The documentary 'Traces,' directed by Alisa Kovalenko and Marysia Nikitiuk, was awarded the Panorama Audience Award at this year's Berlinale, highlighting the urgent issue of war crimes committed against Ukrainian women during the ongoing conflict with Russia. The film had its world premiere on February 16 in the Panorama Dokumente section of the festival, and it sheds light on harrowing accounts of sexual violence and torture that victims endured as a result of the aggression.

A significant aspect of 'Traces' is its focus on the story of Iryna Dovhan, a former captive who now works as an activist leading efforts to document the testimonies of women who have suffered in liberated territories. The film aims not only to uncover these brutal realities but also to give a voice to those who have been silenced by trauma, fostering a greater understanding of the individual stories behind the broader narrative of war.

The recognition at Berlinale emphasizes the importance of sharing these narratives on international platforms, raising global awareness about the challenges faced by victims of war. It highlights the resilience of Ukrainian women and their refusal to be victims, instead serving as agents of change and activism. This documentary serves as both an artistic expression and a powerful political statement against the ongoing atrocities in Ukraine.