WWIFF 2026 Short Film Competition - International Shorts: Focus on Ukraine

9.11 | WWIFF | International Shorts: Focus on Ukraine + QA session

WWIFF 2026 Short Film Competition

FUCK THEM ALL

Ukraine / 2025 / 15 minutes / Polish, Ukrainian / Short, Student

Kira, a 30-year-old Ukrainian, flees to Poland at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, after losing her husband. Her thoughts remain with her war-torn home, but here a new challenge awaits her: Kira finds out that she is pregnant.

Director - Polina Biliaieva

Born in 1997 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. A graduate of a directing degree at the Kharkiv Academy of Culture and a student of directing in Warsaw Film School.

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SCREAMING SILENCE

United Kingdom / 2026 / 5 min 46 sec / No Dialogue / Short, Student

Artem, a Ukrainian war veteran who has lost much of his hearing, struggles with isolation and memories of his fallen comrades. A haunting violin melody forces him to confront his grief and trauma.

Director - Anna Kachaienko

A Ukrainian filmmaker based in London, exploring themes of memory, identity and the human consequences of war.

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THE PAIN DEPARTMENT

Ukraine, United Kingdom / 2026 / 14 min 30 sec / English, Ukrainian / Documentary

This immersive & inspiring short film follows the specialist pain team at a leading hospital in Western Ukraine, as they treat soldiers injured in the war using the latest medical techniques.

Director - Paul Thomas

A Grierson-nominated, multi-award-winning former BBC comedy director, best known for AMERICAN: The Bill Hicks Story.

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UNEXPRESSED

Czechia, Ukraine / 2026 / 7 min 50 sec / Ukrainian / Short, Student

After months in exile in Berlin, Anya returns to Kyiv and visits her boyfriend’s photo lab - where, under the sound of air raid sirens, their reunion unfolds differently than she imagined.

Director - Mariia Felenko

Born in 1997 in Korolivka, Ukraine. Studied film directing at the Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television and at FAMU in Prague.

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VARIÉTÉ

Ukraine / 2026 / 13 min 34 sec / Ukrainian / Short

In a smoke-filled jazz bar in an occupied city, officers, soldiers, and officials spend the night drinking and listening to music. On stage, the Singer — the establishment's star, whose voice commands the room.

Director - Veronica Marchenko

Graduated from the Ukrainian Film School in 2024 with the Best Director distinction. Her debut short film, The Selfish Girl, won two awards at the Star Independent Film Festival in Miami.

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PERCEPTION

Ukraine / 2025 / 20 min 24 sec / Ukrainian / Short, Student

Ira lives and takes care of her husband, Vova, a soldier who has gone blind as a result of a war injury. Vova cannot accept the new way of life and opens up only to his brother in arms, Siryi. And Ira finds a chance for a happy future with other man.

Director - Mariia Khomutina

Graduated from the Karpenko-Kary Institute of Screen Arts in Kyiv in 2025. Her documentary about an equestrian rehabilitation centre for Ukrainian soldiers was among the winners of the Ukrainian LIFT Festival.

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Location: Karma Sanctum

Tickets:

£10 — General Admission

£5 — Student Ticket (with valid student ID)

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.