Purpose and Focus of the Documentary 'Traces'
The Ukrainian documentary 'Traces,' directed by Alisa Kovalenko and Marusya Nikitiuk, has been honored with a prestigious human rights award at the 2026 Bergen International Film Festival (BIFF). The film sheds light on the painful experiences of women who survived sexual violence and torture amid Russia's war against Ukraine. A cash prize of 25,000 Norwegian kroner will be donated to support survivors through the organization SEMA Ukraine.
The central narrative follows Iryna Dovhan, a former prisoner and activist. The BIFF jury highlighted that the powerful testimonies in the film offer a pathway to healing, empowering survivors by restoring their voices and dignity, while encouraging others to break their silence.
Global Recognition and Award Contention
'Traces' has also been selected as Ukraine’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, as chosen by the Ukrainian Oscar Committee. The national shortlist included eight films, with the Academy set to announce the top 15 contenders for the category on December 15, 2026. The five official nominees will be revealed on January 21, 2027, ahead of the Oscars ceremony on March 14, 2027.
Before this, 'Traces' earned the Audience Award in the Panorama section at the 2026 Berlinale in February. It also received accolades at the Movies that Matter documentary festival in the Netherlands and ranked among the top 20 audience favorites at Hot Docs in Toronto. The film premiered in Ukraine at Docudays UA and won the proMOTION program by the Ukrainian Institute and Eurimages in 2025.
The creators of 'Traces' emphasize the transformative power of documentary filmmaking, noting its ability not only to highlight urgent issues but also to unite communities and drive meaningful social change.
The international acclaim for 'Traces' underscores the critical importance of addressing wartime violence against women, raising awareness globally about the challenges faced in Ukraine. The award from BIFF further demonstrates how documentary cinema can influence society by sparking vital conversations on pressing social matters.