ESFUF, Dutch Foundation For Literature, Romanian Cultural Institute
• World sales: First Hand Films

Awards:

• Best Film & Best Editing - Docudays UA National Competition - Ukraine