WWIFF 2026 Feature Documentary Competition. Free entry! TRACES - Ukraine’s Entry for the Academy Awards

6.11 | FRIDAY | 19:00 |Traces | UK Premiere + QA session

TRACES — Ukraine’s Entry for the Academy Awards

We are proud to present the UK Premiere of TRACES, Ukraine’s entry for the Academy Awards (Oscars).

Directed by Alisa Kovalenko, Marysia Nikitiuk

Ukraine / 2026 / 1 hour 22 minutes / Ukrainian / Documentary

Feature Documentary Competition, WWIFF 2026

TRACES shines a light on Ukrainian women who, after surviving conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and torture during Russia’s war, refuse to remain silent. Through the journey of Iryna Dovhan, a former captive turned activist, who documents testimonies of affected women on the de-occupied territories of Ukraine, the film weaves a collective portrait of trauma while opening space for hope. Iryna gathers other survivors into a circle of courage and care. Together, they transform their pain into a force for truth, justice, and mutual support.

Director Biography - Alisa Kovalenko, Marysia Nikitiuk

Alisa Kovalenko is a Ukrainian award-winning documentary director, a member of the European Film Academy and the Ukrainian Film Academy. Studied at the National University of Cinema in Kyiv and at the Wajda School in Warsaw. Alisa’s debut documentary “Alisa in Warland” had its world premiere in Amsterdam at IDFA 2015.

Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic

26-30 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QY

Free entry! If you can’t attend, please pass your ticket to someone else.

NOTE: We kindly remind guests that a valid photo ID is required for entry to the Embassy of the Czech Republic.

Women and the World International Film Festival is a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting female directors, producers, and women working behind the camera.

All proceeds go towards supporting women in the film industry, amplifying their voices, promoting their work, and creating more opportunities for female filmmakers.

Description supplied by the event organiser.