TL;DR
Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert have completed their documentary ‘Bodies (of War)’ about the human toll of the Ukraine conflict. The film premieres at Millennium Docs Against Gravity on May 8, highlighting personal stories of resilience and trauma.
Two-time Berlinale Silver Bear winners Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert have completed their documentary ‘Bodies (of War),’ which explores the human impact of the Ukraine conflict through personal stories. The film will premiere at Poland’s Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival on May 8, marking a significant debut for the filmmakers in their home country.
The documentary, ‘Bodies (of War),’ captures the resilience and fragility of lives affected by the four-year-old Ukraine conflict. Filming began in Lviv shortly after Russia’s invasion, focusing on wounded soldiers at a rehabilitation center and their efforts to recover physically and psychologically. As the conflict intensified, the filmmakers shifted to Warsaw, where they documented the story of Dana Vitkovska, a Ukrainian transgender artist facing bureaucratic challenges in Poland, and members of the Open Group, a Ukrainian art collective engaging with trauma through creative expression.
Directed by Szumowska and Englert, the film weaves together archival footage and personal narratives, offering a lyrical meditation on the war’s toll and potential societal aftermath. Englert, also the cinematographer, described the process as challenging but ultimately rewarding, with the final cut revealing a cohesive story that links physical and emotional resilience. The film aims to reflect on how societies will carry the scars of the conflict long after the fighting ends.
Why It Matters
This documentary matters because it provides an intimate look at the human cost of the Ukraine war, emphasizing stories of resilience amid trauma. Its premiere in Poland, a country directly affected by the conflict, underscores its cultural and political relevance. The film’s focus on personal and artistic responses to war offers a nuanced perspective on trauma and recovery, potentially influencing public understanding and discourse around Ukraine’s ongoing crisis.
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Background
‘Bodies (of War)’ is part of a broader wave of documentary filmmaking addressing the Ukraine conflict, which began in 2014 and escalated with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Szumowska and Englert, known for their previous acclaimed works, started filming in Lviv soon after the invasion, capturing stories of wounded soldiers and resilience. As the situation evolved, they expanded their scope to include Ukrainian refugees and artists in Poland, reflecting the ongoing displacement and cultural response to the war. The film’s production coincides with a global increase in artistic and documentary efforts to depict war’s human dimension.
“It was a struggle making this film. We weren’t sure about the result until the final moment where we put the puzzle together. Then we saw that it works.”
— Małgorzata Szumowska
“The stories we followed reveal an unexpected form of heroism and offer a lyrical meditation on what might emerge from the war’s aftermath.”
— Michał Englert
“We hope this is the beginning of a journey, and that the film will resonate with audiences in Poland and beyond.”
— Szumowska
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how audiences and critics will respond to the film’s portrayal of trauma and resilience, or how it will influence public discourse on the Ukraine conflict.
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What’s Next
Following its premiere at Millennium Docs Against Gravity, ‘Bodies (of War)’ will likely be screened at other international festivals and possibly broadcast on television or streaming platforms. The filmmakers may also participate in discussions and panels about the film’s themes and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
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Key Questions
What is ‘Bodies (of War)’ about?
The documentary explores the impact of the Ukraine conflict through personal stories of soldiers, refugees, and artists, highlighting resilience and trauma.
When and where will the film premiere?
It will premiere at Millennium Docs Against Gravity in Poland on May 8, 2026.
Who are the filmmakers and what is their background?
Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert are acclaimed Polish filmmakers known for their award-winning work, including films like ‘Body’ and ‘Mug’.
Will the film be available internationally?
Details about distribution are not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be shown at other festivals and possibly on streaming platforms.
What is the significance of this film’s premiere in Poland?
The premiere in Warsaw holds cultural and emotional significance, as it marks a homecoming for the filmmakers and highlights Poland’s direct experience with the Ukraine conflict.
