Traces

Alisa Kovalenko, Marysia Nikitiuk

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. More than a document of war crimes, the film is a testament to resilience and the solidarity of women standing side by side.

Ukraine, Poland 2026, '85

DIRECTOR: Alisa Kovalenko, Marysia Nikitiuk

CAMERA: Alisa Kovalenko

MONTAGE: Nikon Romanchenko, Alisa Kovalenko, Milenia Fiedler

MUSIC: Wojciech Frycz

PRODUCERS: Olha Bregman, Natalia Libet

FESTIVALS & AWARDS:

Berlinale 2026

Alisa Kovalenko

Alisa Kovalenko is an award-winning Ukranian documentary filmmaker, based in Kyiv. Her first two feature-length documentaries, Alisa in Warland (IDFA 2015) and Home Games (Sheffield Doc/Fest 2018) were both screened over 100 festivals, winning multiple awards.
Alisa’s third film, We Will Not Fade Away, a teenage adventure documentary set in war-torn Donbas, premiered at the Berlinale 2023. We Will Not Fade Away won 20 international awards, was named Best Ukrainian Documentary in 2023 by the Ukrainian Film Academy and was selected for the European Film Awards 2023. The same year, she co-directed together with Simon Lereng Wilmont a short documentary for young audiences, Girl Away from Home (IDFA 2023).
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Alisa joined a volunteer combat unit associated with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and fought on the frontline for months, before returning to filmmaking. From this existential experience she has drawn My Dear Théo.
Alisa is an awardee of the Chicken & Egg Award 2024. Her films have been screened by major broadcasters and platforms such as Netflix and Arte.